How much should the battery should be displayed on the machine. Car battery voltage - how to measure and judge on them about the state of the battery. Visual interviewing battery

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Modern vehicles may have various species Illumination, music players, televisions and other elements that create a load on the power supply. Insufficient voltage of the car battery does not allow to ensure the full functioning of all devices and devices. In this case, it will not be possible to achieve a comfortable operation of the car.

The main reasons for reducing voltage

The car battery works on the principle of converting chemicals directly into electrical energy. When charging, all the opposite occurs. During the functioning of the device, a current is generated due to the deposition of sulfates on the plates. The concentration of electrolyte decreases, and the internal resistance is simultaneously rising.

Most often, the car battery voltage is lost for the following reasons:

  • aCB resource fully expired;
  • broke the generator;
  • there is a current leak through the wiring;
  • the chain was not designed for a certain load.

The situation can be corrected by almost all cases, if it comes to wear of the device. Normal voltage can be restored even when using an aggregate for several years. The current measurement can not be the basis for evaluation qualitative characteristics Battery.

Indicators in the usual condition

Ideally, the normal voltage of the car battery should not be less than 12.4-12.8 volts. When decreasing indicators, it is not possible to ensure a full operation of the engine, but it can be started with a good generator. However, it is not recommended to continue the operation of such a device, since a large-crystalline sulfate lead can appear on the plates, which leads to a decrease in the battery capacity.

The drop in indicators up to 11.6 volts indicates a complete discharge of the device. Its use in this state is not possible. This will require a special recharging capable of restoring factory standards and get a normal car battery voltage at the output.

Auxiliary table

Knowing how many volts shows the measuring device, it is impossible to find out the degree of wear of the source of electrical power supply. However, to determine the approximate charging percentage is quite real. To do this, you must use the table below.

Indications in Volta.

Charged in percent

Parameters under load

The above indicated a regular car battery voltage without load. However, determine the performance of the battery in such a way as it turned out is impossible. To do this, on the device by means of a special fork, you must give a load twice as high.

The duration of the operating phase should be 4-5 seconds. Voltage should not fall below 9 volts. With a strong drawdown, first of all, the battery should be charged and re-check. The situation will not change if the AKB resource is fully exhausted.

Normal voltage on the car battery when the engine running

The amount of volts is measured and when the motor is running. Under normal conditions, the car battery voltage should vary from 13.5 to 14 V. With a low battery charging, the indicator exceeds the maximum value, since the generator is forced to function in reinforced mode.

In most cases, the increased voltage does not pay some danger. If everything is fine with electrical equipment, then it is 5-10 minutes after starting the engine returns to normal state. The constant increase in the indicators can lead to a rear of the power source, which will repay the electrolyte.

With measurements, there is a reduced car battery voltage. This suggests that the battery does not have time to be fully charged. For testing, it is necessary to gradually include electrical consumers (headlights, music, air conditioning and other devices), producing measurements. With a faulty generator, the indicators will fall by more than 0.2 V.

Influence of winter time

Often the owners of vehicles complain that at minus temperatures, the parameters of the AKB deteriorate. However, this is not quite true. With frosts, the electrolyte density changes, which affects the current generation. However, with a sufficient charge of the battery, nothing threatens. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove it in the cold season and put into heat at all.

Removing indicators with special devices

The above is theoretical information that allows you to familiarize yourself with the main standards. However, it is also necessary to know how to measure the car battery voltage. Special devices must be used to remove indicators that are connected directly to the battery terminals. The test is recommended to be carried out at an electrolyte temperature of 25 degrees.

When measuring without load, a tester is usually applied. It selects a certain mode of operation. Red contact is connected to the positive pole conclusion, and black to the minus. The display should appear the current value.

Indications in the closed chain allows you to fix the load plug. It imitates the situation with the start of the engine, measuring the working voltage in such conditions. The measuring device is connected to releases by the same scheme. The battery is fed for 5 seconds.

additional information

Checking even the voltage of the new car battery after long-term operation. With a poorly running generator, it can gradually discharge, which means that the testimony of the voltmeter can be much lower than the norm. To restore permissible values, recharging will be required.

It is not recommended to perform measurements by means of on-board PCs because final result will have a significant error, which is explained by the specific connection of the device to the network. Approximate data to identify problems should not be used.

Comprehensive check rechargeable battery It must be carried out regularly. If the vehicle is not operated for several days, and the measuring instrument showed a significant reduction in voltage, the service life of the power supply expires.

Features of battery life

So that the car battery voltage is normal for a long time, specific rules should be followed.

