How to check the car battery multimeter. How to check the battery multimeter, load fork and other devices? What to check when buying a battery

Verification method without instruments

Modern maintenanceable batteries are available with built-in indicators or self-diagnostic system. The state of such ankb is easy to determine by reading the instructions. How to check the service of the car battery, if you have a simple unit and missing the necessary devices?

• Spend an external inspection as described above.
• Eliminate contamination and secure the terminals tightly.
• Not a winding engine, turn on everything light devices by car.
• If in five minutes the brightness of the glow of the headlight will not change, then the battery is in good condition.

Also, any driver knows how difficult it is to start the engine with a faulty or discharged battery.

Now you know how to check the battery for performance. Do not charge and measure the measurements on frozen batteries. Correct your battery correctly, and it will last long.

Video on how to check the condition of the car battery

All rechargeable batteries (AKB) are discharged or come to unsuitability. So that the malfunction does not find you surprise, you need to periodically check the battery. In addition, there are several verification methods. Learn more about how to check the car battery, and it will be discussed in this article.

The battery plays an important role in the work of the car, being one of the main elements of electrical equipment. ACB acts as a current source when disabled Engine. The task of the battery consists in performing several functions, including:

• current supply to starter during car startup;
• nutrition of all electrical appliances with a non-working engine;
• power supply of all electrical appliances together with the generator with the engine running.

On a note! The joint work of the AKB with the generator allows you to provide transient processes that require a large amount of current. In addition, when working in an electric network of a car, a current ripple smoothing.

Principle of operation rechargeable battery Quite simple. Charged particles in the battery start moving after connecting to the load. This leads to the formation of the current. During the charging of the battery from the charger (memory) or generator, the particles begin to move in the opposite direction. This is due to the fact that the charge voltage exceeds the battery voltage, that is, its nominal value.

Signs of battery malfunction

The fact that you sat or broke a battery may indicate some signs, including:

• the engine began to start very sluggish (the starter turns badly). As a rule, this indicates a low battery charge, which is not enough for ignition fuel mixes, since the spark is rather weak;
• battery charge lacks for a long time. Most often with such a problem, motorists are faced in winter timeWhen a fully charged battery is enough for several engine launches. The rapid decline in the charge of the battery is often indicative insufficient level electrolyte.

It is impossible to ignore these signs, since the battery may fail at the most inappropriate time, for example, somewhere far beyond the city. Therefore, at the first signs faulty work Akb must be diagnosed immediately.

Common reasons

The reasons for incorrect operation of the AKB may be much. Consider the most common of them:

• inattention driver. Often, drivers leave their cars with electrical devices included (radio, indicators, light bulbs), which is why the battery is quickly discharged;
• poor device maintenance. If you do not spend periodic cleaning of the battery terminals, the risk of breakage increases. It can also reduce the service life;
• long use. All parts of the car have service life. This also applies to the battery. After the warranty period of operation of the AKB will end, it may arise various processes (sulfate, oxidation, etc.);
• low quality electrical wiring. If a low-quality wiring was installed on the car, then over time, it may rot and sway, which causes a short circuit or the discharge of the battery;
• errors when connecting electrical appliances. It may worsen the operation of the battery and lead to shortening the duration of its service;
• bad operation of the generator. If the generator is defective, then during engine operation, it will not charge the battery normally. To eliminate a malfunction, it is necessary to diagnose.

In most cases, the battery malfunction can be warned. To do this, it is necessary to carry out a timely and repair your cars only in high-quality workshops.

Methods of checking battery

Check the status of the battery can be different methods, among which is diagnostics using a loader, multimeter, charger. Also during the verification process, an external inspection of the battery and the electrolyte check is carried out. Now consider each of the methods separately.

Visual inspection

External inspection is the first thing to do during checking the car battery. At this stage, you can reveal mechanical damage to the case, the oxidation of the terminals or contamination of the surface of the AKB. Specialists recommend pursuing such a check regularly, since the cleanliness of the battery can also affect its operation. The inspection procedure does not take much time with you, so it can be done every time you raise the hood.

On a note! Special attention When inspection, you must pay the battery terminals. A poor connection in these places can cause active oxidation. Inspect also the accommodation case for mechanical damage, for example, cracks.

