Auto Meter BVA-460 User Manual

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

Auto Meter BVA-460 Specifications

General

Brand	Auto Meter
Model	BVA-460
Category	Test Equipment
Language	English

Summary

BVA-460 Operator's Manual

Introduction to the BVA-460

The BVA-460 is the ultimate hand-held tester for the auto industry, offering portability and accuracy.

Product Welcome and Specifications

BVA-460 Key Specifications

Details load test capacity, battery sizes, display, voltage ranges, cooling, leads, internal battery, and weight.

Product Capabilities and Usage

Highlights immediate bad battery recognition and complete starting/charging system analysis.

Important Safety Caution: Hot Grill

Warns the grill may get hot after use; advises holding from side grips only.

Safety Precautions and Battery Failure

General Safety Instructions

Covers reading instructions, eye protection, preventing arcing, and keeping clear of moving parts.

Hybrid Vehicle Testing Warning

Specific warnings against testing hybrid vehicles while they are in the vehicle.

Causes of Battery Failure

Lists common battery failure reasons like application, installation, maintenance, age, and charging issues.

Pre-Test Inspection Procedures

Visual Inspection of Vehicle Components

Guides inspection of belts, battery terminals, case, hold-downs, and starting system components.

Battery Condition Note

Emphasizes that a damaged battery must be replaced before proceeding with tests.

Wireless Communication and Controls

Bluetooth and WiFi Connectivity

Explains Bluetooth for module communication and WiFi for AMPNET service and firmware updates.

Control and Load Module Overview

Details the paired control and load modules, including the control module latch.

Load Module Button Functions

Describes power on, power off, and reboot/reset functions for the Load Module.

Detailed Controls and I/O Ports

USB Ports and Temperature Sensor

Details USB Type A for data/updates and the IR temperature sensor on the Load Module.

Charging/Amp Clamp Port Usage

Explains port for AC charger, charging station, and optional amp clamp connection.

Main Menu Interface

Shows the main menu screen for accessing tests, setup, and review functions.

BVA-460 Screen Navigation

Software Update Screen

Screen allowing updates for Control Module application and Load Module firmware.

Battery Status and Test Results Screens

Displays battery charge status and a list of performed test results.

About Screen Information

Provides application version and contact information for Auto Meter.

System Setup Procedures

Option Menu Details

Lists and explains the functions available in the Option Menu.

Setting Date, Time, and WiFi

Guides users on setting the tester's date, time, and connecting to a WiFi network.

Tester Configuration Settings

Store Information and Defaults

Configure store details, default email, and test result defaults for reporting.

Test Defaults and Miscellaneous Settings

Set temperature scale, rating units, near end of life results, and language.

Printer and Date/Time Setup

Configure printer preferences and verify date and time settings.

Saving Test Data to USB Drive

USB Data Saving Process

Step-by-step guide on connecting a USB drive and saving test data in AMPNET or EXCEL format.

Connecting and Hooking Up the Tester

Battery Clamp Connections

Illustrates proper connection of red (positive) and black (negative) clamps to battery terminals.

Connection Error Handling

Addresses reversed connections, poor contact, and cleaning terminals/clamps for accurate testing.

Battery Test Procedure

Selecting Battery Test Parameters

Guides selection of battery rating, type, and measurement of battery temperature.

Initiating the Battery Test

Describes pressing the 'Start Battery Test' button after setting parameters.

Handling Connection Issues

Shows screen for 'NO CONNECTION' and advises checking battery posts and clamps.

Battery Test Results Interpretation

Good Needs Charge Result

Indicates battery passed but needs charging; voltage regulation and SOC are shown.

Near End of Life Result

Shows battery is OK for mild conditions but may not start in extremes; SOH is lower.

Good and Bad Battery Results

Displays results for a good battery or a bad battery requiring immediate replacement.

Battery Test Results Continued

Bad Low Voltage and Charge Test Results

Shows results for low loaded voltage requiring replacement or insufficient charge needing charging.