  1. Immediately before starting the engine, it is necessary to disable electricity consumers. The load at one attempt should not exceed the interval for 5-10 seconds. If from the fourth or fifth times the motor does not start, then the ignition and fuel ignition system should be diagnosed.
  2. Periodically, it is required to check the integrity of the car's wiring. Available current leaks in chains lead to quick discharge of AKB, which means that the loss of operating voltage. Measurement of electricity loss should be made at maintenance stations.
  3. With urban ride in winter timeWhen the engine works on small revolutions, and there are quite a lot of consumers, it is desirable to recharge the battery using stationary chargers. In this case, the power supply device will serve longer, producing the required current.
  4. The battery must be kept clean, especially the places near the pole conclusions. It is recommended to wipe the rag, which is moistened in the solcinated soda solution. You can also use an ammonia mixture.

Rules of recharging AKB

The battery must be charged in a timely manner to the voltage during operation vehicle It was optimal. When implementing this event, it is necessary to adhere to a number of rules.

  1. Charging should be made at a temperature mode more than 0 degrees.
  2. Before connecting to the electrical network, the filler plugs are unscrewed and left in the seating holes.
  3. It is necessary to use a device capable of providing 16 volts voltage.
  4. Shooting the plugs should not be twisted within 20 minutes after the charge is completed so that the accumulated gases can freely exit outside.
  5. The room must have a supply and exhaust ventilation.
  6. Criterion for completing the charge will be the achievement of optimal voltage or density of 1.27 g / cube. cm.
  7. The temperature of the electrolyte inside the device connected to the network should not exceed 45 degrees.
  8. Current measurements are recommended 8 hours after charging.
  9. If there is an indicator, then the time of turning off the device is determined by it.

Final part

Each driver will not interfere with learning information about what should be the voltage on the car battery. With its help, he will be able to unmistakably determine the level of charge and operating abilities of the battery. Measurements should be carried out, both in static and dynamic mode using the aforementioned devices. If necessary, the power supply should be charged with the basic rules.

The only source of current at the start of the car is the rechargeable battery. With it, the engine is started, which in turn starts the generator. From this point on, the AKB ceases to be a source of current and becomes its consumer. During the operation of the motor, the stress charged car battery Rises and comes back.

However, during frequent short movements, the battery does not have time to charge, there is a constant and regular decline in charge. In this case, you need to restore the current level using external devices. Consider, to what level it is done, and how much time goes to such a process.

Most situations in which automotive AKB It turns out to be discharged, happened by the fault of the drivers. Less the reason lies in structural features or factory marriage. The battery often reduces its charge if the generator belt is an insufficient level of tension. Due to this, the belt slippage occurs and the generator is not effective.

The same problem arises with a loosely closed door or unlock to the end of the trunk. Wine in this case will serve working light bulbs. For a few hours, they are capable of significantly lowering the level of charge.

Normal parameters for batteries

There are a number of parameters that must match the normally working battery. Consider, to what voltage can be discharged by a car battery, but it is necessary to know that too much the level of discharge contributes to the impact of the characteristics of the AKB.

The battery is considered workable with such indicators:

  • with open chain - 12.6-12.8 V.;
  • with a running motor included "Far Light" and revolutions about 1500 rpm - 13.8-14.2 B.;
  • on the serviced batteries, the density of electrolyte at +20 C will be 1.28 g / ml.

There are also indicators in which the voltage in the battery is required:

  • with the terminals of the charge voltage of the car battery less 12.6 V.;
  • the electrolyte density in the serviced battery is significantly lower. 1.26 g / ml;
  • the difference in density between banks AKB is more 0.2 g / ml.

The level of electrolyte density is measured under normal conditions, which are characterized by atmospheric pressure of 760 mm R.S. and +20 C. At negative temperatures it is desirable to increase the density of this fluid. A normal parameter for -20 C is the density of 1.4 g / ml, since 1.2 g / ml in such conditions begins to freeze.

Proper charging battery

If a voltmeter or multimeter shows the minimum voltage of the automotive battery, then carry out recharging. For this operation, you need to adjust the charging unit for the current voltage in the range from 0.05 to 0.1 numeric value of the container. Accordingly, AMPERAZH 2,75-5.5 A. The most gentle mode will be used for ACB 55 AC.

The output voltage for this operation should be at the level of 14.4-14.6 V. It is desirable that the device can be able to install a static value. With full discharge battery with a capacity of 55 Ah, it is necessary to withstand 10 hours with a current of 5.5 A.

A sign of the end of this procedure can be the invariability of voltage at terminals within 1-2 hours after setting the specified parameters.

