AutoMeter SB-3 User manual

SB-3
Battery Load Tester
Instruction Manual
Simplied Check Program for Charging Systems
The SB-3 is a variable load battery tester that provides a simplied check
for the alternator and starter.
20

CONGRATULATIONS
The automotive electrical system consists of a battery, starter, solenoid
(usually mounted on the starter), ignition switch, alternator with connecting
cables and wires. All parts of the electrical system must be operating
properly for a vehicle to provide dependable transportation. Whenever a
component fails, the whole system should be checked to insure that the
failure was not caused by another part of the system.
The SB-3 model is a simplied approach to test the battery and simplied
check of the system. This insures that you will be making only the
necessary repairs, resulting in satised customers and increased business.
To gain a complete understanding of how this tester works, and to derive
the maximum benets from this unit, we recommend reading through the
entire instruction before testing.
Equipment Needed
This tester is a basic tool for battery testing. The following test equipment
items are recommended in order to facilitate complete and accurate
results.
• Battery Charger
• Battery Clamp Spreader
• Battery Clamp Puller
• Battery Terminal Cleaner
• Hydrometer
You have purchased a quality Battery/Circuit tester. In addition to
performing accurate battery load tests, this tester provides non-inductive
starter-draw and alternator output testing capabilities.
2
19

The Charging System ------------------------------------------------2
Specications -----------------------------------------------------------3
Safety ---------------------------------------------------------------------4
Cause of Battery Failure ---------------------------------------------4
Battery Check and Visual Inspection -----------------------------5
Preliminary Notes------------------------------------------------------6
Battery State of Charge ----------------------------------------------7
Hydrometer Method ---------------------------------------------------8
Battery Load Test ------------------------------------------------------9
Starter Draw Test ------------------------------------------------10-11
Alternator Test ----------------------------------------------------12-13
Starter Circuit Test -----------------------------------------------14-15
Appendix A
Service Information--------------------------------------- 16
Appendix B
Battery Charging Guide --------------------------------- 18
Battery Voltage Chart ------------------------------------ 18
Warranty --------------------------------------------------------------- 19
Contact Information -------------------------------------------------20
SPECIFICATIONS
Carbon Pile 12 volt 500 Amp capacity
Volt Meter Accurate 8-16 Volt scale
Amp Meter 0-500 Amp Scale - Precise color coded, pass/fail indication
Load Knob Variable load with automatic load release
Load Clamps 500 Amp rating with vinyl coated red and black handles and
insulated jaws
Load Leads 5 ft. 2 gauge coax cable with internal 18 gauge conductor
Dimensions 10.5" x 9" x 4" metal case
Shipping Weight 12 lbs.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
18
3
APPENDIX
The Charging System ------------------------------------------------2
Specications -----------------------------------------------------------3
Safety ---------------------------------------------------------------------4
Cause of Battery Failure ---------------------------------------------4
Battery Check and Visual Inspection -----------------------------5
Preliminary Notes------------------------------------------------------6
Battery State of Charge ----------------------------------------------7
Hydrometer Method ---------------------------------------------------8
Battery Load Test ------------------------------------------------------9
Starter Draw Test ------------------------------------------------10-11
Alternator Test ----------------------------------------------------12-13
Starter Circuit Test -----------------------------------------------14-15
Appendix A
Service Information--------------------------------------- 16
Appendix B
Battery Charging Guide --------------------------------- 18
Battery Voltage Chart ------------------------------------ 18
Warranty --------------------------------------------------------------- 19
Contact Information ------------------------------------------------- 20

