How to Use a Battery Tester

Steps for Using a Battery Tester

1. Connect the Positive (red) Lead to the Positive Battery Terminal

   Clamp the positive or red lead to the positive battery terminal
   
   

2. Connect the Negative (black) Lead to the Negative Battery Terminal

   Clamp the negative or black lead to the negative battery terminal
   
   

3. Read the Battery Voltage

   The battery tester should report the battery voltage.
   
   In this example, the battery voltage reads at 11.9 volts, which is low. Batteries should typically read between 12.4 and 12.8 volts
   
   

4. Press Enter to Put in Info and Access More

   Push the enter button to enter info about the battery and access different tests and readings

5. Press enter for REGULAR LIQUID under BATTERY TYPE

   Press enter for REGULAR LIQUID under BATTERY TYPE, which means the tool is asking for the battery type. For a typical car battery, this setting will be “REGULAR LIQUID”
   
   
   
   Learn more about car batteries and how to test them for battery health

6. Select CA under RATING STANDARD

   Select the rating standard for your battery, which in the US is usually cranking amps (CA)
   
   

7. Input the CA number on the Battery and Press Enter

   Adjust the RATING CAPACITY number to reflect the cranking amp (CA) number on the battery, which is not to be confused with cold cranking amps (CCA). Then press Enter
   
   

8. Read the Battery Analyzer’s Battery Health Report

   The battery analyzer will test the battery and will report GOOD RECHARGE with the battery’s CA if the battery is good and needs to be recharged.
   
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   Press the arrow to see state of health (SoH) and state of charge (SoC) measurements, which measure a battery health and charge levels on a 100-point percentage scale

9. Press Enter and Select between a Battery Charge Test or a System Charge Test

   Push enter to select between a battery charge test and a system charge test

10. Press the Next Arrow to Select the System Charge Test

    Select the system charge test by pressing the next arrow
    
    

11. Press Enter, Shut off all Electrical Loads, and Start the Vehicle

    Press enter to start the test. You have 1 minute to start the vehicle. The tool will remind you to shut off all “loads” such as the headlights and radio
    
    

12. Read the Cranking Volts

    The analyzer will read the cranking volts and report if the reading is normal
    
    

13. Push Enter and Read the Idle Volts

    Press enter to access the charging test and press enter when commanded. The tool will remind you to shut off all “loads” such as the headlights and radio
    
    The analyzer will read the idle volts and report if the reading is normal, which means there is normal charging and that the alternator is working
    
    

14. Press Enter, Turn on Electrical Loads, and Press Enter to Read the Load Volts

    Press enter. The tool will command remind you to turn on “loads” such as the headlights and radio. Press enter.
    
    The analyzer will read the load volts, which will tell you if the alternator is able to keep up with the load and keep the battery charged, and tell you if the reading is normal.