Matco Tools MBT1015 User manual

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MBT1015 rev-C User’s Manual Versio18.08
Version18.08

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MBT1015 rev-C User’s Manual Version 18.08
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.1 MBT1015 rev-C (Battery Electrical System Analyser) ------------------------------------------------------ 3
1.2 Specifications--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
2.0 Safety Measures------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.1 Safety Precautions--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5 2.2
Other Precautions---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
3.0 Working with Batteries--------------------------------------------------------------------------7
4.0 The Battery Electrical System Analyser-------------------------------------------------------
4.1 MBT1015 rev-C ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
4.2 Key Functions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9 4.3
Functions of Individual Key-------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
5.0 Initial Setup -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.1 Paper Installation---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
5.2 Setup Menu ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
5.3 LCD Brightness-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
5.4 Printer------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
5.5 Set Date & Time ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
5.6 Key in Company name and contacts ----------------------------------------------------------------- 13
5.7 Erase Memory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15
6.0 Battery Test--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15
6.1 Begin Battery Test (Automotive) -----------------------------------------------------------------------18
7.0 Continue Testing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.1 Battery Test-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------29
7.2 Starter Test-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------29
7.3 Alternator Test -------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------31
Starts with No Load testing at 3,000 RPM------------------------------------------------------------31
Testing with electrical load at 2,000 RPM------------------------------------------------------------33
Diode Ripple Test --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------34
7.4 Grounding Test------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------37
8.0 Stored Results -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.1 Recalling and viewing previous Test Results-------------------------------------------------------41
9.0 Printing the Test Result from Stored memory------------------------------------------44
10.0 PC Link----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.1 Installing driver -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------45
10.2 Printing Results from PC Printer-------------------------------------------------------------------------50
10.3 Saving Results to PC----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------50
11.0 Warranty Information----------------------------------------------------------------------------
11.1 Limited Warranty----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------51
11.2 Limitations of Warranty-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------52

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MBT1015 rev-C User’s Manual Versio18.08
1.0 Introduction
1.1 MBT1015 rev-C (Battery Electrical System Analyser):
The utilization of the latest advanced technologies in battery testing had enabled this
Analyser to test batteries in any conditions. Testing procedures are made simple with
quick, easy and repeatable results. Test Results can be printed directly on its’ built in
printer. It can store up to 47 test Results in its memory for future references and they
can also be transferred and saved in the PC for records management via an USB port
link.
The programs consist of:
1. Battery Test:
This Test is intended only on 12V batteries. The analyser clips (red & black) have
to be clamped onto the battery terminals. When the analyser detects the voltage
present, the analyser will automatically remind the user that it can test only on 12V
battery when connected to the 24V system.
 Analyses the battery condition using microprocessor controlled testing
methods without the need of fully charging it before test.
 The unit consumes very little current during testing hence the test can be
repeated numerous times without worry of draining the battery and its
results are highly accurate.
 Extremely safe as it does not create any sparks during clamp on and it
takes less than 8 seconds to obtain the full analysed results of the battery
being tested.
 Temperature compensated end Results.
 It is powered up from the testing 12V or 24V battery. No maintenance is
required during its lifetime service.
2. Starter Test:
This Test can be performed on 12V and 24V Starters.
 Checks the cranking effectiveness of the battery to predict when the battery
will fail to crank a vehicle basing on voltage profiles with results and
recommendations display.
3. Charging Test:
This test can be done on 12V and 24V Alternators (Normal or Smart).
 This test checks the alternator charging condition during electrical loading
at 2,000 RPM and without load at 3,000 RPM.

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MBT1015 rev-C User’s Manual Version 18.08
 It also measured the diode ripple voltage during the test with results and
recommendations displayed after each test. This test will determine
whether the alternator is performing its job properly.
4. Grounding Test:
Same as battery test, this test is also meant for 12V batteries only.
 Analyses the condition of the electrical return circuit contacts resistance
which was connected to the engine or chassis body from the battery
terminal with results and recommendations displayed after testing.
1.2 Specifications:
Operating Voltage: 9V ~ 36V DC (max)
Safety: Built-in reverse polarity protection.
Analysing Capacity (Amps):
Automotive 12V Batteries: CCA/SAE: 100A ~ 2000A EN: 100A ~ 2000A
CA/MCA: 100A ~ 2000A IEC:100A~2000A
DIN: 100A ~ 2000A JIS#:100A~2000A
Motorcycle 12V Batteries: CCA/SAE: 40A ~ 600A EN: 40A ~ 600A
CA/MCA: 40A ~ 600A IEC: 40A ~ 600A
DIN: 40A ~ 600A JIS#: 40A ~ 600A
DC Volts Accuracy: ± 2% Reading
Battery analysing time: Less than 8 seconds.
Language: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Romanian,
Polish, Swedish, Dutch & Finnish
Memory: Stored up to 47 Test results.
PC connection: Through USB port.
Printer head: Thermo print head.
Paper width: 56.5mm  0.5mm
Paper roll diameter: 40.0 mm O.D.
Printing speed: 50 mm per second.
Working temperature: 0ºC ~ 50ºC
Working Humidity: 10 % ~ 80 %