If you have discovered dust, dirt or oil on the surface of the battery - remove them with a vet. Without regular cleaning, the device will gradually lose charge due to the formation of a conductive plaque. This will lead to a deterioration in the performance of the AKB. It will not be superfluous to check the reliability of fasteners.

Checking the load plug

Step 1. Remove the lid with the plus terminal of the battery. It can be done by hand without using any tools.

Step 2. Connect the plus wire of the load plug to the positive terminal of the battery (the one you are denied). As a rule, on the device, the plus wire is painted in red.

Step 3. Connect the minor wire of the loader to the minus terminal of the rechargeable battery.

Step 4. Connect the tip of the device (pin) to the plus terminal of the AKB. It should be extremely careful, since the metal pin during operation can be very hot.

Step 5. Check the voltage meter reading. If the rechargeable battery is in good condition, the voltage should be from 12.4 to 12.7 volts. Upon completion of the procedure, you need to install the lid back to the positive terminal.

Checking the density of electrolyte

Checking the electrolyte in the battery is another diagnostic method. To do this, you need to disconnect the terminals from it and put the battery on the smooth surface. Then unscrew all the capacitance covers for the electrolyte and look inside. Under normal circumstances, the fluid level should be slightly above the edge of the lead plates (about 10 mm).

To carry out more accurate measurement, use the areometer or a special graduated tube that you need to put inside the battery until the bottom. After that, close the tube on your finger and pull out the tube to measure the electrolyte level. The norm in this case is 10-15 mm. It is much easier to check with the help of the area. To do this, simply take the electrolyte sample (you can do absolutely from any bank). If everything is in order and the battery is fully proper, the device must show a value in the region of 1.28 g / cm3. The recommended replacement frequency is 1-2 times a year.

Using a multimeter

First you need to deal with what a multimeter is. This is a special device used to measure the voltage. If you do not have such an appliance, it can be borrowed from familiar or neighbors. It is worth noting that the multimeter is not expensive, so if you are planning to independently repair electrical equipment on your car, then you come in handy. It is best for this purpose a digital multimeter is suitable - it is more practical. So, proceed to check.

Step 1. First you need to drown out the car and turn off the ignition.

Step 2. Remove the lid with the plus terminal of the battery. Check and clean the mud terminals if there is a need.

Step 3. Connect the plus key of the multimeter to the plus terminal of the battery. As noted earlier, the positive output on the voltmeter is usually red.

Step 4. Connect a minus multimeter wire to a negative battery terminal.

Step 5. Check the readings of the multimeter. If your battery is in good condition, the voltage should be from 12.4 to 12.7 volts. The reading is less than 12.4 volts means that the battery needs recharging.

If the readings exceed 12.9 volts, then in this battery excess voltage. Turn on the headlights and other electrical appliances to eliminate excessive surface voltage charge. As a rule, excess voltage suggests that the car generator is overloaded with the battery. After completing the procedure, set the terminal cover back.

Using a charger

If you have in your garage charger With a digital scoreboard, you can check the battery charge level without using a voltmeter. The procedure is not complicated, each can cope with it. The main rule of such an inspection - the memory should not be connected to the outlet, as this may affect the instrument readings.

To check the battery, you need to connect the charger to its terminals. Accordingly, the plus wire connects to the plus terminal, and the minus one is to minus. After that, turn on the device by pressing the special button on its enclosure. This will start checking, after which read the results obtained.

Checking the battery without special devices

you can check car battery And without the use of various devices. Many manufacturers are installed on batteries Special sensors indicating the charge level. If you do not know how to use such a sensor - check out the instructions. Often, manufacturers place the necessary information to the AcB housing itself.

Another test method - with headlights. Turn on the close light on the cold (cooled) car for 5 minutes and follow the light. Throughout this time, the brightness should not disappear. If the light is still flexible, then this usually speaks of a battery malfunction. The same test, but using sound signal Instead of light headlights. Turn on the ignition and wait 1 minute. After that, snag alarm several times - if the sound is loud, then everything is fine, if quiet, then you need to recharge the battery.

Important! If during the verification process the battery is greatly heated (for this check it onto the touch), then it can be used further to be dangerous for the driver's health. The fact is that the fast heating battery can explode. In this case, it is better not to risk and buy a new battery.