Lightweight signs of boiling with small gas formation are also possible. On automated chargers, shutdown occurs in automatic mode. In the same way, current flow and voltage is adjusted.

Safety regulations

It is necessary to know that the basis for the electrolyte is acid, so it is necessary to handle the battery. It is necessary to avoid falling fluid to hand, while protecting the skin with rubber gloves.

During boiling inside the battery, poisonous gases are distinguished. Inhale it is impossible, so the charging process is desirable to organize indoors with good ventilation, preferably forced. It is also possible to release explosive hydrogen, so it is necessary to exclude the use of open fire and sparking. Do not leave homemade charging devices unattended for a long time.

Closer to the end of the autumn, motorists often occur the question of high-quality battery charging. How to do this to achieve the best result?

Lead batteries are charged from the source of "straightened" (permanent) current. To do this, any device is suitable for adjusting the current or charging voltage, provided that it provides an increase in the charging voltage to 16.0-16.5 volts. Otherwise, to charge the modern 12-volt battery completely, up to 100 percent of its container will not be possible.

To charge, the positive output of the charger is connected to the battery terminal (+), and the negative conclusion with the terminal (-).

There are two charging modes: current invariating mode and voltage immutability mode. In its influence on the life expectancy of the battery, these modes are equivalent.

Charging in current invariating mode.

The battery is charging at a current, the force of which is one tenth of rated tank With a twenty-hour discharge. That is, for a battery having a capacity of 60 a / h (ampere per hour), you need a charging current 6a. The disadvantage of this charging mode is necessary to be repeated (every 1-2 hours) monitoring the values \u200b\u200bof the current and its regulation, as well as the strong separation of gases at the end of the process.

In order to reduce gas evolving and ensure more complete battery charges, it is useful to apply a gradual reduction in current strength as the charge voltage increases. When the voltage reaches the value of 14.4 volts, the charge current must be reduced halfway to 3 amps (for a battery, with a capacity of 60 a / h) and continue charging until gasmaking begins.

In modern batteries that are not equipped with holes for taking water, after increasing the charging voltage to 15 volts, it is useful to once again reduce the charging current by half - to 1.5 amps (for a battery, with a capacity of 60 a / h).

At the so-called non-servant batteries The state of complete charge occurs when the voltage value is 16.3-16.4 volts (the difference depends on the quality of the electrolyte and the composition of alloys, of which lattices are made).

Charging in voltage unchanged mode.

When using this method, the battery charge rate at the end of the process depends on the value of the charging voltage issued by the charger. So after a continuous 24-hour charging at a voltage value of 14.4 volts, a 12-volt battery will be charged to 75-85% of its container, with a voltage value of 15 volts - up to 85-90%, and at 16 volts - up to 95-97 %. Fully for 20-24 hours. The battery is charging when the voltages are 16.3-16.4 volts.

Depending on the capacity and internal resistance of the battery at the time of the start of charging, the force passing through it can exceed 50 amps. Therefore, in order to avoid its failure, the maximum current limit is provided in charge devices to 20-25 amps.

In the process of charging, the voltage on the battery terminals gradually reaches the voltage value of the charger, and the charge current is reduced almost to zero (provided that the charging voltage is less than the voltage at which gases begins). Thus, charging can be carried out without constant attention of a person. An indicator of the end of charging here is the increase in the voltage at the battery terminals to 14.3-14.5 volts. At this time, a green light signal is turned on, showing the moment of achieving the required voltage and the end of the charging process.

In practice for normal charging (up to 90-95% capacity) of the maintenance-free batteries with modern chargers With a maximum voltage of 14.4-14.5 volts, it is usually required time more than 24 hours.

Charging the battery on the car.

On the car, the battery is recharged in the constant voltage mode during engine operation. By agreement with battery manufacturers, automakers are installed in the generators, charging voltage 13.8-14.3 volts - less than the voltage at which there is an intensive gas form.

When the air temperature decreases, the internal resistance of the battery increases, which is why the effectiveness of its charging in the voltage unchanged mode is reduced. For this reason, the battery on the car can not be charged completely not always, and in winter, at a voltage on terminals, 13.9-14.3 volts and the included long-mounted lights charges, the battery does not exceed 70-75%. In connection with this winter, under conditions of low temperatures, small distances of the car's mileage and frequent cold engine launches, it is useful at least once a month to charge the battery indoor using a charger.

Electrolyte density control.