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MBT1015 rev-C User’s Manual Versio18.08
2.0 Safety Measures:
For safety reasons, read this manual thoroughly before operating the Tool.
Always refer to and follow the safety instructions and testing procedures provided by
the car or equipment manufacturer. The safety messages presented below and
throughout this user’s manual are reminders to the operator to exercise extreme care
when using this test instrument.
2.1 Safety Precautions:
When the engine is running, it produces carbon monoxide, a
toxic and poisonous gas. Always operate the vehicle in a well
ventilated area. Do not breathe exhaust gases – they are
hazardous that can lead to death.
To protect your eyes from propellant object such as caustic
liquids, always wear safety eye protection.
Fuel and battery vapors are highly flammable.
DO NOT SMOKE NEAR THE VEHICLE DURING TESTING.
When engine is running, many parts (such as pulleys, coolant
fan, belts, etc) turn at high speed. To avoid serious injury,
always be alert and keep a safe distance from these parts.
Before starting the engine for testing or trouble shooting,
always make sure the parking brakes is firmly engaged. Put the
transmission in Park (automatic transmission) and Neutral
(manual transmission).
Always block the drive wheels.
Never leave vehicle unattended while testing.

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MBT1015 rev-C User’s Manual Version 18.08
Never lay tools on vehicle battery. You may short the terminals
together causing harm to yourself, the tools or the battery.
Engine parts become very hot when engine is running. To
prevent severe burns, avoid contact with hot engine parts.
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry while working on engine.
Loose clothing can get caught in fan, pulleys, belts, etc. Jewelry
can conduct current and can cause severe burns if comes in
contact between power source and ground.
When the engine is running, be cautious when working around
the ignition coil, distributor cap, ignition wires and spark plugs.
They are HIGH VOLTAGE components that can cause electrical
Shock.
Always keep a fire extinguisher readily available and easily
accessible in the workshop.
2.2 Other Precautions:
 This Battery Analyser is meant for testing of 12 Volts batteries only.
 Its operating voltage is from 9V ~ 15V DC and should not be tested on 24V
directly. It will cause damage the unit. For 12V x 2 batteries (in series or
parallel), disconnect the connections and test them individually.
 Battery that has just been charged by the charger contains surface charge and
it should be discharged by turning ON the Head lights for 3~5 minutes before
testing.
 Always attached the analyser clips on the lead side of the battery terminal
posts during testing so that it has a good contact. This will provide better and
accurate results.

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MBT1015 rev-C User’s Manual Versio18.08
 Do not attach the analyser clips directly onto the steel bolt that tightened to the
battery terminal posts; this may give inaccurate readings or inconsistent
results. (Note: This also applies to all other battery testing methods.)
 If the battery terminal posts were oxidised or badly corroded and the
connections were bad, the analyser will prompt you to check the connections.
In this case, clean the terminal posts and performs testing directly on the
terminal posts it-self.
 During testing on the battery whist it is still in the car, make sure the engine is
OFF.
 Do not store the analyser near high humidity or temperature area. Exposing to
extreme temperatures will cause damage to the unit.
3.0 Working with Batteries
Lead-acid batteries contain a sulfuric acid electrolyte, which is a highly corrosive
poison and will produce gasses when recharged and explode if ignited. It can hurt you
badly.
When working with batteries, make sure you have plenty of ventilation, remove your
hand jewelry, watch and wear protective eyewear (safety glasses), clothing, and
exercise caution.
Do not allow battery electrolyte to mix with salt water. Even small quantities of this
combination will produce chlorine gas that can KILL you!
Whenever possible, please follow the manufacturer's instructions for testing, jumping,
installing, charging and equalising batteries.
 Never disconnect a battery cable from a vehicle with the engine running
because the battery acts like a filter for the electrical system.