As a conclusion

After reading the instructions, you know how to check the car battery for goodness and that it may be needed for this. But to avoid various malfunctions of the AKB, you need to comply with some recommendations for care and operation:

• regularly diagnose electrical wiring, generator and other onboard network elements;
• follow the level of electrolyte and its density;
• periodically, charging the battery with the help of the memory (every 3 months);
• support the battery clean, regularly remove the accumulated dust, dirt, remnants of electrolyte and oil;
• clean the oxidized battery terminals, processing them after that with a special lubricant, which is used for electrical contacts.

We hope that our article was useful for you, dear motorists, and you have stressed something new for yourself. If you have wishes or additions, then you can leave them below in the comments.

Video - Car Battery Performance Check

Each car owner is sooner or later there are problems with the battery. After a short service life, the battery ceases to perform its functions at the proper level. The reason can be a factory marriage or improper operation of the AKB. In any case, you need to check the battery for performance.

Applying several simple waysYou can determine the status of the battery and understand how long it will still serve. But before checking it, check out the signs of faults and the reasons leading to a reduction in battery performance.

Signs of malfunction of AKB

There are two brightest features of the bush battery. If you see at least one of them, do not ignore, but try to first find out the causes of the problem. With a decrease in functionality, the following features are observed in the operation of the battery:

1. Starter sluggish turns the engine. This may be a sign of the seal battery. Due to the low charge, the motor scrolls with difficulty and a weak spark lacks to set fire to the fuel mixture.
2. The battery began to quickly discharge. It is especially noticeable in winterWhen the charge is enough for only a few starts of the engine. The causal battery power loss can be a low electrolyte level.

Causes of accumulator performance

1. Bad charging. The generator generates a weak current and cannot be fully charged. To eliminate this problem, you need to contact maintenance.
2. Electrical equipment. Incorrectly connecting the electrical appliances of the car makes it difficult to work acb and shortens its service life.
3. Poor-quality wiring. Machines over time appear with electrical wiring problems. In some places, the wires are wiping or rotated, which leads to a closure and discharge of the battery.
4. Long exploitation. Each device has its own service life, batteries are no exception. After the completion of the guaranteed period of operation in the battery, chemical and physical processes begin: oxidation, sulfate, damage.
5. Poor maintenance of the battery. The lack of periodic observation and cleaning the battery leads to its breakdown or shortening the performance. With proper and high-quality care, the battery will last without breakdown longer.
6. Inattention. Drivers After leaving the machine often leave electrical devices in working condition, such as: light bulbs, indicators, or radio. In the cold season, non-test electrical appliances quickly discharge the battery.

A well-charged battery issues a voltage that matches the documents on it. In most cases, the numbers vary from 12.5 to 12.8 volts, with complete charge.

Some manufacturers assure that voltage in their batteries above 13 V. If you measure the measurement immediately after the battery charge, the numbers can be equal to or exceed 13 volts, but these data are false.

After complete charging, the voltage in the battery exceeds the norms. This is due to the properties of the electrolyte. To obtain accurate data, measure 2 hours after charging the battery.

Instruction:

1. Turn on the multimeter to DC mode.
2. Install the red probe into the current measurement socket in the range from 10a to 20a.
3. Touch your bus terminals.
4. The contact time of the multimeter with the battery should not exceed 2 seconds, otherwise the battery can be spoiled.
5. Check the obtained readings with the data specified in the battery documents.

Checking the battery under load

After measuring the voltage by a multimeter for full diagnostics, you need to check the battery life under load. Measurement is carried out by a special device (load fork). This device consists of a voltmeter connected to it, load helix and clamp.

Instruction
Connect the clip to the minus battery, and touches the plus terminal. Retrieve the device in this position for five seconds, and remember the last result on the Voltmeter scale. If the voltage is 9 volts, then the battery is working - they can be used.

Checking the level of electrolyte

For the correct operation of the battery in it there must be a certain amount of fluid. On some models, AKB has marks through which the electrolyte level can be seen: the top (maximum volume), and the lower (minimum volume). If there are no such labels, unscrew the filler plugs and see the level through them.

