The battery pack requires careful handling and generally strict adherence to operating rules. It must be understood that this is the most important component of the electrochemical structure of the car, on which the performance of many components and assemblies depends. Of particular importance from the point of view of maintenance is the analysis of the state of the battery. For this, special tools are used, in particular, allowing to assess the voltage at which the battery operates. How to check this device with a multimeter is the central question of this article. Despite the external ease of the process, there are many nuances that should be taken into account by a car mechanic and even more so a novice car enthusiast.
External battery inspection
Before the event, the external state of the battery should be assessed. Often, important conclusions about the working potential of the device can be made already at this stage. First of all, visual inspection should show whether the block is damaged and unsuitable for restoration. Serious physical deformation of the case or leakage may indicate this. In the latter case, immediately isolate the battery. "How to check with a multimeter?" - this question can be passed in the event that no obvious external damage was found. However, this does not mean that you can immediately begin the testing operation. The housing and especially the contact points must be in a cleaned state. You should also make sure that a specific instance of the battery is, in principle, allowed for testing by testers in the home.
Checking the working unit
The device is put into active mode, after which, if necessary, you can set the range of values in which the battery will be evaluated. How to check the battery with a multimeter with the engine running? The device is connected in the usual manner, observing the polarities. In this case, the classic terminal connection configuration applies. As for the readings, a voltage level of 13.5 to 14 V is considered normal. It cannot be said that going beyond this framework indicates a serious breakdown in the power supply, but certain deviations in operation occur.
If the voltage exceeds a value of 14.2 V, then we can talk about a low charge. That is, initially it will not be superfluous to inquire about what the charge should be at the time of verification. Perhaps its decrease was due to a frosty night, when the electronics in automatic mode consumed energy for heating. When it comes to how to check battery charging, the preparation of other local electrical components is also important. It should initially disconnect all consumers, and then start measuring.
Features of checking the battery inoperative
The measurement mechanics in this case correspond to the model described above. To get the results you need to wait about 15 minutes - it depends on the version of the multimeter itself. By the way, the question of how to check the battery for operability often implies the execution of a procedure of this format. Moreover, the mere presence of electrochemical activity in the unit does not yet indicate the possibility of its normal operation.
A voltage reading of less than 12 most often indicates that the unit is completely discharged and is not suitable for use - at least for the moment. The range of normal values for operation when the engine is idle is 12.5-13.0 V. A corridor can be used to find out what charge auto-batteries have at the time of measurement from the same indications. This technique does not give an accurate idea of this value, but most often it turns out to be true with a small error. So, for example, a voltage of 12.9 may indicate that the battery is 90% charged, and a level of 12.5 indicates the presence of half the charge.
Battery check with load plug
To check the charge, it is also recommended to use a load plug, which is essentially a voltmeter. Connection is made in the same way as in the case of a multimeter with the observance of polarities. But there is an important feature of such a measurement. The answer to the question of how to check the battery with a tester-voltmeter involves observing a short shutter speed at which the load will be supplied. Immediately after connecting, you should start the countdown for 5 seconds, after which the load stops and the readings are taken from the device. If the tester shows 10 volts or more, then the charge is present and the battery can work. It should be borne in mind that the load plug in its interaction with the battery is similar to the starting discharge from the engine. However, often conducting such tests is harmful to the battery.
Battery Density Check
Often experienced car owners check the battery and the density of the electrolyte. This procedure allows not only to find out about the state of the active substance, but also to evaluate the level of the same charge. To perform this operation, use a tester-hydrometer. Although some models of multimeters support this function. One way or another, the measurement result will be presented in the form of the ratio of grams to cubic centimeters (g / cm 3 ). For example, car batteries with a density reading of 1.24 g / cm 3 are considered to be optimally charged, serviceable, and ready to go. Conversely, a reduced density of the electrolyte at the level of 0.08 g / cm 3 indicates that the unit has a charge of less than half.
Can I check the battery without a special tool?
There are situations when measuring devices are not at the disposal, but it is important to have an idea of the state of the battery. How to check the car battery in this case? Actually, the charge can be approximately estimated empirically. Testing using automotive optics is practiced. Having initially added up the total load required for the operation of the lamps, you can experience how the battery will provide it.
How to choose a suitable multimeter for battery?
For a car you need to have a small, but functional device on hand. It is desirable that the device work with such indicators as capacitance, voltage, frequency and temperature. This kit is enough for the user to comprehensively check any battery. "How to check with a multimeter a block that requires a different bit depth?" - This is also a common question that you should think about when buying a device. The more expensive and more complex the multimeter is, the higher the number of bits, that is, with a deeper resolution, it works, therefore, saving on this advantage is also not worth it.
Conclusion
Careful adherence to the instructions of the operating instructions for the battery pack, it would seem, should save the user from frequent testing of the device for various indications. Nevertheless, questions regarding how to check the battery with a tester fully justify themselves in such situations. Knowing the current characteristics of the power supply will help to use its resources more efficiently, choosing more suitable charging parameters. The testing procedure itself is not particularly difficult if you observe the correct connection to the contacts and read the values correctly.