Sears DieHard 200.71460 - Manual (Page 9)

VOLTMETER:
For an accurate reading of your battery’s voltage before
you begin charging it, use the voltmeter as follows:
1. Set the timer to the OFF position, turn the voltage
selector switch to 12 or 6 volt, according to the
battery you are testing, and then connect the charger
as indicated in the "Charging your battery in the
vehicle” section on page 9. The charger does not
have to be plugged into an outlet.
2. If a battery has recently been charged or in a vehicle
that has recently been operated, you may want to
turn your headlights on for a few minutes before you
read the meter to avoid a false reading from a
surface charge. Then turn off the lights, read the
meter, and follow the convenient color coding.
ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR TEST:
1. Set the VOLT/AMP SELECTOR switch to the OFF
position.
2. Set the BATTERY TEST switch to 12 or 6 volts,
according to the battery you are testing.
3. Set timer switch to the OFF position.
4. With the charger properly connected to the battery
and chassis, start the engine. Read the battery test
meter with the engine at a fast idle. The battery
should be in a good state of charge before doing the
test.
5. The voltmeter is divided into three color zones:
A. Green and Lighter Green — Charging system is
good.
B. Yellow — Vehicle charging system output is low.
C. Red — Vehicle charging system is bad.
NOTE: If meter needle reads in the Red or Yellow,
the charging system may have a loose belt, a faulty
voltage regulator, or a worn-out alternator/generator.
Additional tests may be required to find the exact
cause. Take the vehicle to a qualified service center.
BATTERY TEST:
This test is based on the terminal voltage of the battery.
If the battery is installed in the vehicle, make sure the
engine and all accessories are turned off.
1. Set the VOLT/AMP SELECTOR to the OFF position.
2. Set the BATTERY TEST switch to 6 VOLT for 6 volt
batteries or 12 VOLT for 12 volt batteries.
3. Set the timer switch to the OFF position.
4. Read lower 6 VOLT BATTERY section of meter for 6
volt batteries and read upper 12 VOLT BATTERY
section for 12 volt batteries.
5. Both 6 volt and 12 volt battery sections are divided
into three color zones:
A. Green — Good battery.
B. Yellow — Weak battery.
C. Red — Bad battery.
NOTE: If the meter needle is in the Red or Yellow
area, the battery may only need charging. If, after
charging, the needle still remains in the Red or
Yellow area, have the battery tested by a qualified
technician. The meter needle may point to the
lighter Green section of the meter if this test is done
on a recently charged battery or a battery from a
vehicle that has been operated recently.