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MBT1015 rev-C User’s Manual Version 18.08
Unfiltered [pulsating DC] electricity can damage expensive electronic
components, e.g., emissions computer, radio, charging system, etc.
Turn off all electrical switches and components; turn off the ignition
before disconnecting the battery.
 For non-sealed batteries, check the electrolyte level. Make sure it is
covering the plates, and it is not frozen before starting to recharge
(especially during winters).
 Do not add distilled water if the electrolyte is covering the top of the
plates because during the recharging process, it will get warm and
expand. After recharging has been completed, recheck the level.
 Reinstall the vent caps BEFORE recharging, recharge ONLY in
well-ventilated areas, and wear protective goggle.
Do NOT smoke or cause sparks or flames while the battery is being
recharged because batteries give off explosive gasses.
 If your battery is an AGM or a sealed flooded type, do NOT recharge
with current ABOVE 12% of the battery's RC rating (or 20% of the
ampere-hour rating).
Gel cells should be charged over a 20-hour period and never over the
manufacturer's recommended level or over 14.1 Volts DC.
 Follow the battery and charger manufacturer's procedures for
connecting and disconnecting cables and other steps to minimize the
possibility of an explosion or incorrectly charging the battery.
You should turn the charger OFF before connecting or disconnecting
cables to a battery.
Do not wiggle the cable clamps while the battery is recharging, because
a spark might occur, and this could cause an explosion. Good
ventilation or a fan is recommended to disperse the gasses created by
the recharging process.
 If a battery becomes hot, over 43.3 °C (110 °F), or violent gassing or
spewing of electrolyte occurs, turn the charger off temporarily or reduce
the charging rate.
 When charging the battery in the car with an external MANUAL charger,
make sure that it will not damage the vehicle's electrical system or
components with high voltages.
Even if this is a remote possibility, it is best to disconnect the vehicle's
battery cables from the battery BEFORE connecting the charger.

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MBT1015 rev-C User’s Manual Versio18.08
4.0 The Battery Electrical System Analyser
4.1 MBT1015 rev-C
4.2 Keypad Functions:
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Black Clamp to
battery negative
(-) post.
USB port for
connection
to PC.
Keypad
Printer Fault
indicator LED
6
2
5
7
4
3
1
Red Clamp to
battery positive
(+) post.
LCD Display
Screen
Printer
power LED
Printer

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MBT1015 rev-C User’s Manual Version 18.08
4.3 Functions of Individual key:
1. Use this key to scroll up to the next item OR when it is in the
keying-in Battery Ratings values mode, press this key once will
increase the value by step of 5 units.
2. Use this key to shift the selection tab to the right item OR when it
is in the keying-in Battery Ratings values mode, press this key
once will increase the value by step of 100 units.
3. Use this key to scroll down to the next item OR when it is in the
keying-in Battery Ratings values mode, press this key once will
decrease the value by step of 5 units.
4. Use this key to shift the selection tab to the left item OR when it is
in the keying-in Battery Ratings values mode, press this key once
will decrease the value by step of 100 units.
5. Press this ENTER key will get into the selected function or
proceed to the next step.
6. To EXIT the function, press this key once will return back to the
previous screen.
7. Press this key to print the all the Test results on the Printer after
each test or from the Stored Results mode.

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MBT1015 rev-C User’s Manual Versio18.08
5.0 Initial Setup
5.1 Paper installation
Open the printer cover by pushing it upwards from the middle. Place the thermo
paper roll into the slot with the paper edge facing up (Fig. 3a). Make sure the
paper is about 20mm (0.8 in.) out when the printer cover is closed (Fig. 3b).
5.2 Setup Menu
To access into this function go to the main screen ( Fig.4) as shown below, select
Setup Menu (Fig. 5) and press key.
Select Menu 
23/12/2014 16:48
New: Test
Continue Test
Stored Results
Setup Menu
Fig.4 Fig.5
Select Menu 
23/12/2014 16.48
New: Test
Continue Test
Stored Results
Setup Menu
Fig. 3a
Fig. 3b

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MBT1015 rev-C User’s Manual Version 18.08
5.3 LCD Brightness
While you are in the [Setup Menu] display, select [LCD Brightness] from the menu
(Fig. 6). Once entered, the display will show as in (Fig. 7).
To increase the contrast press key and the bar graph will move forward.
Likewise to decrease, press key while in this screen.
Once the LCD brightness has been confirmed, press key to save and it will
return back to the [Setup Menu] screen above.
5.5 Set Date and Time
The date and time on the Analysers were set in the Factory during production. Due to
the differences of the Time zone in your Country, you may need to set according to
your local date & time and this can be done by selecting [Set date & time] with
or key and the press and the display shows as in Fig.10 below.
Setup Menu 
Language
LCD Brightness
Set date & time
Company name
Erase Memory
Fig. 6
Fig.7
Setup Menu 
Language
LCD Brightness
Set date & time
Company name
Erase Memory
Fig. 8
Set date & time
23/12/2014 16:48
[Enter] to proceed
[Exit] to quit
Fig. 9

