Standard BT-12 User Manual

STARTER MOTOR TEST
This test identifies excessive starter current draw, which makes starting the engine more difficult and
shortens battery life. If you have not already done so, perform battery load test and make note of the load
test voltage. If the load test indicated a weak of bad battery, this test is not available.
Engine should be at normal operating temperature
1. Connect tester clamps to battery as described in steps 1 and 2 under Battery Load Test.
2. Using the table below, find the minimum cranking volts. For example, if load voltage is 11.00,
use 9.7 for minimum cranking voltage.
3. Follow the test vehicle's manufacturer guidelines for performing a cranking test. Information on
how to do this varies from make, model, and manufacturer. Contact the automobile's
manufacturer for specific details.
4. Crank the engine and note the voltage reading during cranking.
5. If cranking voltage if step 3 is below the minimum cranking voltage in "starter test table", the
starter current draw is excessive. This may be due to bad connections or a failing starter motor
or the battery is too small for the vehicle's requirements.
STARTER TEST TABLE
Load Volts
10.2
10.4
10.6
10.8
11.0
11.2
11.4
Min. Cranking Volts
7.7
8.2
8.7
9.2
9.7
10.2
10.6
Note－for an engine of less than 200 CID (Cubic Inch Displacement ) or 3.6L, use the next
minimum cranking volts. For example, a load voltage of 11.00 minimum cranking volts would be
10.2 for an engine with 200 CID/3.6L or less.
HELPFUL HINTS
Selecting proper battery size: Use the battery manufacturer's guide for the recommended CA and
Group # for a particular vehicle model. There are two other battery ratings that should be considered
depending on the climate where is will be used.
1) CAA (Cold Cranking Amps)－Discharge load measured in amps that a fully charged battery at 0
o
F can deliver for 30 seconds while maintaining it's voltage above 7.2 volts DC.
2) RC (Reserve Capacity) – Number of minutes a fully charged battery at 80 ℉can be discharged
at 25 amps until the voltage drops below 10.5 volts DC.
WHY DOES A LEAD-ADID BATTERY GO BAD
Age: Although charging causes the sulfate deposited on the plates to return to the acid, the process is
not perfect. A small amount of sulfate insulating residue remains on the plates of the battery (sulfation).
With each charge / discharge cycle of the battery this residue accumulates. This process eventually
results in diminished electrical conductivity of the plates as well as permanently diluted sulfuric acid and
eventually the battery will no longer maintain a charge.
Premature failure: A common cause of premature battery failure is loss of electrolyte due to under hood
heat or overcharging. Other causes, though less common, are deep discharges (leaving your lights on)
using an undersized battery, undercharging, loose alternator belt, or excessive vibration due to loose
hold-down clamp(s). Sometimes it isn't just the sulfation but the occuming mechanical damage that
causes premature failure. Shorted cells, open inter-cell connectors, plate erosion and plate expansion
are examples of mechanical damage causing premature failure.
WHAT IS A BATTERY'S STATE OF CHARGE
A battery's state of charge is the open circuit or unloaded voltage across the positive and negative
terminals. Under unloaded conditions, with no surface charge, a battery displaying 12.7 V or above is
considered to be fully changed whereas a battery displaying 10.5 V or below is considered to be fully
discharged.
BATTERY FACTS
1. A fully charged battery at 0 ℉ has only 40% of the cranking power it has at 80 ℉.
2. Battery failures are frequently caused by overcharging.
3. A warm battery charges faster then a cold battery.
4. All batteries self discharge. Maintenance-free batteries self discharge slower.
5. A heavy discharge will not damage the internal plates, but an overcharge will.
6. A battery left in a state of discharge will sulfate and lose the capacity to store a charge.
7. Batteries should be stored in the coolest area possible to reduce self-discharge.
8. A fully charged battery freezes at –85 ℉, half-charged at -15℉, and one quarter charged at +15℉.
HELPFUL HINTS
Selecting proper battery size: Use the battery manufacturer's guide for the recommended CA and
Group # for a particular vehicle model. There are two other battery ratings that should be considered
depending on the climate where it will be used.
3) CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) – Discharge load measured in amps that a fully charged battery at o
℉ can deliver for 30 seconds while maintaining it's voltage above 7.2 volts DC.
4) RC (Reserve Capacity) – Number of minutes a fully charged battery at 80 ℉ can be discharged
at 25 amps until the voltage drops below 10.5 volts DC.
SPECIFICATIONS
Test load:
100 amps ± 5% @ 13.2 VDC
Relay stuck closed test time:
1 second
Load operating voltage:
Voltmeter range:
CCA range:
Load testing time:
Bad time:
Weak indicator:
Good indicator:
Over voltage protection cut-off:
Relay closure test delay time:
8.5 to 16.0 VDC
8.0 to 25.0 VDC
150 CCA to 1400 CCA
10 seconds nominal
< 9.1 VDC
9.1 to 10.4 VDC
≥ 10.4 VDC
17.0 VDC
1 second
Load cycle time:
Accuracy DC volts:
Display:
Operating temperature:
Storage temperature:
Weight:
Dimensions:
Jaw opening:
10 sec on/ min. 60 sec off
± 0.1 VDC
LED 3 digits
0 to 55 ℃
- 20 to 70℃
3.5 lbs.
11.25"H×4.25"W×2.5"D
1.25 inches
DISPLAY ERROR CODES
Err – This represents a load relay closure error condition. Having this fault will not allow the model to
apply a load to the battery. A continuous beep will also alert you to this error condition.
OFF – This represents a load relay open error condition. One second after a battery load test is
completed, the embedded microprocessor performs a test to verify that the load is removed from the
battery. A continuous beep will also alert you to this error condition.

Standard BT-12 Specifications

General

Brand	Standard
Model	BT-12
Category	Measuring Instruments
Language	English