SAFETY
Carefully read all operating instructions
before using the tester
Wear eye protection when working
around batteries.
Be sure each test is completed before
removing load clamps to prevent arching
and potential explosion from battery
gasses. Never remove load clamps
while testing. Keep sparks, ames, or
cigarettes away from batteries.
Keep hair, hands, and clothing as well
as tester leads and cords away from
moving blades and belts.
Provide adequate ventilation to remove
car exhaust.
In extremely cold temperatures, check for frozen electrolytic uid
before applying load. Do not attempt to Load Test or charge a
battery under 20 degrees. Allow the battery to warm to room
temperature before testing or charging.
Warning! Never attach the unit to a battery that is connected to
any other tester or charging unit. Damage may result.
CAUSE OF BATTERY FAILURE
Incorrect Application: Wrong size battery may have inadequate
cold cranking rating for original vehicle specications.
Incorrect Installation: Loose battery hold-downs cause excessive
vibration, which can result in damage to the plates.
Improper Maintenance: Low electrolytic uid and corrosion on
battery connections can greatly reduce battery life and affect battery
performance.
Age of Battery: If the date code on the battery indicates it is fairly
old, the failure may be caused by natural causes.
Overcharging: Overcharging caused by a high voltage regulator
setting or incorrect battery charging can cause excessive gassing,
heat and water loss.
Undercharging: Undercharging caused by a faulty charging
system or low voltage regulation can cause lead sulfate to gradually
build up and crystallize on the plates greatly reducing the battery’s
capacity and ability to be recharged.
4
17

BATTERY INSPECTION
Inspect Battery for
terminal corrosion,
loose or broken posts,
cracks in the case,
loose hold-downs,
low electrolyte level,
moisture, and dirt
around the terminals.
VISUAL CHECK
Inspect Belts for cracks, glazed
surface and fraying. Tighten loose
belts.
Valid automotive electrical system testing depends on all the components
being in good operating condition. In addition, the battery MUST have
sufcient charge for testing. Carefully perform the following before
attempting any electrical diagnosis.
Inspect Starting System. Check starter, solenoid, and regulator for
loose connections, loose mounts and frayed or cracked wires.
Important Note: A defective battery must be replaced before
proceeding.
APPENDIX: SERVICE INFORMATION
16
5

PRELIMINARY NOTES
If tester has not been used recently, moisture may have condensed between
carbon pile discs. This will cause the tester to emit some steam during rst
or second load application. This is normal and is not a malfunction of the
tester. (Do not confuse this with an overloading of the tester.)
2. BATTERY RATING
Batteries are rated in Cold Crank
Amps or Amp-Hours. This tester
uses a stabilized variable load
carbon pile that allows each battery
to be tested at its proper rating. For
batteries rated in Cold Crank Amps,
 the Cold Crank rating load is
applied using the Amps scale on the
meter. For Amp-Hour rated batteries,
a load three times the Amp-Hour
rating is applied using the Amp
scale.
3. BATTERY TEMP.
The temperature of the electrolyte
and plates inside a battery affects
its output capability. As a result, it
is necessary for the serviceman
to closely estimate the battery’s
temperature when testing. This
tester has temperature ranges
clearly shown on Pass/Fail bands,
so that accurate test results can be
obtained easily.
4. TESTER HOOKUP
1. MOISTURE
Take special care when connecting to side terminal batteries. If
necessary, use a side post adapter to prevent thread damage.
When testing dual post batteries always check the post to
which the system is attached. If a load test is made from a post
connection and the alternator is mounted to side terminals a
battery load test can be completed, but a continuity problem may
still be in the side terminals when testing the alternator.
6
15

BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE
The battery must have an adequate state of charge before a valid battery
load test can be performed. The state of charge can be measured with
a hydrometer (see page 8), or checked on the “state of charge” scale on
the voltmeter for sealed batteries.
Read the 12 volt range (12 Volt Batteries) on the voltmeter, If the meter
reads on the left side, in the red zone of the “state of charge” scale, the
battery must be charged. See Appendix B for charging. Charge at a
current rate as shown in Appendix B. This rate is determined by battery
category type, which relates to reserve capacity in minutes.
After charging the battery, the surface charge must be removed before
testing can begin. Surface charge will cause higher voltage reading
which is incorrect. To remove the surface charge turn the load knob to
apply 1/2 the cold crank rating load or 3 times the amp-hour rating to
the battery for 5 seconds. Wait several minutes after removing load and
check “state of charge”. If the meter reads in the charge zone, replace
battery (see example above). If the voltmeter reads in the “test” band
(see example below), the battery is ready for the “battery test”.
STARTER CIRCUIT TEST
14
7