In the just charged battery, the electrolyte density rate in each bank should be within 1.27-1.29 g / cm 3. As the charge consumes, the density is gradually decreasing in the battery discharged by half, is 1.19-1.21 g / cm 3. With full discharge, the electrolyte density reaches 1.09-1.11 g / cm 3.

In a normal charged battery that does not have internal short circuits, the electrolyte density indicator in all banks is about the same with the discrepancy of not more than 0.02 g / cm 3. In the occurrence of internal closure in any of the cans the electrolyte density in it will be lower than in The rest, by 0.10-0.15 g / cm 3.

The density of the electrolyte and other liquids is measured by the device called the areometer. For different fluids The areaometer has interchangeable densitometers (from the Latin word Densum - density, density, viscosity).

During the measurement of the density of the area, if possible, it is necessary to keep so that the float does not touch the wall of the tube. Along with this, the temperature of the electrolyte is measured, and the density is calculated from the calculation that its cellper is + 25 ° C. To do this, the accusation of the area increases or decreases to the value, which is taken from the table, driven in the corresponding special pattern.

Climate and season when measuring
Electrolyte density
Density (g / cm 3)
Battle. charged Battle. Descessable
25% by 50%
Very cold (temperature in January from -50 ° C to -30 ° C) WINTER 1,30 1,26 1,22
SUMMER 1,28 1,24 1,20
Cold (temperature in January from -30 ° C to -15 ° C) 1,28 1,24 1,20
Moderate (temperature in January from -15 ° C to -8 ° C) 1,28 1,24 1,20
Warm wet (Temperature in January from 0 ° C to + 4 ° C) 1,23 1,19 1,15
Hot dry (temperature in January from -15 ° C to + 4 ° C) 1,23 1,19 1,15

If the operating cycle voltage on the battery is less than 12.6 volts, and the electrolyte density is less than 1.24 g / cm 3, check the voltage on the terminals when the engine is running and put the battery for charging.

Regularly performing these uncomplicated actions, you can achieve a long-term and trouble-free operation of the battery at any time of the year.

In this article we will tell about normal voltage on the battery when different conditions. But first, we suggest to figure out, and what does the voltage on the battery affect the battery?

It affects directly on the engine start. If the voltages are enough, the engine will start easily, but in the opposite case, you can hear the sluggish rotation of the engine starter, but the start will not happen. It is worth noting that on some cars a restriction on charging the battery is set, i.e. If it is less than a certain value, the starter will not even start rotating.

To avoid such situations, let's look at the amount normal voltage On the car battery.

Normal battery voltage is the value: 12.6 V

Excellent, we know the figure, and how and what to measure it? There are several devices for this purpose:

  • Voltmeter;
  • Multimeter (read on our portal :);
  • Load plug (more,).

What voltage should be on the battery after charging?

By and large, it should be normal, i.e. 12.6-12.7 volts, but there is one nuance here. The fact is that immediately after charging (in the first hour), the measuring instruments can show the voltage to 13.4 V. But such a voltage will last no more than 30-60 minutes and then return to normal.

Output: After charging, the voltage should be normal 12.6-12.7 V, but temporarily can be increased to 13.4 V.

That if the voltage of AKB is less than 12V

If the voltage level dropped below 12 volts, then this means that the battery is discharged more than half. Below, we give the approximate table at which you can determine the charging of your battery.

  • from 12.4 V - from 90 to 100% charge;
  • from 12 to 12.4 V - from 50 to 90%;
  • from 11 to 12 V - from 20 to 50%;
  • less than 11 V - up to 20%.

Voltage on the battery when the engine running

In this case, if the engine is running, the battery is charged using the generator and, in this case, it may increase to 13.5-14 V.

Reduced voltage on the battery in winter

History is familiar with everyone when many cars can not get started in a fairly heavy frost. All wine frozen and most likely an old battery. The fact is that car batteries There is such a characteristic as density, it affects how well the battery keeps the charge.

Accordingly, if the density falls (this is how frost contributes), then the battery charge falls together with it, thereby not allowing the engine to start. The battery requires either heating or re-charging.

With new batteries, this usually does not occur.

It is worth noting that the battery is able to restore their voltage over time, but under certain conditions: if the battery has been discharged with high short-term loads (you have twisted the starter and tried to start). In this case, if you give the battery to stand and recover, then most likely you will have enough for a couple more attempts to start the engine.

Club motorists

What do the tension and current say

How to check - many know how should be known to everyone.

