GxT V044-01, Ferret 44 Battery Tester with Printer Manual - Manual (Page 8)

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Starter Test (Manual)
When testing the starting system, fi rst test for battery
performance. With a known good bat tery, the starter mo-
tor, cables and starter solenoid can be checked. Starter
amps should not exceed the maximum specifi ed for the
vehicle being tested, and the cranking RPM should be
satisfactory.
1. Engine should be at normal op er at ing temperature.
Make sure all lights and accessories are off and vehicle
doors are closed.
2. Be sure the Load Knob is turned to OFF before
connecting the analyzer cables to the battery. Take
note of the safety pre cau tions on the back cover of
this man u al.
3. Connect the analyzer Battery Clamps to the battery terminals; Red to positive, Black to negative.
4. With the Amp Probe jaws closed and not around any wires, press the Zero Amps button until the Amps Display
shows “000”
5. Press the Amps/Volts button.
6. Place the Amp Probe around either of the en gines battery cables.
7. Set the Volts Selector to Battery Volts.
8. Disable the ignition or fuel system.
9. Crank engine for 15 seconds with ignition key and note the cranking amperage reading. Also, watch to see that the
battery voltage stays above 9.6 V. Wait a few minutes for the starter to cool if the cranking test is repeated .
TYPICAL STARTER CRANKING DRAW Engine Size
Cubic Inches Liters Amps Draw
100 to 200 1.6 to 3.2 100 to 200
200 to 350 3.2 to 5.6 125 to 250
350 to 500 5.6 to 8.0 150 to 300
NOTE: Higher starter amps may be encountered if engine temperatures are extremely hot or cold.
9. Test Conclusions. The system is good if the cranking speed is satisfactory and the battery voltage stayed above
9.6 volts. If Crank Speed was slow use the following chart.
Voltage Amps Likely Cause
Below 9.6 High Bad Starter or a very hot or cold engine.
Below 9.6 Low Bad Battery or Loose Battery Terminals.
Above 9.6 Low Connections at Starter or Solenoid.
Voltage Drop Test
The voltage drop test is a very helpful diagnostic test for de ter min ing the condition of cables and connections for
the starting charging circuit. The voltage drop test can be used on any part of the circuit. In the example below,
we are checking the entire circuit from the positive side of the battery to the starter.
1. Be sure the Load Knob is turned to OFF before connecting the analyzer cables to the battery. Take note of the
safety pre cau tions on the back cover of this manual.
2. Connect the analyzer Battery Clamps to the battery terminals; Red to
positive, Black to neg a tive.
3. Select external volts.
4. Connect the external volts leads as shown in the illustration. Connect the
Red auxiliary lead to the positive side of the battery. Con nect the Black
lead to the input terminal of the starter.
5. Disable ignition to prevent the engine from starting during the test.
4. Operate the Starter and read the volt me ter while cranking.
5. Test Conclusions. Good circuits drop less than 0.50 volts on a 12 volt
system. Typ i cal ly you should not have more than 0.10 volts drop per
connection.
Starter Test (Manual)