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MBT1015 rev-C User’s Manual Versio18.08
Press or key to change the date and then press to skip to the
next. Do this for the rest like month, year and the time. When the setting is done,
press key to save.
5.6 Key in Company name and contacts
This feature is for the user to key-in the company or garage name and the contact
information to be printed into the test report header. It allows 20 characters in one line
and accommodates up to seven lines maximum. To enter into this mode, power ON
the analyser by clamping into the battery terminals then on the Setup Menu go to the
Company name using or keys then after press key will enter into the
display as shown below (Fig.10).
1. Using the keys or to scroll the numbers (0 to 9) or characters (A to Z)
to input.
2. To move one space backward of forward, use or keys. Also if there is a
need to correct any character or number that was previously keyed-in, use
these keys to move backwards and correct the entry using or keys.
3. Once confirmed, press key will move to the next line below.
4. To clear at once all the characters being key in, press key.
5. When the key in had finished, press key to save the entry and then
press key to exit.
Note:
The information that has been keyed in will be shown in the result printout after
test
Fig.10
Company name
[Enter] to save
[Exit] to quit

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5.7 Switch ON / OFF Key Sound beep
Whenever a key is press, there is a corresponding beep sound which can be heard as
to indicate that a key has been pressed. This sound can be switched ON or OFF by
doing the following:
1. Go to the Main Menu as shown in Fig.4 above.
2. Press and hold key for about 3 seconds and a long beep sound will be
heard which indicates that the change has taken place.
3. Then press any key and the sound is OFF.
4. To reverse back, do the same procedure as mentioned in step 2 and the
sound will be switched On.
Car / Truck Battery Test:
This test is intended for 12V Batteries but not on 24V. The reason is most trucks that
use 24V systems have two 12V batteries connected in series to produce 24V. To test
on 24V system (12V Battery x 2), disconnects the connection between each battery
and test one battery at a time.
The test results of individual battery is more accurate than testing two batteries at
once due to the unwanted resistance created by the cable joining of the first battery to
the second battery that make 24V. So the battery test is catered for all 12V Batteries
only.
Performing Battery Test whilst it is still in the car or truck:
Vehicle that was running has to have its engine OFF first and then switch ON the
headlights for 30 seconds to remove the surface charge. After the headlights had
switched OFF, let the battery rest for at least 1 minute to recover before testing
commences.
The car or truck engine and all other accessory loads must be OFF during test in
order to have accurate results. When attaching the analyser clips, make sure that
the battery posts were not oxidized or badly corroded. Clean them first before
clamping to it. Do not clamp onto the steel bolts directly which may give inaccurate
and inconsistent results.
If the red and black clips were accidentally clamped directly on to the 24V output
terminals of the battery while testing truck batteries, the Analyser display will show
(Fig.11 and Fig.12) as below:
Fig.11 Fig.12
Flashing
alternately

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MBT1015 rev-C User’s Manual Versio18.08
This is to indicate that it cannot test on 24V battery. In this case, if the truck
consists of two 12V batteries then test them individually (one at a time) Fig. 13
below.
5.7 Erase Memory
This Analyser is able to save up to 47 test results in its memory. In event that you
need to clear all the results in the memory to make for new ones after they had been
backed up into the PC, then select this item [Erase Memory] and press key to
enter into it. Once entered, the display will show as in Fig.14 below:
To erase the memory, now press key and it will proceed with the erasure as
shown in Fig. 16 above. After completion, it will return to the setup menu (Fig.11)
6.0 Battery Test
Performing Battery Test whilst it is still in the car
Vehicle that was running has to have its engine OFF first and then switch ON the
headlights for 30 seconds to remove the surface charge. After the headlights had
switched OFF, let the battery rest for at least 1 minute to recover before testing
commences.
Fig. 14
Erase memory
Erase Memory
[Enter] to proceed
[Exit] to quit.
Erase memory
Erase Memory
[Enter] to proceed
[Exit] to quit.
Fig. 15
Test on 1st
battery first.
Then Test on
2nd battery.
Fig.13