HYDROMETER METHOD
Variance of specic gravity between cells is not
signicant on discharged batteries (batteries with
specic gravities below 1.225). However, if there is
a variance of 50 points (0.050) in a battery whose
specic gravity is 1225 or more, that battery is
defective.
NOTE: A defective battery must be replaced before
proceeding with any electrical system tests.
Check the electrolyte specic gravity with a hydrometer. If the specic
gravity measures between 1.100 and 1.220, the battery must be
recharged. If the specic gravity is between 1.225 and 1.265, the battery
is ok to test. If the hydrometer has a temperature correction chart, be
sure to adjust the reading for the battery’s temperature.
8
13

BATTERY LOAD TEST
1. Turn load knob to apply a load equal to 1/2 the Cold Crank rating or 3
times the Amp-Hour rating for 15 seconds. (See Battery Rating Page
6)
2. Hold proper load for 15 seconds observe the voltage reading, and
then immediately decrease the load until the fan stops and the
ammeter reads zero.
3. If the Volt meter reads in the green zone for the approximate battery
temperature, pass the battery (see example above). If the Volt meter
reads in the red zone, replace the battery (see example below). Use
the battery Voltage Chart in Appendix B on page 18 to compare test
results.
WARNING
Be sure load is off before attaching or removing load clamps to prevent
arcing and potential explosion from battery gases. Always shield eyes
and keep sparks, ames or cigarettes away from batteries when testing.
ALTERNATOR TEST
12
9
1

STARTER DRAW TEST
For proper starter functioning, it is important that all related connections
are clean and tight, and that the cable and its insulation are in good
condition.
On all starter circuit tests, disable ignition circuit by one of the
following methods:
The battery voltage will drop as it is loaded by the starter or with the
tester.
• CHECKING THE VOLTAGE USING THE STARTER:
Crank engine and observe the voltmeter reading. Do not
crank engine over 7 seconds at one time to eliminate
possible damage to starter windings.
• STD. IGNITION- (Points & Cond.): Ground coil output.
• ELEC. IGNITION- (Module): Disconnect 12V power
supply.
• DIESEL: Disconnect 12V power supply to fuel shut-off
solenoid.
• CHECKING THE VOLTAGE USING THE TESTER:
The tester is used as a load to simulate the starter load.
This is done by applying a load until the voltage drops to
the same voltage observed while cranking the engine.
Thus, the tester load amps indicated in the black 0-500
scale are the same as the starter amp load. Read amps
indicated on the scale while load is applied (see example
below). This is the starter-draw current. Compare amp
draw to manufacturer specications.
10 11
2
LOAD VOLTS SAME
AS STARTER VOLTS

STARTER DRAW TEST
Maximum Amps
If manufacturer's specications are not available, the chart below can be
used as a general guideline for light duty engines and starters. Amounts
are in Amps. Keep in mind that the SB-3 reads up to 500 Amps. If the
manufacture’s specications and in the case of 8 Cyl Dsl below exceed
500 Amps the SB-3 will not test the starter draw.
STARTER DRAW TEST CONT.
Example:
1. With ignition disabled crank vehicle and observe lowest volt
reading. For this example, we’ll say it reads 11 volts.
2. Apply a load with the Load knob until voltmeter reads 11
volts (see example page 10). Quickly read the ammeter. In
this case it reads 240 amps. Remove the load (knob turned
fully counterclockwise).
3. We now know the starter draw is 240 amps and that it is
generally within specications for a V8 gasoline engine (see
Maximum Amps chart on page 11).
10
11