Instruction

1. The normal level is considered when the electrolyte covers the plates by about 15 mm. For measurement accuracy, you can use the tube with a diameter of 3 mm. Immerse it in the electrolyte, supervised in the plate, and then pull out and see how many millimeters of the fluid level.
2. With an insufficient amount of electrolyte, the plates look like. If you do not even take anything urgently, they dry and destroy - the result: the failure of the entire battery. To increase the level of electrolyte, the fraction of distilled water and charge the battery.

Low density of fluid in the battery as well as its disadvantage affects the level of charge. Water evaporation occurs due to long use or improper charging. To avoid a similar situation, it is necessary to test the electrolyte density once every 3 months.

Measurements are made using a special device (range). The density of the electrolyte in the hot season is always greater than the norm. To obtain an accurate result, measure at air temperature not more than 25 degrees Celsius.

Instruction

1. Remove all battery plug-ins. Then insert the range into each hole, sucking the electrolyte. With a good density, the float will pop up to the green zone of the scale and show the result from 1.26 to 1.30 g / cm3. Remember or write these samples from each hole. If the float drowned to a white or red scale zone, then you need to increase the density.
2. To increase the density, simply charge the battery. In a more serious situation, it is necessary to prepare a new electrolyte (a mixture of water and sulfuric acid). Roll down the old battery electrolyte and fill the new one. At the end, put the battery for charging - there must be no less than a day.

How to extend battery life

Any device can serve much longer if you follow it and serve it in time. For this you need to perform the following actions:

1. Check that the battery is well fixed in its place. Otherwise, microcracks may appear through which the electrolyte will be poured.
2. Once every three months check the level of electrolyte and density.
3. Do not allow complete battery discharge.
4. Take care of the battery from finding in the cold - in the winter, put it in the house.
5. Watch out for the cleanliness of the ventilation holes. If they are clogged, the evaporation remains in the tank, and the battery can burst.

A good battery can serve qualitatively for several years. Follow it and periodically check for performance. For the careful attitude, the battery thanks you a long service life.

Video: How to check the car battery

When operating a car, it may be necessary to evaluate the efficiency of the old battery (AKB) or check new battery at the time of buying. This will allow you to purchase a good battery and properly operation To achieve a significant increase in the service life of the device.

Check process

To avoid problems in winter and be confident in the serviceability of the battery, you need to check the car battery when buying in several points.

The main stages of the study:

1. External inspection of the battery.
2. Check the level of electrolyte and its density for served models.
3. Multimeter.
4. Check loading fork.

Before buying a new Akb, it is necessary to inspect it and check whether there is no damage to the body, chips or cracks that could be formed during transportation. If there are defects, it is impossible to buy the battery. Vibration during operation can quickly output a car battery. Then appreciate the following parameters:

1. Date of issue. If the battery has been kept for a long time, the plates could crumble: such an installation will last long. The deadline for storage is two years.
2. Voltage on terminals. It should be at least 12.6 V. If the voltmeter shows less than 12 V, then the battery is either discharged or faulty.
3. Fill out a warranty card. Otherwise, the breakdown will have to pay for the driver.

Stress measurement on terminals is not enough. To check the battery when buying, you need to use the load fork. It consists of a voltmeter and connected to it parallel to load resistance. The plug allows you to check the battery when purchasing and when evaluating the performance of the device operated.

To check, you need to connect the plug with the observance of polarity and measure the voltage without load. It must be 12, 5-13 B. The load is connected for 5 seconds. At the end of this time cut, the voltage with a fully charged battery should not fall below 10.2 V.

With great drawdown to 6-7 V, we can talk about the malfunction of the battery. If the voltage under load drops to 9.6 V and then restored, the battery is discharged and it should be charged.

Measurement when running engine

With the engineered engine, the multimeter should show from 13.5 to 14.0 V. Voltage, more than 14.2 B shows a low charge of the battery, the generator operation mode is enhanced. If after 5-10 minutes the situation is aligned, then with the electrician everything is in order.

If the voltage does not descend to normal, the electrolyte boosts can occur. Voltage 13.0-13.4 V with an engineered engine and turned off the consumers of energy (heating, headlights, radio) indicates that the battery does not fully charge.

If the multimeter shows less than 13 V, then this means that the generator does not charge the battery. With all the included consumers, the voltage should not be less than 12.8-13.0 V. If it is less, the battery needs to be changed.

