Midtronics MDX-650P SOH User manual

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
1
For 6 & 12-volt automotive starting batteries
and 12 & 24-volt starting/charging systems
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Battery Conductance and
Electrical System Analyzer
MDX-650P SOH

Blank page

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
3
Contents
Introduction & Overview 5
Safety Guidelines 5
Capabilities 5
Registering And Servicing Your Tester 5
Display and Keypad 6
User Interface 6
pq Arrows 6
Next 6
6Back / Print 6
Menu 6
Options Menu 7
Procedure 7
Preparations Before the Test 8
Connecting the Tester 8
Battery & System Test 9
Starter System Test 11
Charging System Test 12
Test Messages 13
Error Messages 14
Maintenance & Troubleshooting 15
Changing The Cable Assembly 15
Changing The Printer Paper 16
Printer Troubleshooting 17
Troubleshooting the Display 17
Replacing the Battery 18

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
4

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
5
Introduction & Overview
Safety Guidelines
Because of the possibility of personal injury, always use extreme caution when
working with batteries. Follow all BCI (Battery Council International) safety
recommendations.
Wash hands after handling.
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the state of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm.
Capabilities
The MDX-650 SOH Battery Conductance and Electrical System Analyzer tests 6
& 12-volt regular ooded, AGM at plate, AGM spiral, EFB, and gel batteries, as
well as 12 & 24-volt starting and charging systems for passenger cars and light
trucks. It displays the test results in seconds and features a built-in printer to
provide customers with a copy of the results.
Registering And Servicing Your Tester
To register, log on at www.midtronics.com/warranty.html and have your
serial number ready. The number is at the bottom of the label on the back
of the tester. If your tester needs repair, call Midtronics Customer Service at
800.776.1995. Servicing the tester yourself may void your warranty. See the
back cover of this manual for additional warranty information.

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
6
Display and Keypad
When you rst connect the MDX-650P SOH to a battery, it functions as a
voltmeter until you press .
IMPORTANT: If you connect the tester to a voltage source greater
than 30 Vdc, you may damage the tester’s circuitry.
The menu-driven display will then guide you step by step through the test
process. Use the keypad buttons to scroll to and select options in the menu.
To turn o the tester when not connected to the battery, briey press and hold
the button.
User Interface
1. pq Arrows
Use these keys to choose
test parameters and
scroll to menu options.
2. Next
Use this button to make
selections.
3. 6Back / Print
Use this button to move
to the previous screen
or move back one
space when creating
custom headers. You
can also use this button
to printout test results
using the built-in printer.
4. Menu
Use to access the Main
Menu options of the
tester.
For information about
the options, see
“Options Menu”.
MDX-650P SOH
1
2
Display Showing
Battery Result
3
4
IR
Output
Decision
Measured
rating
Measured
voltage
Selected
rating
Printer
Button
Toolbar

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
7
Options Menu
Procedure
1. Press to access the Options Menu.
2. Use por qto move to the line you want to edit.
3. Press to make the highlighted line editable.
4. Use por qto select the character for that cursor location.
5. Press to move to the next location.
6. Press to return to the Options Menu.
Option Explanation
VIEW / PRINT
RESULTS
Press 6to display the previous test result or to print
the results.
QC MODE A quick test to check battery inventory.
EXPORT DATA Export the last test result to an IR Reader program.
(under development)
PERFORM TEST Begin the Battery Test procedure.
SET ADDRESS Enter the address to display on the top of the printout.
(Limit: 8 lines, 21 characters per line)
TIME Select 24-hour or AM/PM and set the time.
(Default: AM/PM)
DATE Select the date format as well as set the correct date.
(Default: MM/DD/YYYY)
COUNTER Clear or display battery and system test by results.
CONTRAST Adjust the contrast setting of the tester display.
(Default: 10)
TEMPERATURE
UNITS
Select the temperature units Degrees F or Degrees C
(Default: Degrees F)
VOLTMETER Automatically test battery voltage when the clamps are
rst connected to the battery terminals. Press to
continue testing the battery. Press 6to return to the
menu. (Default: ON)

