How to Test a Car Battery - Plus Tips on How to Prevent a Battery From Going Bad

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Here is a very quick and detailed video on how to test a car battery using a multimeter. Also included are some tips on how not to mistake a bad battery with a bad alternator or a bad starter.
Here are Links to Tools and Parts Used in the Video:
Multimeter $5.30 (Free Shipping): amzn.to/2cDI8Wo
Alligator Clips: amzn.to/2c30fIt
You also might want to check out these other helpful videos:
How to test an alternator: • How to Test an Alterna...
How to perform a parasitic draw test: • How to Perform a Paras...
Please Consider Supporting My Channel at : / rnwdue to factors beyond the control of Ratchetsand Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchetsand Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchetsand Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchetsand Wrenches.

Опубликовано:

11 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 69

@trickedouttech321 3 года назад

Factory CCA numbers are tested with a bottom number of 9.6v, not 10.5. However, that test is performed at low ambient temps. You can use 10.5V if the car has been running within the past hour or so. If the car is first to start of day 9.8 volts bottom number. If the car is the first start of the day and the outside temp is below 32 then 9.6 volts is the bottom number. No matter the case or temps the battery should not drop below 9.6v during startup. If the battery is below 9.6v during cranking at any time. You need to charge the battery run text again if fail to replace the battery especially if the weather is cold. It will leave you stranded. Also, you should run headlights for at least 30 sec before the test. Removing any false charge sitting on top of the voltage. Especially if you charged the batter before this test. It is common practice to run headlight for 30 sec 90% of the time when performing this test. if you put the meter on the battery and volts are above 12.7 you need to turn on the headlight for 30 sec. Battery voltage should be 12.4v-12.6v give or take .9v.

@spelunkerd 10 лет назад

It always surprises my how often people get this wrong. Even professionals sometimes forget to check the engine ground connection, and overall the diagnostics are not as easy as some people think. Your review is exactly right, especially the emphasis on load testing. Also it's worth emphasizing that a battery needs to be warm, electrolyte level is normal, and fully charged before before testing. I find doing the load test away from the vehicle avoids the confusion about bad connections, so your remarks about double checking the battery at a local store is great advice.

@rudedoggonzo4521 3 года назад

Just love this guy he's like family to me I totally thank you!

@bassiclymike 4 года назад

Great information as always! I had an issue with my 2001 Explorer Sport where it would not start after just driving it. No power to headlights, power locks windows, radio, nothing. Checked and found that the wire connections to the terminal clamp were badly corroded. Similar to how the wires are connected on the back of the terminal clamp on the positive post in your video above. The connection between the post and clamp was in decent shape. I unbolted the wires from the back of the connector, cleaned it all off with a wire brush, including spreading apart the wire strands to clean the corrosion off of them. Once it was all reconnected, everything was fine. So that's another place to look for corrosion.

@Calida 6 лет назад

This was very informative! Thanks very much!

@H.pylori 5 лет назад

Excellent instruction on how to evaluate a car battery. Now I understand what to do and what to look for. So, even though one of my cars is showing 12.3V, with a load, the output is not sufficient.

@moosecake30 6 лет назад

FYI the cold cranking voltage is 9.6 volts or above and not 10.5 volts, other than that a great video!!

@johnlile7562 7 лет назад

Really appreciate all of your video's. You're definitely my goto guy on electrical issues. You're very thorough, and I write down everything. Will be tackling a electrical drop on voltage and amps soon with my little airplane. All of your video's give me confidence to hopefully get to the bottom of it. Thanks!

@shaun5475 4 года назад

Well done Sir!

@mariojacquez888 8 лет назад

Very explanatory.... Great video... Thumbs up for sure... Appreciate the time and effort... Very informative...Keep'em coming..

@arturo123G 8 лет назад

keep it up really simple and easy to understand thanks

@naujcdl 10 лет назад

Excellent information and yes please post the alternator one.

@rkgki 5 лет назад

Another clear and concise video. Well done.

@R1Geno 8 лет назад

Good informative video man! It helped me out today.

@wanjooalexkim 7 лет назад

Excellent instruction. Thanks.

@robbybred5702 5 лет назад

Very helpful ! thank you!

@jimnicosia5934 7 лет назад

Ratchets and Wrenches, can a car electrical system run from the alternator after the car is started and the battery is dead?