The charge level of the ACB indicates its ability to keep tension for a certain period. With a complete battery charging, even after idle time, the voltage will not fall much. If the battery is discharged, the charge will shorten for a short time.

Battery categories

All batteries are divided into three types: serviced, low-service and non-maintenance.

Before the purchase need to figure out which type of battery is necessary:

You need to buy a battery of such a container that is listed in the car instructions. It is allowed to choose a slightly large container. This will help the car easier to start in winter conditions.

Better to acquire batteries in specialized stores. There is always done when buying. The goods in such stores are certified, and if marriage will be replaced. Now the most common accumulators are low-service. They have a long service life and good ratio between price and quality.

The ease of operation of the car is depends on the condition of the battery - a reliable engine factory, good light, comfort in the cabin. Car owners hope for her impeccable work, but it happens, she will fail. How to avoid such a situation, the article will tell.

1 Battery Check - Fault Warning

Check the battery on time and correctly - it means to be sure that he will not let down. After all, the situation when the battery suddenly ceases to work is extremely unpleasant. Polwy, if this happened in the garage, you can be charged. But if it happened on the road, they no longer envy. Most motorists go until the battery turns, and then buy a new one. Timely care can significantly extend his life and help to avoid unpleasant situations.

The performance of the battery is influenced except natural aging, and other factors. Engine operation mode, the state of electrical equipment is affected and in the state of the battery. A number of reasons can lead to short-lasting or reloading. The battery is not shifted when the car uses, moving to short distances. Included in winter heating, the heating fan can also be caused by shortness. A faulty voltage regulator with a small current does not allow the battery capabilities of a normal charge when driving.

The systematic underwear of the automotive battery leads to sulfation of plates, which after falling the container leads to a short circuit and failure of the battery.

Constantly rechargeable battery is also not a long-liver. Reload appears, most often due to a voltage regulator fault. It gives an increased charging current, the electrolyte begins to boil. IN maintenance free battery Water rolls out, the plates are taken off, their deformation passes. In other batches, they crumble. As a result, the battery becomes unequipable. Also, the cause of the recharge can be long-term protracted trips when the engine is constantly working on increased revs.

To increase the service life of the non-shower equipment, we recommend periodically checking the battery, adhering to such a sequence:

• inspect the condition of the terminals, appearance;
• check the electrolyte: level state and density;
• measure Volta on Terms;
• check by its load fork.

2 External inspection - use any convenient case.

Take yourself as a rule: raised the hood of the car - inspect the battery. It takes a little time, and the benefit can be big. The dirty surface becomes the reason for the self-discharge. Dirt is not only slipping dust. When operating on the cover, the electrolyte falls into a liquid state of vapors. If you add oxidized terminals to a dirty battery, current leakage, do not recharge on time - the battery discharge is provided. Frequent and deep discharges threaten sulfate plate.

It can be possible to determine that the dirty surface leads to a self-discharge. We connect the voltmeter with one probe to the terminal, and the other spend on the battery lid. We see that the instrument shows the presence of some voltage. Dirt, electrolyte on the lid conduct a current between the terminals, the battery is self-discharged. Caring for the surface is not complicated at all. The surface is washed with an alkaline solution, which neutralizes the electrolyte (a little food Soda dissolve in water). Green raid on terminals are rinsed with hot water, wipe dry. You can use fine sandpaper for stripping. Contact must be reliable. Checking the mount: if it is unreliable, the case, especially in winter, can give cracks.

3 Electrolyte - level and density check

From the self-discharge on the surface got rid of it, it's time to move to internal content. In serviced batteries, check the electrolyte to the level using the glass tube. We insert it into the jar until it stops into the separator of the plates, we close with your finger and remove it. The height of the liquid over the plates should be 10-12 mm. If it is insufficient, pligh the distilled water that has thrown out.

Pliveting electrolyte - a frequent error of motorists. He does not pump out. The only case should be addressed - if the battery turns over, and the electrolyte is out of it.

Starting further verification, you should evaluate the charge of the battery. Do it in two ways: density check or voltage measurement. The density is checked by the device called the range. His tube is placed in a jar, we suck the electrolyte, so that the float is in starting to swim, and look at its scale. Below is a table with density indicators of a fully charged battery depending on the climatic zones where it is operated ..