REGULATION:
To charge a battery, the alternator must produce a voltage higher than the
battery voltage to cause current to ow into it. Therefore, the voltage must
rise to the “OK” test zone of the ALT. & REG. TEST band.
Before testing, run the vehicles engine at fast idle with all the accessories
off for at least 5 mins. to recharge the battery and to stabilize the
temperature of the alternator. (Remember, the following tests are valid
only if the battery has passed the Battery Load Test (See page 9). For the
following tests, continue running the engine at fast idle).
The battery is recharged when the voltmeter reading has stabilized at its
highest reading. Observe the voltmeter reading in the “ALT. & REG. TEST”
band:
ALTERNATOR TEST
1. If in HI zone (See Figure A):
Apply a normal accessory
load, such as lights, heater
and wipers.
2. If the reading drops more
than 0.5 volts, there may be
a wiring and/or connector
problem between the
alternator output and battery
positive (+). If the alternator is
producing adequate charge,
and the pointer stays in
the OK band, the charging
system is OK, and the test is
complete (see Fig. B).
3. If the meter is in the low band
replace the alternator (see
Fig. C)
OUTPUT:
4. Apply a Load upon the
battery until the Volts drop
to 12.6. At that moment,
read Amps and add the key
draw amps (10-20 amps).
The Load Amps + Key Draw
Amps = Total alternator
output.
12
9
4
Fig. A
Fig. B
Fig. C

Troubleshooting Alternator (Hypothetical Situation)
Problem: Customer returns continually because his battery
keeps running down, but all battery and alternator tests pass.
Solutions:
• If alternator reads in the low end of the OK range, it is
working ne. For people driving short distances, however,
the battery may not charge fast enough, causing the battery
to run down slowly. A higher amperage alternator may be
necessary to insure faster charging.
• Some shorting or grounding may occur and slowly drain
battery. Use a low range ammeter and check to see that
no current ows from the battery with all accessories and
engine turned off (including clocks). If current is owing,
locate cause and repair. Look for such things as trunk, hood,
ashtray and glove compartment lights, bad switches, etc.
• Ammeters installed after vehicle manufacture may not
have sufcient wire gauge to carry current without causing
a voltage drop. This can reduce battery-charging rate,
Measure the voltage drop from battery positive to alternator
output terminal. If the drop is greater than 0.5 volts, and all
connections are clean and tight replace all wire between the
two points with wire that is one gauge heavier.
• Aftermarket accessories may add enough load to the
charging system to exceed alternator capacity (i.e., stereos,
telephones, defoggers, etc.). Replace alternator with one of
higher capacity.
Dual Battery System
• When load testing check each battery separately with cables
disconnected, so a problem with one battery is not masked
by another battery.
• Charging system should be checked with both batteries
connected.
• Accessories may be connected to one or both batteries. Be
alert to their wiring differences in testing for problems.
8
13

RED
BLACK
Disable ignition as indicated in the Starter-Draw Test on page 10.
POSITIVE CIRCUIT
1. Connect the tester as shown below with the RED clamp to battery
positive and the BLACK clamp to the terminal on the starter, which is
connected to the solenoid directly or by cable.
2. Observe the voltage reading while cranking the engine.
3. On most light duty vehicles, the reading should not exceed 0.5 volts
(see example below).
4. If the voltage drop exceeds 0.5 volts, check the voltage drop across
the cables, solenoid, and each connection. Repair and/or replace as
necessary.
STARTER CIRCUIT TEST
14 7
5

RED
BLACK
GROUND CIRCUIT
5. To check the ground circuit, connect the RED clamp directly to the
starter casing (this may require chipping paint to make a good
connection), and the BLACK clamp to the battery negative terminal
as shown in example below.
6. While cranking the engine, observe the voltmeter. The voltage drop
should not exceed 0.3 volts. The total of the two tests should not
exceed 0.8 volts. Example: If positive reads .5 and negative reads .3
the total is .8 Volts.
Example:
0.5 volts on the positive circuit
+ 0.3 volts on the ground circuit
.8 total system voltage drop
6
15

