Standard BT-12 User manual

DIGITAL AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY ANALYZER
OWNER'S MANUAL
SAFETY INFORMATION
This Instrument is intended to be used by a professional technician.
Do not allow tools to droponto abattery and do not set thisanalyzer on a battery.
Working in the vicinity of lead-acid batteries can be DANGEROUS due to EXPLOSIVE GASES
generated by the battery. These gases can be ignited by a spark, cigarette or flame. NEVER smoke or
have an open flame or sparks near a battery. If the gas is ignited a battery can blow apart and forcefully
shower the area with battery pieces and acid at an extremely high velocity.
To reduce the chance of an exploding battery, follow testing instructions provided by the battery
manufacturer as well as these instructions
When around lead-acid batteries wear eye protection and avoid touching or coming in direct contactwith
the battery including your clothing, skin and eyes and keep your face as far away from the battery as
possible.
To reduce the hazard of igniting gasoline or other flammable gasses or fumes near the floor, keep test
equipment and other devices that may produce electrical sparks at least 18 inches above the floor.
If the vehicle is in an enclosed area, ensure that the exhaust gases are expelled outdoors utilizing a hose
or flexible tubing. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. Inhalation of a 0.3%
concentration of COby volumecan cause deathwithin 30 minutes.
Follow these Safety Standards before starting the engine:
a) Be sure the vehicle is in park (for automatic transmissions) or neutral (if manual transmission).
b) Apply the hand brake and chock the wheels.
c) Ensure that the vehicle is stationary before standing in front or behind it.
The ignition secondary system contains very high voltages when the engine is running. To prevent
electrical shock, never touch spark plugs or spark plug wires while the engine is running or cranking and
do not remove the #model's top cover without instruction from your local Technical Support
Representative. Doing so without contacting your local Technical Support Representative will affect the
warranty and could put you at risk of getting severely burnt or electrocuted.
Always keep hands,clothing, hair, test leads, test equipmentand all other objects well away from the fan
blades, drive belts and all other moving objects.
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your new purchase!
Your new model battery analyzer employs the latest electronic technology to determine if a lead-acid
battery is defective or simply needs charging.
The model is an automatic, 100 amp resistive load battery analyzer thatis used to check automotive type
lead-acid batteries. The tester works by automatically applying a 100 amp load to a battery for a periodof
10 seconds. At the end of the 10 second period, a one second beep is produced to let you know the test
was completed successfully and the load is automatically switched off.
To understand how the model works, it may be helpful to know how lead acid batteries generate
electricity, and what makes them go bad. This information can be found on pages 4 and 5 in this manual
along with some battery facts that might be helpful as well. If you are already familiar with this subject
then skip to the testing procedures.
FEATURES
Your model battery analyzer uses the latest electronic and physical devices available. The model is
microprocessor controlled for accuracy and rigorously tested for quality. It is the only hand-held digital
battery load tester available on the market.
The model battery analyzer uses spark suppression circuitry to reduce the possibility of sparking during
connection to the battery.
A piece of broken equipment means a loss of income for a shop as well as the technician. Electronic
Specialties has taken this into consideration and has designed the model with over-voltage detection
circuitry to help protect internal components and prevent possible break downs.
The model battery analyzer also includes a manual override. If you have started a load test prematurely
or you encounter an emergency situation, you can cancel the load test by reactivating the toggle switch
at any time during the test.
The model can also be used as a digital voltmeter. You can use your model to check voltage ranging
between +8 to +25volts DC.
The model will advise "CHG" (for charge), if the battery voltage level is below 12.4 volts and battery test
is attempted. At this point, the battery should be fully charged before any load test is attempted. Load
testing an already low battery can cause further damage to an already suspect battery.
BATTERY LOAD TEST
This test evaluates the battery's ability to crank an engine. The tester draws current from the battery
while measuring its voltage level.
The voltage level of a good battery will remain relatively steady under load, but a defective battery will
show a rapid loss in voltage.
Battery size (CCArating) and temperature will affect test results. Follow instructions carefully.
1. Turn off engine and accessories.
2. Connect negative (black) clamp to the negative (NEG, N or-) battery post. Connect positive (red)
clamp to positive (POS, P or +) battery post. "Rock" clamps back and forth to insure a good
electrical connection.
3. With clamps connected, the model will indicate battery's state of charge. If the state of charge is
less than 12.4 volts DC and a load test is attempted, the unit will display "CHG" and the battery
should then be recharged before load testing. If recharging does not bring voltage to 12.4 volts DC
or above, the battery is defective. If the model does not display any reading, check for loose or
reversed clamps, otherwise the battery is either defective or the battery voltage is below 8.5 volts
DC.
4. Push the load switch (located on the bottom of the model) all the way to the right and release.
CHARGING SYSTEM TEST
This test measures the output voltage of the alternator/ regulator by checking for under or overcharging,
which leads to poor battery performance and short life. If you have not already done so, perform battery
load test and proceed if the battery is good.
Engine should be at normal operating temperature
1. Connect tester clamps to battery as described insteps 1 and2 under Battery Load Test.
2. Turn off all lights and accessories. Operate engine at fast idle (approximately 1500 RPM).
3. Do not operate tester's load switch.
4. Read digital voltage displayed on the model.
5. Turn on high beam lights and the blower / heater on high. The voltage displayed on the model
should not vary more then a decimal point or two.
If the reading stays relatively the same, the charging system is operating correctly. If the reading drops
more than that indicated above, the charging system is not operating correctly.
Trouble shooting hints
Voltage goes low –may be caused by loose belt, defective voltage regulator or defective alternator.
Voltage goes high –may be caused by loose or corroded connections or a defective voltage regulator.

