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15
Starting/Charging System Testing
The starting system turns over the engine. It consists of the battery, starter motor, starter solenoid
and/or relay, and associated wiring and connections. The charging system keeps the battery
charged when the engine is running. This system consists of the alternator, voltage regulator,
battery, and associated wiring and connections. The digital multimeter is a useful tool for checking
the operation of these systems.
No Load Battery Test
Before you do any starting/charging system
checks, you must first test the battery to
make sure it is fully charged.
4. Insert RED test lead into the
V
test
lead jack.
5. Disconnect positive (+) battery cable.
6. Connect RED test lead to positive (+)
terminal of battery.
7. Connect BLACK test lead to negative
(-) terminal of battery.
8. Turn multimeter rotary switch to 20V DC
range.
9. View reading on display.
10.Test Results.
Compare display reading in Step 9 with
chart below.
Voltage Percent Battery is Charged
12.60V
or greater 100%
12.45V 75%
12.30V 50%
12.15V 25%
If battery is not 100% charged, then charge
it before doing any more starting/charging
system tests.
Fig. 16
Black
Red
Test Procedure (see Fig. 16):
1. Turn Ignition Key OFF.
2. Turn ON headlights for 10 seconds to
dissipate battery surface charge.
3. Insert BLACK test lead into the COM
test lead jack.