The deviation from the nominal density towards lowering for every 0.01 g / cm 3 means a voltage drop by 5-6%. The usual density of the new battery is 1.27 g / cm 3. Suppose the density check showed 1.21 g / cm 3. This means that the battery capacity is insufficient, it is discharged by 30-36%, and it should be recharged. In a serviceable battery, the density is restored, which signals its charge. Do not allow discharge more than 50%. It is especially dangerous for frosts. In addition, the battery will not work, the threat arises, which will crack the body: with a decrease in density, the electrolyte freezes.

4 Use multimeter - battery status assessment

Multimeter is an inexpensive multifunctional device running from a finger battery. They can be produced various measurements do it yourself, but we are interested in tension indicators. Such a device is not worn in arsenal to each motorist. Include it in the DCV constant voltage measurement mode, set 20 V. The black dipstice is connected to a minus, red to the plus, and remove the testimony. A fully charged battery should show 12,6 V. The figure 12 V and less indicates a discharge by 50% or more, urgent recharging is required. If the multimeter shows 11.6 V - the battery is completely discharged.

Measurement is better to carry out when the car did not work for some time. If you decide the testimony immediately after the trip, they will be alone, the next morning - others. The charged battery is able to keep tension a few days. It does not fall much, even if the car did not use weeks. On the discharged battery, the voltage drop is rapid, and it can happen that when you have to go urgently, the engine will not start. Therefore, Tip: Before a long break on trips, be sure to fully charge the battery.

Checking a multimeter with an engine center will not only appreciate the performance of the AKB, but also check the health of electrical equipment. With the engine running, the device must show 13.5-14.0 B. Indicators, elevated to 14.2 V and more, speak of a poorly charged battery. The generator works hard to charge it. With significant frost, the voltage increases, because at night the battery was discharged, or electronics allows a larger current due to very cold air.

Increasing the voltage at the beginning of the engine work does not charge dangers. If electrical equipment is properly, then after 10 minutes everything comes to normal, the usual 13.5-14.0 volts are established. But if it gradually does not return to the optimal level, there is a danger of recharging. With a maximum charging voltage, especially with a long trip, the electrolyte is gradually popped up, the battery will be unusable.

Now about low voltage on a working car. If it is 13.0-13.4 V - the battery does not receive sufficient recharging. All power consumption devices should be disabled and measure again. If the voltage is normal, everything is in order, otherwise the generator malfunction is possible, especially if the indicator below 13.0 V. Do not rush to repair it, check the contacts. If they are oxidized, the lack of tension will be felt.

You can find out the status of the battery in another way. We start the engine when the consumers are turned off, connect the multimeter and follow the testimony. Gradually, one by one, we include consumers: Magnittol, Middle Light and so on. With each inclusion, we observe a voltage drop by 0.1-0.2 V. A significant drop indicates a malfunction automobile generatorMost likely wear brushes. If you include all consumers, the voltage drop should not be below 12.8-13.0 V, otherwise the battery is heavily discharged and will last long.

5 Load fork measurement - full performance assessment

It happens that the battery has normal tension, measured by a tester, but he does not want to turn the starter. Checking the state of the load fork will give a complete and clear picture. The device is a voltmeter with load resistance. The load plug is connected in compliance with the polarity to the terminals for a short time - 5 seconds. The readings are set at the end of this time. It should be noted that when connected it is sparking. There is nothing terrible, because the load is connected. Check should be carried out infrequently not to harm the battery.

Indicators We estimate on the table or take information from the instructions for the load fork. If the battery is charged 100%, the voltage exponent under load will be 10.2 V. The smaller indicator indicates the need to recharge. If the measurements of the voltmeter without a plug showed a normal state, and a strong difference is visible with the load plug, the battery has a malfunction: sulfate, closure of plates and some others. If possible, a malfunction is eliminated or buying a new battery.

It happens that there are no devices at hand, but it is required to estimate the state of the battery. At home, we connect the load equal to half the tank. For battery 60 a / hour, it is equal to 30 amps. You can take 6-7 light bulbs by 55 W and connect them in parallel. After 5 minutes, we estimate the brightness of light. If he faded, the battery does not cope with its responsibilities.

Do not be lazy to care for the battery, periodically check it, then it will serve for a long time and reliable!