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
8
Preparations Before the Test
Before connecting the tester, clean the battery posts or side terminals with
a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water. When testing side-
post batteries, install and tighten lead terminal adapters. A set of adapters is
included with the tester.
IMPORTANT: Do not test at steel bolts. For OUT-OF-VEHICLE testing,
failure to install terminal adapters or installing terminal adapters that
are worn or dirty may result in inaccurate test results. To avoid dam-
age, never use a wrench to tighten the adapters more than ¼ turn.
If you are testing in the vehicle, make sure all accessory loads are o, the key is
not in the ignition, and the doors are closed.
Connecting the Tester
•Connect the red clamp to the positive (+) terminal and the black clamp to
the negative (–) terminal.
•For a proper connection, rock the clamps back and forth. The tester re-
quires that both sides of each clamp be rmly connected before testing. A
poor connection will produce a CHECK CONNECTION or WIGGLE CLAMPS
message. If the message appears, clean the terminals and reconnect the
clamps.
•The preferred test position is at the battery terminals. If the battery is not
accessible, you may test at the jumper post; however, the available power
measurement may be lower than the actual value.

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
9
Battery & System Test
When you rst connect the tester to the battery, it functions as a voltmeter
until you press to start the test. This function can be turned o through the
Options Menu.
After you press , scroll to each parameter using por q and press to select.
If any messages appear during the test, see the section “Test Messages”.
1. BAT. LOCATION: Scroll to and select IN VEHICLE or OUT OF VEHICLE for a
battery not connected to a vehicle. Following an IN VEHICLE test you will be
prompted to test the starting and charging systems.
IMPORTANT: The performance of the starting and charging systems
depends on the battery’s condition. It is important that the battery is
good and fully charged before any further system testing.
2. POST TYPE: (In-Vehicle only) Scroll to TOP POST, SIDE POST or JUMP START
POST where applicable.
3. APPLICATION: Scroll to and select AUTOMOTIVE, MOTORCYCLE, MARINE,
LAWN & GARDEN, GROUP 31, or COMMERCIAL -4D/8D.
4. BATTERY TYPE: Scroll to and select REGULAR FLOODED, AGM FLAT PLATE,
EFB, AGM SPIRAL, or GEL where applicable.
5. BATTERY STANDARD: Scroll to and select the battery’s rating system. Not
all rating systems are available for each application.
Standard Description Range
CCA Cold Cranking Amps, as specied by SAE. The
most common rating for cranking batteries at 0 ºF
(–17.8 ºC).
100–2000
CA Cranking Amps: Current available at 32 ºF (0 ºC) 100-2000
MCA Marine Cranking Amps: Amount of current
available at 32 ºF (0 ºC)
100-2000
JIS# Japanese Industrial Standard, shown on a battery as
a combination of numbers and letters.
26A17
thru
245H52
EN Europa-Norm 100–2000
DIN Deutsche Industrie-Norm 100–1200
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers, the European
labeling of CCA
100–2000
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission 100–1200
6. BATTERY RATING: Scroll to and select the rating units. Hold down por q
to increase the scrolling speed.

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
10
7. Press to start test. After several seconds the tester displays the decision
on the battery’s condition and the measured voltage. The tester also dis-
plays your selected battery rating and the rating units.
GOOD BATTERY
VOLTS
MEASURED
RATING
12.50V
465 CCA
500 CCA
6