STARTER MOTOR TEST
This test identifies excessive starter current draw, which makes starting the engine more difficult and
shortens battery life. If you have not already done so, perform battery load test and make note of the load
test voltage. If the load test indicated a weak of bad battery, this test is not available.
Engine should be at normal operating temperature
1. Connect tester clamps to battery as described in steps 1 and 2 under Battery Load Test.
2. Using the table below, find the minimum cranking volts. For example, if load voltage is 11.00,
use 9.7 for minimum crankingvoltage.
3. Follow the test vehicle's manufacturer guidelines for performing a cranking test. Information on
how to do this varies from make, model, and manufacturer. Contact the automobile's
manufacturer for specific details.
4. Crank the engine and note the voltage reading during cranking.
5. If cranking voltage if step 3 is below the minimum cranking voltage in "starter test table", the
starter current draw is excessive. This may be due to bad connections or a failing starter motor
or the battery is too small for the vehicle's requirements.
STARTER TEST TABLE
Load Volts
10.2
10.4
10.6
10.8
11.0
11.2
11.4
Min. Cranking Volts
7.7
8.2
8.7
9.2
9.7
10.2
10.6
Note－for an engine of less than 200 CID (Cubic Inch Displacement ) or 3.6L, use the next
minimum cranking volts. For example, a load voltage of 11.00 minimum cranking volts would be
10.2 for an engine with 200 CID/3.6L or less.
HELPFUL HINTS
Selecting proper battery size: Use the battery manufacturer's guide for the recommended CAand
Group # for a particular vehicle model. There are two other battery ratings that should be considered
depending on the climate where is will be used.
1) CAA(Cold Cranking Amps)－Discharge load measured in amps that a fully charged battery at 0
oF can deliver for 30 seconds while maintaining it's voltage above 7.2 volts DC.
2) RC (Reserve Capacity) –Number of minutes a fully charged battery at 80 ℉can be discharged
at 25 amps until thevoltage drops below 10.5 volts DC.
WHY DOES A LEAD-ADID BATTERY GO BAD
Age: Although charging causes the sulfate deposited on the plates to return to the acid, the process is
not perfect. A small amount of sulfate insulating residue remains on the plates of the battery (sulfation).
With each charge / discharge cycle of the battery this residue accumulates. This process eventually
results in diminished electrical conductivity of the plates as well as permanently diluted sulfuric acid and
eventually the battery will no longer maintain a charge.
Premature failure: Acommon cause of premature battery failure is loss of electrolyte due to under hood
heat or overcharging. Other causes, though less common, are deep discharges (leaving your lights on)
using an undersized battery, undercharging, loose alternator belt, or excessive vibration due to loose
hold-down clamp(s). Sometimes it isn't just the sulfation but the occuming mechanical damage that
causes premature failure. Shorted cells, open inter-cell connectors, plate erosion and plate expansion
are examples of mechanical damage causing premature failure.
WHAT IS ABATTERY'S STATE OF CHARGE
A battery's state of charge is the open circuit or unloaded voltage across the positive and negative
terminals. Under unloaded conditions, with no surface charge, a battery displaying 12.7 V or above is
considered to be fully changed whereas a battery displaying 10.5 V or below is considered to be fully
discharged.
BATTERY FACTS
1. Afully charged battery at 0 ℉has only 40% of the cranking power it has at 80 ℉.
2. Battery failures are frequently caused by overcharging.
3.A warm battery charges faster then a cold battery.
4.All batteries self discharge. Maintenance-free batteries self discharge slower.
5.A heavy discharge willnot damage the internal plates, but an overcharge will.
6.A battery left in a state of discharge will sulfate and lose the capacity tostore a charge.
7. Batteries should be stored in the coolest area possible to reduce self-discharge.
8. Afully charged battery freezes at –85 ℉, half-charged at -15℉, and one quartercharged at +15℉.
HELPFUL HINTS
Selecting proper battery size: Use the battery manufacturer's guide for the recommended CA and
Group # for a particular vehicle model. There are two other battery ratings that should be considered
depending on the climate where it will be used.
3) CCA(Cold Cranking Amps) –Discharge load measured in amps that a fully charged battery at o
℉can deliver for 30seconds while maintaining it's voltage above 7.2 volts DC.
4) RC (Reserve Capacity) –Number of minutes a fully charged battery at 80 ℉can be discharged
at 25 amps until thevoltage drops below 10.5 volts DC.
SPECIFICATIONS
Test load:
100 amps ±5% @ 13.2 VDC
Relay stuck closed test time:
1 second
Load operating voltage:
Voltmeter range:
CCA range:
Load testing time:
Bad time:
Weak indicator:
Good indicator:
Over voltage protection cut-off:
Relay closure test delay time:
8.5 to 16.0 VDC
8.0 to 25.0 VDC
150 CCA to 1400 CCA
10 seconds nominal
< 9.1 VDC
9.1 to 10.4 VDC
≥10.4 VDC
17.0 VDC
1 second
Load cycle time:
Accuracy DC volts:
Display:
Operating temperature:
Storage temperature:
Weight:
Dimensions:
Jaw opening:
10 sec on/ min. 60 sec off
±0.1 VDC
LED 3 digits
0 to 55 ℃
- 20 to 70℃
3.5 lbs.
11.25"H×4.25"W×2.5"D
1.25 inches
DISPLAY ERROR CODES
Err –This represents a load relay closure error condition. Having this fault will not allow the model to
apply a load to the battery.A continuous beepwill also alert you to this error condition.
OFF –This represents a load relay open error condition. One second after a battery load test is
completed, the embedded microprocessor performs a test to verify that the load is removed from the
battery. A continuous beep will also alert you to this error condition.