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MBT1015 rev-C User’s Manual Version 18.08
The car engine and all other accessory loads must be OFF during test in order to
have accurate results. When attaching the analyser clips, make sure that the battery
posts were not oxidized or badly corroded. Clean them first before clamping to it. Do
not clamp onto the steel bolts directly which may give inaccurate and inconsistent
results.
Testing on stand-alone batteries
Clean the battery posts with a wire brush prior testing. For side post batteries, install
stud adaptors. Do not use steel bolts for better results.
1. Attach the Analyser clips onto the battery terminal posts [Red to (+) and Black
to (-)] the unit will power up and lights up the LCD display screen as shown
(Fig.16).
2. It will run through a self-test and when completed it displays the Main Menu as
shown: (Fig. 17)
Here, it will let you select your choice from the Menu:
Fig.16
Fig.17
Select Menu 
23/12/2014 16.48
New: Test
Continue Test
Stored Results
Setup Menu

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New Test
This function will allow you to key in the particulars (e.g. license plate
numbers, names, etc) that you need before commencing the test. The
particulars will be included in the test results when printed out from its printer.
It also allows the test Results to be saved in its memory which can be called
up for later viewing and printout.
Note: If you do not key in any particulars (e.g. license plate number, etc.) the
results obtained saved as blank in the memory.
Continue Testing
Selecting this item will allow you to continue the last test on the same car from
where you had stopped and do not need to key the vehicle’s particulars as it
will update automatically.
For example:
If you had done Battery Test on [New Test] and later you wish to do Alternator
Test or Grounding Test on the same car, just select this item and it will update
the results after each test in its memory so that it can be review later or to be
printed out from the printer.
Stored Results
The Analyser allows saving up to 47 tested Results in its memory. Access into
this function will permit you to view the tests done previously and also able to
print out a hardcopy of it whenever needed.
Use or keys to scroll for the pages during viewing.
Examples of the results:
Fig. 19
Fig.18
Battery: Good
Measured: 406 CCA
Rating: 630 CCA
Volts: 12.45 V
Int. R: 6.72 mOhm
Life: 76 %
[Exit] to Menu
Results: High Ohms
6.69 mOhm
The grounding
resistance of the
engine or car
chassis is high.
Clean the cable
contacts or replace
cable if necessary.

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MBT1015 rev-C User’s Manual Version 18.08
6.1 Begin Battery Test
1. After you have made your choice, selecting “New Test” will proceed to the
display below: (Fig. 20)
3. Here it lets you to key in the particulars (e.g. license plate number, etc.) that
you need to be included into the test report when printed out after the test and
it also serves as the name for the record to be saved in its memory for easy
search.
4. To key in the alphabets or numbers, keep pressing or key to scroll
from X,Y,Z,-,.,/,0,1,2,3,... in a loop sequence and stop it when found. Press
key to move to the next or key to move backwards to continue the key in.
Note: If you do not input any particulars and straight away press key to
continue, then the test results obtained saved as blank in the
memory.
5. After completion of the input, press key will proceed to the next display as
shown in Fig. 21 below.
Fig.20
Vehicle Details:
Bar code:
Particulars:

[Enter] to proceed
Select Test 
Car
Motorcycle
[Enter] to proceed
Fig.21

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Selecting Car will allow you to test car Batteries (up to 2000A) whereas will
only test Motorcycle Batteries (up to 600A) only.
Here if you have selected test Car, then there is an option to select Battery
or other system test. See display below (Fig.22).
6. Select [Battery Test] and press key. The display will change as seen on
figure 23 below:
7. After you had made your choice, pressing key will proceed to do the
battery testing and if it has detected any surface charge on the battery, it will
start to remove it and a message is shown (Fig. 24) below.
Fig. 24
The Analyser is
removing the battery
surface charge now.
Please wait for a
moment!
Fig.23
Battery Type:
SLI [Wet Type]
AGM-Flat plate
AGM-Spiral wound
GEL cell
EFB [Start/Stop]
Select Test 
Battery Test
Grounding Test
Starter Test
Alternator Test
[Enter] to proceed
Fig.22

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8. If the surface charge is too great for the analyser to handle, it will prompt you
with the instructions as shown: (Fig. 25) below and the beeper will sound
continuously.
9. Wait until the surface charge removal had completed, the analyser will
advise as follows: (Fig.26) and then press key
10. If there is no surface charge present, then it will straight away enter into “Select
Rating” menu screen as shown in Fig. 27
Fig. 26
Fig. 27
Fig. 25
Battery surface
charge is present!
Turn the ignition key
to ON position.
Switch ON the
headlights to remove
surface charge.
Battery surface
charge has been
removed.
Turn ignition key to
OFF position.
Switch OFF the
headlights and then
press [Enter].
Select Rating 
CCA
SAE
DIN
JIS
IEC
EN
CA
Unknown