Decision
Measured
CCA
Measured
voltage
Selected
rating
Decision Interpretation
GOOD BATTERY Return the battery to service.
GOOD-
RECHARGE
Fully charge the battery and return it to service.
CHARGE &
RETEST
Fully charge the battery and retest. Failure to fully charge
the battery before retesting may cause inaccurate
results. If CHARGE & RETEST appears again after you
fully charge the battery, replace the battery.
REPLACE
BATTERY
Replace the battery and retest. A REPLACE BATTERY
result may also mean a poor connection between the
battery cables and the battery. After disconnecting
the battery cables, retest the battery using the out-of-
vehicle test before replacing it.
BAD CELL-
REPLACE
Replace the battery and retest.
24 VOLT
SYSTEM
24-volt system detected. Disconnect batteries and test
individually.
READY TO
INSTALL
Battery has just been activated and is ready to install
in vehicle (Motorcycle only)
NEEDS
CHARGE
Fully charge battery and retest using BEFORE
DELIVERY. (Motorcycle only)
Failure to fully charge the battery before retesting
may cause false readings.
8. Press to proceed with the starter test, 6to print the test results or
to return to the Options Menu.
NOTE: For an in-vehicle test, the display alternates between the
test results and the message PRESS FOR STARTER TEST.
IMPORTANT: The MDX-650P SOH retains the results of the last test
only. When you start a new test, the last results are overwritten.

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
11
Starter System Test
IMPORTANT: Before starting the test, inspect the alternator drive belt.
A belt that is glazed or worn, or lacks the proper tension, will prevent
the engine from achieving the rpm levels needed for the test.
Once you have completed an in-vehicle test, the display alternates between
the battery test results and the message PRESS FOR STARTER TEST.
1. Press to proceed with the starter test.
2. Start the engine when prompted.
3. The tester displays the decision on the starter system, cranking voltage,
and cranking time in milliseconds.
STARTER SYSTEM
DECISION
CRANKING
TIME
10.20V
718mS
6

Starter
Decision
Cranking
time in
milliseconds
Average
cranking
voltage
Decision Interpretation
CRANKING
NORMAL
The starter voltage is normal and the battery is fully
charged.
LOW
VOLTAGE
The starter voltage is low and the battery is fully charged.
CHARGE
BATTERY
The starter voltage is low and the battery is discharged.
Fully charge the battery and repeat the starter system test.
REPLACE
BATTERY
Battery must be replaced before the starting system can be
tested.
NO START No vehicle start detected.
CRANKING
SKIPPED
A start was not detected.
4. Press to proceed with the charging system test, 6 button to print the
test results, to return to the Options Menu.
NOTE: For an in-vehicle test, the display alternates between the
test results and the message PRESS FOR CHARGING TEST.

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
12
Charging System Test
Once you have completed an in-vehicle test, the display alternates between
the battery test results and the message PRESS FOR CHARGING TEST. Press
to proceed with the charging test.
Following the on-screen prompts:
1. Rev the engine.
2. Turn on high beams headlights and the blower fan.
3. Rev engine with loads on.
4. Idle engine and turn o loads.
5. The Charging System decision is displayed at the end of the procedure.
CHARGING SYSTEM
DECISION
NO LOAD
14.29V
LOADED
14.25V
6

Alternator
Decision
Loads-off
DC Voltage
at rev
Loads-on
DC Voltage
at rev
Decision Interpretation
NO PROBLEMS System is showing normal output from the alternator.
NO OUTPUT No alternator output detected.
√ Check all connections to and from the alternator,
especially the connection to the battery. If the
connection is loose or heavily corroded, clean or
replace the cable and retest.
√ If the belts and connections are in good working
condition, replace the alternator. (Older vehicles
use external voltage regulators, which may
require only replacement of the voltage regulator.)
LOW OUTPUT Alternator not providing sufcient current to power the
system’s electrical loads and charge the battery.
√ Check the belts to ensure the alternator is rotating
with the engine running. Replace broken or
slipping belts and retest.
√ Check the connections from the alternator to
the battery. If the connection is loose or heavily
corroded, clean or replace the cable and retest.
continued