Starting Test Overview

Symptomatic Checks Before Testing

Provides a checklist of vehicle components to inspect before performing a starting system test.

Starting Test Procedure Details

Module Connection and Preparation

Guides disconnecting control module, connecting load module clamps, and positioning the load module.

Starting Test Execution Steps

Covers starting test prep, engine running detection, and initial measurements.

Connection Error Handling

Displays screen for 'NO CONNECTION' and advises checking battery posts and clamps.

Starting Test Process and Results

Completing and Analyzing Test

Explains how the test finishes and the BVA-460 displays results.

Cylinder Count and Engine Type Input

For diesel engines or specific calculations, user inputs cylinder count and engine type.

Starting System Result Interpretation

Shows results for a 'Good Starting System' or 'Low Cranking Voltage'.

Starting Test Results and Guidelines

High Current Draw and Low RPM Results

Interprets results for high current draw and low cranking RPM during starting tests.

Starting Current Draw Guidelines

Provides a chart of typical current draw values for gasoline and diesel engines.

Diesel Engine Starting Test Notes

Offers considerations for testing diesel engines, including glow plugs and heavy-duty applications.

Charging Test Overview

Symptomatic Checks for Charging System

Checklist of items before charging system testing: battery, warning lights, belt, connections, electrical items.

Charging Test Procedure

Connecting and Starting Test

Guides connecting load module to battery and starting the engine for the test.

Connection Error Handling

Shows screen for 'NO CONNECTION' and advises checking battery posts and clamps.

Charging Test Procedure Details

Voltage Stabilization and Load Adjustment

Describes waiting for voltage stabilization and turning on headlights to throttle alternator.

Charging System Test Results

Explains display of test results including voltage regulation, ripple, and output current.

Charging Test Results Interpretation

Good Charging System Result

Indicates the charging system passed all checks: voltage regulation, diodes, and current.

Charging System Failure Analysis

Details results for high voltage ripple, bad voltage regulation, or low charging current.

Voltage Drop Test: Starter Cables

Starter Cable Test Setup

Guides selecting test, setting test current, and connecting leads to starter and battery.

Starter Cable Test Execution

Shows test in progress and connection guidance for starter cable voltage drop.

Starter Cable Test Results

Explains results for starter cable voltage drop, including pass/fail criteria.

Voltage Drop Test: Charging Cables

Charging Cable Test Setup

Guides selecting test, setting test current, and connecting leads to alternator and battery.

Charging Cable Test Execution

Shows test in progress and connection guidance for charging cable voltage drop.

Charging Cable Test Results

Explains results for charging cable voltage drop, including pass/fail criteria.

Voltage Drop Test: Generic Cables

Generic Cable Test Setup

Guides selecting test, setting test current, and connecting leads to system and battery.

Generic Cable Test Execution

Shows test in progress and connection guidance for generic cable voltage drop.

Voltage Drop Test Results Summary

Interpreting Generic Voltage Drop Results

Explains bad/good generic voltage drop results and identifying the faulty cable.

Total System Voltage Drop Guideline

States that a total system drop over 500mV indicates a failed test.

Using the Current Probe

Current Probe Zeroing and Functions

Details how to zero the probe and use the voltmeter function.

Voltmeter and Current Clamp Usage

Explains displaying DC voltages and measuring DC/AC currents with the probe.

Printing Test Results

Printer Setup and Preference

Guides setting up IR printers and selecting print preferences.

Printing and Emailing Test Data

Describes the process of printing results and emailing them via AMPNET.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Control Module Power and Connection Issues

Addresses problems with the control module not turning on or connecting via Bluetooth.

Load Module and Clamp Connection Problems

Covers the load module LED being off and clamp connection error messages.

Test Result and Battery Issues

Troubleshoots 'Charge and Test' results and completely discharged tablet battery.

Limited Warranty Information

Warranty Coverage and Claims Process

Details the 12-month warranty period, exclusions, and procedures for warranty claims.