APPENDIX: SERVICE INFORMATION
Warranty claims to Auto Meter must be transportation prepaid and
accompanied by dated proof of purchase. This warranty applies only to
the original purchaser and is non-transferable.
Damage incurred during return shipment is not covered under this
warranty. It is the responsibility of the shipper (customer returning tester)
to package the tester properly to prevent damage during return shipment.
Repair costs for such damages will be charged back to shipper (cus-
tomer returning tester).
Before packing tester for return shipment, tighten load knob and
secure to prevent breakage of carbon discs during shipment due to rat-
tling. Also protect the meters and add plenty of over-pack cushioning
such as crumpled-up newspaper.
For Service Address See Back Cover
16
5
A

Cardboard load holder for shipping
In the event your tester needs to be returned to Auto Meter for Service, it
must be properly packaged and protected to avoid damage during ship-
ment. Failure to follow these steps will allow the carbon disks to rattle
freely during shipment and cause breakage. Before packing the tester for
return shipment, turn load knob fully clockwise until it stops, hold in posi-
tion and slip a snugly t cardboard holder over the load knob. This will
then rest against the cables and prevent the load knob from turning back.
The load knob holder must be 3-1/2" by 9-3/4" with a 2-3/16" hole cut out
in the center and slightly off-set (copy and use template below). Please
use a thick enough piece of cardboard, preferably corrugated, to prevent
bending and slippage of the load knob.
You can also use a heavy rubber band that wraps around the load knob
while tight then around the leads and back around the load knob again.
4
17

18
3
APPENDIX
Above 250 minutes
BATTERY CHARGING GUIDE
(6 and 12 Volt Batteries)
BATTERY CATEGORY CHARGE BATTERY
(RESERVE CAPACITY MINUTES) At either rate and time shown
Recommended charging rate and time for fully discharged batteries. Par-
tially discharged batteries will require less charging time.
80 minutes or less 14 hrs. at 5 Amps
7 hrs. at 10 Amps
80 to l25 minutes 20 hrs. at 5 Amps
10 hrs. at 10 Amps
125 to 170 minutes 28 hrs. at 5 Amps
14 hrs. at 10 Amps
170 to 250 minutes 42 hrs. at 5 Amps
21 hrs. at 10 Amps
33 hrs. at 10 Amps
CAUTION Exceeding the recommended charging rates can damage
the battery plates and generate potentially explosive
gases.
BATTERY VOLTAGE CHART
ESTIMATED
ELECTROLYTE
TEMPERATURE
MINIMUM REQUIRED VOLTAGE
UNDER 15 SEC. LOAD
6 VOLT 12 VOLT
70° F or above
60° F
50° F
4.8
4.75
4.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
40° F
30° F
20° F
4.65
4.6
4.55
9.3
9.2
9.1
10° F
0° F
4.5
4.25
8.9
8.5
B

LIMITED WARRANTY
(12 Months from date of purchase)
Auto Meter warrants to the consumer that this
product will be free from defects in material or work-
manship for a period of twelve (12) months from the
date of the original purchase (except for carbons
and leads which are covered for 90 days). Products
that fail within this 12-month warranty period will be
repaired or replaced at Auto Meters option to the
consumer, when determined by Auto Meter that the
product failed due to defects in material or workman-
ship.
This warranty is limited to the repair or replace-
ment of parts in the tester and the necessary labor
by Auto Meter to affect the repair or replacement of
the tester. In no event shall this warranty exceed the
original purchase price of the tester, nor shall Auto
Meter be responsible for special, incidental or conse-
quential damages or costs incurred due to the failure
of this product.
Breaking the meter seal, improper use, accident,
water damage, abuse, unauthorized repairs or alter-
ations voids the warranty.
Tester manufacturer disclaims any liability for con-
sequential damages due to breach of any written or
implied warranty on its tester.
2
19

2650-165 G
20
Auto Meter Products Inc.
350 West Center Street
Pleasant Grove, Utah 84062
Service [phone] ext. 223
Toll Free (866) 883-TEST (8378)
Fax [phone]
www.autometertest.com
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