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
13
Decision Interpretation
HIGH OUTPUT Alternator voltage output exceeds the normal limits.
√ Make sure there are no loose connections and
the ground connection is normal. If there are no
connection problems, replace the regulator. Most
alternators have a built-in regulator that requires
replacing the alternator. In older vehicles that
use external voltage regulators, you may need to
replace only the voltage regulator.
EXCESSIVE
RIPPLE
Excessive AC ripple detected.
√ One or more diodes in the alternator is not
functioning or there is stator damage.
6. Press 6to print the test results or to return to the Options Menu.
Test Messages
For a more decisive result, the tester may prompt you for additional
information. The messages in the following table may appear before the tester
can display a result.
Test Message Interpretation
BAT. TEMPERATURE
Select ambient temperature above or below 32 ºF (0 ºC)
CHARGE STATE Select before or after battery has been charged.
SURFACE CHARGE
DETECTED
Remove the surface charge before it begins testing.
Testing will resume after charge has been removed.
CHECK
CONNECTION
One or both clamps are not making proper contact with
the battery terminals.
ENGINE REV NOT
DETECTED PRESS
WHILE REVVING
Tester has not detected an increase in engine rpm
REVERSE
CONNECTION
Clamps are connected in the wrong polarity:
positive to negative or negative to positive.
SYSTEM NOISE
CHECK LOADS
In-vehicle testing. Tester has detected computer, ignition
noise or parasitic drain. Make sure all vehicle loads are
off including open doors and ignition switch.
UNSTABLE
BATTERY
Out-of-vehicle. Weak battery, should be charged and
retested.
WIGGLE
CLAMPS
Clamps are not making good contact with
battery terminals

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
14
Error Messages
Error Message Interpretation
BATTERY POWER TOO
LOW TO USE PRINTER.
CONNECT TO FULLY
CHARGED BATTERY
11.50 TO 16.00V
Battery being tested has fallen below 9 volts.
Connect to a fully charged battery to use the
printer.
CONNECT TO
12V BATTERY
Tester is not connected to the battery
LOW INTERNAL AA
BATTERIES. REPLACE
AA BATTERIES SOON!
Internal AA batteries are low and need to be
replaced. See “Maintenance & Troubleshooting”
section.
NON 12 VOLT SYSTEM
DETECTED
System being tested is not 12-volts.
PRINTER DOOR OPEN.
CLOSE DOOR AND TRY
TO PRINT AGAIN
Door covering printer paper is not secure.
PRINTER OUT OF PAPER
REPLACE WITH THERMAL
PRINTER PAPER.
2.5 IN. DIA. MAX.
2.25 IN. WIDE MAX
Printer is out of thermal paper. Replace with new
roll. See “Maintenance & Troubleshooting” section.
QC DATA MEMORY FULL
PRINT RESULTS OR
CLEAR MEMORY.
QC mode memory is full. Select QC mode from the
Options Menu to clear the memory.

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
15
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Cable Assembly Replacement
1. Remove the protective rubber boot and slide it down the cable away from
the tester.
2. Remove the circled screw and rmly pull the cable assembly base out of
the tester body.
3. Remove the two screws holding the cable assembly base cover.
4. Remove the cover.
5. Slide the protective rubber boot over the end of cable base assembly.
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 in reverse to connect the new cable assembly to
the tester.

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
16
Changing The Printer Paper
The IR printer only uses thermal paper in a roll with the dimensions 2.25 in x 85
ft (57 mm x 25.9 m). You can purchase replacement rolls at most oce supply
stores.
If you have diculty obtaining paper please contact Midtronics customer
service at 1-800-776-1995.
Store Part Number Phone
Ofce Depot 209-653-271 800-463-3768
Quill 856607 800-789-1331
Staples 531236 800-378-2753
To replace the paper roll:
1. Unlock the printer door by gently pressing on the red lever. Remove the
spent roll.
paper
compartment
release lever: press in this direction
paper
sensor
2. Place a new roll of paper in the compartment, and pull the paper forward
so that it extends past the serrated edge of the paper slot.
paper feeds from
underneath the roll
3. Close the door and make sure the lever locks securely.