Vasily Sinkevich, Valery Kirsanov, SKB "Camerton" (Minsk)

Nowadays check-diagnostics electrical systems The car is not only in a solid car service, but in many small workshops are increasingly conducted by special automatic instruments. The design of them (as well as the price) depends on the number and accuracy of the measured parameters. For motorists, the simplest devices measuring voltage, current, electrical resistance, as well as the frequency of rotation are also intended. crankshaft. Almost everyone who is driving is capable of performing these measurements, but what the data they say, not everyone knows.

Consider the diagnosis of car power supply units - batteries and generator. To estimate the status of the battery, connect the autootester to its conclusions (you can use an ordinary tester-autometr). For all cars, the voltage on the battery without load (that is, without working consumers) should be an average of 12.6 V. If it is less, the battery is partially discharged or faulty, and therefore it will rotate the starter slower. The degree of discharge can be judged by the above table.

At the service capacity of the battery is estimated by load plug. It is simpler to put, a set of resistance (shunts) connected to the battery.

Measuring voltage voltmeter autotester, it is possible as a load to include overall lights and far light. The discharge current with such a load (checked repeatedly) will be 5-6 A. If the voltage does not fall below 11.5 V, the battery is in order.

The voltage on the battery terminals when starting the engine, the starter should not fall below 9.5 V. Otherwise the starter is defective (consumes a lot of energy). At the same time, than he's older, the stronger all its contacts are the brushes, relays, etc. In some cases, due to this, the starting current can reach a huge amount - 150-200 A.

By the way, about measuring the current. Usually for this, the ammeter includes a chain break. In the car, break the chains is undesirable, and not all devices will be able to fix such greater values \u200b\u200bas when the engine starts. MotorTests are used by special, not requiring the chain breaking sensors. They use the effect of changing the magnetic field strength when the current is passed. Such measurements do not interfere with the insulation of wires.

We continue checking. Pushing the engine, control the voltage at the outputs of the battery and the charge current. Two more important components of the electrical equipment of the vehicle are included in the work - the voltage regulator and the voltage relay. After a few seconds, after starting, the voltage at the outputs rises above 12.6 V. The generator begins to charge the battery. We increase engine speeds up to 2000 per minute and control the charge voltage. Normal value - from 13.8 to 14.5 V.

The operation of the generator under load can be estimated by including headlights. The voltage should be higher than 13.8 V. If it is below (12.6-13 V), it is necessary to check the tension of the generator drive belt. The cause of the low voltage can be the defects of the generator itself. But if it works properly, then look for the cause in the relay regulator. In old mechanical relays, the voltage can be raised by adjusting its lower level. In modern electronic adjustment It is impossible, so you need to check the reliability of their contacts with the chain. They are in order - it means faulty relays.

If the voltage, overcoming the frontier of 14.5 V, continues to grow, then adjust the electromechanical relay or replace the electronic.

The charge current after starting the engine is usually 6-10 A and as the engine and the battery charge drops when the consumers are turned off to zero.

We estimate the voltage at other points of electrical equipment. The difference between the voltage measured on the battery and the voltage between its "minus" and the "battery" (network) contact on the ignition coil will prompt about losses in the chain riding from the battery to the coil. They should be minimal - not higher than 1 V. If the car has a coil, which does not have a ballast resistor (additional resistance as in the "Muscovite" of the former models, and) or if the resistor is connected from the side of the battery and the difference is more than 1 B, the reason should be sought in The reliability of the contacts of wires with devices, first of all - in the ignition lock. It would seem like a trifle, and because because of it, in the secondary winding, the ignition coil will produce high voltage less than the nominal value. This will lead to a decrease in the energy of the spark and, as a result, to reduce the power characteristics of the engine.

In coils with a ballast resistor (on the output after a ballast resistor), the voltage must be within 5-9 V. With poor contacts in the supply wires or faults of the resistor, the voltage may be less than 5 V. If it is higher than 9 V, then may have happened Short closure of ballast resistor.

Measuring the voltage between the "minus" of the battery and the contact of the ignition coil, which is connected to the interrupter, we can estimate the degree of cleanliness of the interrupter's contacts in our old classic car models. In mechanical interrupters, it should be paid to this when the voltage value is greater than 0.3 values \u200b\u200bif the contacts are in order, it is necessary to check the reliability of the connection of the reference board inside the interrupter with the "mass". Possible cause Increased voltage can also be an unreliable interrupter connection with a "mass" or a condenser malfunction.

So, performing measurements of just three points of electrical equipment of the car, you can evaluate the operation of current sources.

The dependence of the voltage at the outputs of the battery on the degree of its discharge

Battery voltage - 12.6 12.0 11.6 11.3 10.5

battery, in

Degree of discharge,% 0 25 50 75 99

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