It is very simple to measure the voltage of the storage battery (accumulator). To do this, you do not need to seek the help of specialists or go to a service station. To judge the state of charge of your battery, you only need to know a few subtleties.
Necessary
- - DC voltage multimeter or voltmeter;
- - hydrometer.
Instructions
Step 1
Measuring battery voltage without load To do this, fold back the wires connected to the output terminals. Now take a multimeter and set it to the "-20V" limit. This will allow you to measure the voltage value with maximum accuracy. Connect the red wire of the device to the terminal marked "+", and the black wire to the "-". The reading of the device should be greater than or equal to 12.6 V.
Step 2
If the obtained voltage value turned out to be less than the norm, you should: 1. Check the density of the electrolyte (not less than 1.26 g / cm3). If necessary, top up with distilled water, thereby restoring the required density. 2. Recharge the battery.
Step 3
Measurement of the battery voltage value under load To do this, you need to connect the wires to the output terminals of the battery, start the engine and set its rotation speed to 1500-2000 rpm, and also turn on the high beam headlights. Next, similar to step # 1, measure the voltage at the output terminals. The readings of the device should be in the range of 13, 9-14, 3 V.
Step 4
Depending on the results, the following conclusions can be drawn: 1. If the voltage value is less than normal, then the battery charge is insufficient. However, allowance must be made for the age of your battery and the operating mode of the vehicle. 2. If the readings are more than normal, then your battery is overcharged. In this case, it is necessary to partially discharge it (until the voltage value reaches the norm).