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
17
Printer Troubleshooting
If the MDX-650P is not connected to a 12-volt battery with at least 11.5 volts of
power or the paper sensor does not detect paper in the compartment during the
print process, the tester displays one of error messages described in the table:
Error Message Interpretation
PRINTER OUT OF PAPER
REPLACE WITH THERMAL
PRINTER PAPER.
2.5 IN. DIA. MAX
2.25 IN. WIDE MAX
9Verify that the paper is inserted correctly.
9Insert a new roll of paper.
9Verify that the paper sensor is clean and undamaged
BATTERY POWER TOO
LOW TO USE PRINTER.
CONNECT TO FULLY
CHARGED BATTERY.
11.50 V TO 16.00 V
To print, the tester must be properly connected to a vehicle
battery having at least 9 volts.
9Connect to a vehicle battery with enough voltage to
enable printing.
9Make sure that the clamps are connected properly: red
clamp to the positive (+) terminal and the black clamp
to the negative (-) terminal.
9Check that both sides of the clamps are making con-
tact with the terminals.
PRINTER DOOR OPEN
CLOSE DOOR AND TRY
TO PRINT AGAIN
9Check that the door covering the printer paper is prop-
erly closed and latched.
Troubleshooting the Display
If the display does not turn on:
•Check the connection to the vehicle battery.
•The vehicle battery may be too low (below 1 volt) to power the analyzer.
Fully charge the battery and retest.
•The analyzer’s AA batteries may need to be replaced. (Alkaline recom-
mended).
•If the analyzer does not power on when you press and hold the button,
replace the AA batteries.

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
18
Replacing the Battery
The MDX-650P can test down to 5.5 volts when the unit’s internal batteries are
not functioning. The tester displays LOW INTERNAL AA BATTERIES, REPLACE AA
BATTERIES SOON! when the internal AA batteries need to be replaced.
NOTE: Setup information will be retained while you change the
internal batteries.
Use the following procedure to remove and replace the internal AA batteries.
1. Turn the tester face down.
2. Remove the screw securing the battery compartment cover using a small
Phillips screwdriver.
3. Lift the door o and remove the discharged battery.
4. Insert fresh AA batteries making sure the positive and negative terminals
are positioned correctly.
5. Reposition the cover and tighten the screw.

www.midtronics.com
MDX-650P SOH
19

Patents
The MDX-650P is made by Midtronics, Inc., and is protected by one or more U.S.
and foreign patents. For specic patent information, contact Midtronics, Inc. at
[phone].
Limited Warranty
This battery tester is warranted to be free of defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of one year from the date of purchase. Midtronics will, at our option,
repair the unit or replace the unit with a remanufactured tester. This limited
warranty applies only to Midtronics battery testers and does not cover any other
equipment, static damage, water damage, overvoltage, dropping unit or damage
resulting from extraneous causes including owner misuse. Midtronics is not liable
for any incidental or consequential damages for breach of this warranty. The
warranty is void if owner attempts to disassemble the unit or modify the cable
assembly.
Service
For service, contact Midtronics at 800-776-1995 (630-323-2800) for a Return
Authorization number, and return the unit to Midtronics freight prepaid, Attention:
RA#. Midtronics will repair or replace the tester and reship, the next scheduled
business day following receipt, using the same type carrier and service as
received. If Midtronics determines that the failure was caused by misuse,
alteration, accident, or abnormal condition of operation or handling, purchaser
will have the option of purchasing a replacement tester or the unit will be returned
freight collect. Battery testers beyond the warranty period are subject to the repair
charges in effect at that time.
www.midtronics.com
Corporate Headquarters
Willowbrook, IL USA
Phone: [phone]
Canadian Inquiries
Toll Free: [phone]
Midtronics b.v.
European Headquarters
Houten, The Netherlands
Serving Europe, Africa, the Middle
East, and The Netherlands
Phone: [phone]
Midtronics China
China Operations
Shenzhen, China
Phone: [phone]
Midtronics India
Navi Mumbai, India
Phone: [phone]/1513
Contact Corporate Headquarters
Phone: [phone]
Asia/Pacíc (excluding China)
167-000390EN-B 2/18 ©2018 Midtronics, Inc. All rights reserved.