Auto Meter BCT-468 User Manual

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BCT-460/468
Operator's Manual
Hand Held-Accuracy with a Pulsed 120 Amp Load Heavy Duty
The BCT Tester is the ultimate hand-held tester. It is the industry's answer to
portability in a professionally accurate load tester and system analyzer.

Auto Meter BCT-468 Specifications

General

Display	LCD
Operating Temperature	0°C to 50°C
Battery Voltage	6V and 12V
Battery Type Compatibility	AGM, Gel
CCA Range	100-1200 CCA
Type	Battery and Charging System Tester
Power Source	Battery being tested

Summary

Operator's Manual Introduction

Product Overview

Introduction to the Auto Meter BCT Tester, highlighting its portable and accurate load testing capabilities.

Welcome and Product Specifications

Product Specifications

Details key technical specifications of the BCT-460/468, including capacity, display, and battery type.

User Agreement

Terms and conditions for using the BCT Tester, requiring acceptance before proceeding.

Safety Precautions

General Safety Guidelines

Instructions for safe operation, including eye protection, avoiding sparks, and keeping clear of moving parts.

Causes of Battery Failure

Explains common reasons for battery failure, such as incorrect application, maintenance, and charging issues.

Pre-Test Inspection

Visual Check Procedures

Guidance on inspecting belts, battery terminals, and starting system components before testing.

Controls and Functions

Wireless Communication Overview

Details on Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AMPNET connectivity for tester operation and data management.

Module Interface and Status Indicators

Explains I/O items, connectors, LED status meanings, and main menu navigation.

Module Power Button Operations

Explains the operation of power buttons for both Control and Load modules for turning on, off, and rebooting.

Advanced Module Functions

Firmware Updates and Battery Status

Guides on checking for firmware updates and viewing the battery status of control and load modules.

Review Results and About Screen

Details on accessing past test results and viewing product information and contact details.

Setting Up the Tester

Option Menu Details

Explains the various options accessible from the main menu, including settings, updates, and help.

Date, Time, and Wi-Fi Setup

Instructions for configuring the tester's date, time, time zone, and connecting to a Wi-Fi network.

Tester Configuration Settings

Dealer and Vehicle Information Entry

Configuration for dealer details, customer emails, and data entry preferences for vehicle information.

Test Defaults and Miscellaneous Settings

Customizing test parameters like temperature scale, battery type defaults, and language settings.

Replacement Parts and Accessories

Available Parts List

Lists various replacement parts and accessories for the BCT Tester, including adapters, chargers, and cables.

Connecting the Tester

Hook-Up Procedure

Illustrates how to connect the tester's clamps to battery terminals, covering positive and negative connections.

Connection Error Troubleshooting

Identifies common connection errors and provides solutions for loose clamps or corroded terminals.

Heavy Duty PM Test

Test Preparation and Initial Steps

Guides on selecting the Heavy Duty PM Test, entering vehicle info, and initial hook-up procedures.

Battery and Starter Test Execution

Details the steps for conducting the battery test and initiating the starter test, including inputting data.

Starter and Alternator Test Steps

Explains how to run the starter test, enter cylinder count, and perform the alternator test.

Interpreting Test Summaries

Shows how to review charging results and the overall PM Test summary report.

Full System Test

Test Initiation and Battery Pack Testing

Guides on starting the Full System Test, initial setup, and testing individual batteries in a pack.

Starter, Alternator, and VDrop Testing

Details on inspecting starter/alternator, performing VDrop tests, and analyzing results.

Test Summary and Data Management

Covers reviewing the system test summary, noting parts, and sending data to AMPNET.

Light Duty PM Test

Performing the Light Duty PM Test

Guides on executing a preventative maintenance test for vehicles with a single battery.

Starter Test Execution and Results

Details the steps for the starter test, including engine crank detection and interpreting results.

Alternator Test Results and Summary

Explains how to review alternator test results and the final PM Test summary.

Individual Tests: Battery Test

Selecting Battery Test Parameters

Guides on choosing battery test options, entering CCA, type, and number of batteries.

Battery Test Execution and Results

Details the process for running a battery test, aiming the probe, and interpreting initial results.

Interpreting Battery Test Outcomes

Explains various battery test outcomes like 'Good Needs Charge', 'Near End of Life', and 'Bad Battery'.

Individual Tests: Starter Test

Starter Test Procedure (No Probe)

Guides on performing a starter test without a current probe, including connection and initial steps.

Starter Test Results Analysis

Details how to interpret results for 'Good Starter' and 'Failed Starter' conditions.

Starter Test Scenarios and Troubleshooting

Covers starter test with probe, connection prompts, and troubleshooting 'No Crank' or start enable issues.

Individual Test: Alternator Test

Preparing and Executing Alternator Test

Guides on initiating the alternator test, entering output, and preparing the unit for measurement.

Alternator Test Execution and Load Checks

Details running the alternator test at governor speed, checking loads, and returning to idle.

Interpreting Alternator Test Outcomes

Explains how to read alternator test results, identify failures, and understand troubleshooting steps.

Voltage Drop Tests

Starter Cable Voltage Drop Test

Guides on measuring voltage drop across starter cables and connections, including hook-up and parameter entry.

Charging Cable Voltage Drop Test

Details the process for testing voltage drop across charging cables and connections, including parameter setup.

Generic Cable Voltage Drop Test

Instructions for testing voltage drop on generic circuits, including connection and current entry.

Voltage Drop Results and Interpretation

Explains how to interpret results for 'Bad Generic VDrop' and 'Good Generic VDrop', and identify the problematic circuit.

Magnetic Circuit Test

Testing the Starter Solenoid Circuit

Details the three-step process for testing the voltage drop of the starter solenoid magnetic circuit.

Using the Optional Current Probe

Voltmeter and Current Clamp Functions

Explains how to use the Voltmeter and Current Clamp features for measuring voltage and current.

AMPNET Setup and Usage

AMPNET Login and Signup

Provides step-by-step instructions for signing up and logging into the AMPNET server for data management.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Battery Temperature and Status LED Issues

Addresses problems with the tester not reading battery temperature and explains the meaning of LED status indicators.

Voltage and Connection Errors

Guides on resolving issues related to low battery voltage for testing and errors with clamp connections.

Control Module Power and Bluetooth Issues

Troubleshoots problems with the Control Module not powering on, Load Module LED off, and Bluetooth connection failures.

Limited Warranty Information

Warranty Terms and Service

Outlines the 12-month warranty period, conditions for repair or replacement, and service claim procedures.