Auto Meter SB-5 User Manual

REGULATION:
To charge a battery, the alternator must produce a voltage higher than the
battery voltage to cause current to ow into it. Therefore, the voltage must
rise to the “OK” test zone of the ALT. & REG. TEST band.
Before testing, run the vehicles engine at fast idle with all the accessories
off for at least 5 minutes to recharge the battery and to stabilize the
temperature of the alternator. (Remember, the following tests are valid
only if the battery has passed the Battery Load Test (See page 9). For the
following tests, continue running the engine at fast idle).
The battery is recharged when the voltmeter reading has stabilized at its
highest reading. Observe the voltmeter reading in the “ALT. & REG. TEST”
band:
ALTERNATOR TEST
1. If in HI zone (See Figure A):
Apply a normal accessory
load, such as lights, heater
and wipers.
2. If the reading drops more
than 0.5 volts, there may be
a wiring and/or connector
problem between the
alternator output and battery
positive (+). If the alternator is
producing adequate charge,
and the pointer stays in
the OK band, the charging
system is OK, and the test is
complete (see Fig. B).
3. If the meter is in the low band
replace the alternator (see
Fig. C)
OUTPUT:
4. Apply a Load upon the
battery until the Volts drop to
12.6 to 12.8. At that moment,
read Amps and add the key
draw amps (10-20 Amps).
The Load Amps + Key Draw
Amps = Total alternator
output.
12
13
4
FIG. A
FIG. B
FIG. C

Auto Meter SB-5 Specifications

General

Brand	Auto Meter
Model	SB-5
Category	Test Equipment
Language	English