@ATDistinction 3 года назад

Starts at 2:25

@EppingForest304 Год назад

Good information 👍🙏

@owlru 8 лет назад

Good stuff, easy to understand "gracias".I'm going to test my battery tomorrow.The central locking is not working ,there are no lights on the dash? Not sure what's happened,but the ignition fuse was blow,replaced that,but still no life? C'est la vie I guess

@CodyHoard253 9 лет назад

Great video! Very much appreciated!

@myRatchets 9 лет назад

+Cody Hoard np, glad you found it useful. cheers

@gbouc1536 5 лет назад

Great, good video

@Gunzee 7 лет назад

My car battery was sitting for about 2 months in low temps -2 to 5 C and it wouldn't start the car. I charged it drove it and it then sat again for a good 2 months in temps around 5 to 11 C, I didn't start it but checked the voltage which showed 12.4. My charger was giving 2 amps which increased to 3. Also if you have a bmw you can check volts on the dash by holding the trip reset until it flashes yes/no, select yes go to 19 then 9 (E46)

@89bavaro89 8 лет назад

you said if it goes 9.5 or below you need a new battery but if it reads 11 you could charge it.....did you mean to say 10?

@Just-SomeGuy 4 года назад

Not just me then!

@gravityjunkie47 8 лет назад

Great videos. Thank you!

@tudocervera3764 2 года назад

your the best my friend!

@generatorblue 6 лет назад

Dirty terminal connectors = bad connection = battery not charging properly by the alternator.

@newyork819 4 года назад

Sounds good except for the part when you said when the battery is dead and there is nothing you can do; that was an inaccurate statement. Because I know you can recondition a battery to restore it. Just a saying.

@abimariavargas7086 Год назад

What if starter is pulling more amps than normal will it affect readings.

@tnamen1307 5 лет назад

Sir, please kindly take take note on the question below... Say, the battery is showing 12.7 volt on checking multimeter, however, checking gravity tests on each cell, if anyone shows reading out of range, should I confirm the battery is going bad??? Which is the best and correct to identify battery is dead and needs new battery??? Voltage reading or gravity tests???? Thanks.

@magicone9327 3 года назад

TONSING T testing as with a load test like in the video is testing the complete battery having an average of the full count of cells. Testing each cell via specific gravity of acid/water will possibly show that only one or more of the total are having issue. If you have even one cell out of range you can bet the others are soon to follow.

@themachine8009 5 лет назад

My battery froze. I live in ct. I didn’t start the car for two weeks. Can I put it inside my house to thaw it? Thanks in advance Also what’s the best recommendation for a car battery if I’m not gonna use it for three months? So when I come back it’s not dead

@hondashadow8379 5 лет назад

Thaw it out then put a charger on it, if it still doesn't work get a new one.

@sajjadnazir948 8 лет назад

very knowledge able video

@owl1873 3 года назад

Nice job 🇺🇸❤

@jimnicosia5934 7 лет назад

Ratchets And Wrenches, can a battery lose voltage when not connected to anything in cold weather?

@ironmike885 6 лет назад

thanks bro

@pasbogdan 5 лет назад

New battery,multimeter shows 10.4 when cranking and min/max function on multimeter shows a min of 9.7 v.All ok and cranks fast.Info you provided is not valid.

@gulabk65 5 лет назад

good job

@jamesewer9784 4 года назад

A great video

@outoftime788 5 лет назад

can removing a parking light bulb in the front of 03 silverado cause batery to go ded? its exactly wat i did took the bulb off 8hrs later the batery was ded wat the ef?

@gregridd 3 года назад

Post lockdown car fix?

@Tanoforfucksake 8 лет назад

How can I test the battery if the car doesn't start?

@WannaBeDj100 7 лет назад

Find a part store that offers free battery charging & take it to them. Call/pickup when batt has fully charged, have them test it

@Speed00007 9 лет назад

sweet

@okaythen001 8 лет назад

used touch screen for too long and "powering off to save battery" popped up. checked voltage and it's 12.1. wont' be driving for awhile, maybe a week will it start later?

@artbyrobot1 2 года назад

charge it back up with trickle charger

@im7401 9 лет назад

Thank you for the informative videos. Can anyone please help. My battery voltage is 12.67v and when i start the engine the voltage does not seem to change. When I checked the voltage from the leads without being connected to the battery it was over 18v. Is this a bad Rectifier/ Regulaor on the alternator. Could a fuse be blown. So battery does not seem to charge. I cannot start the engine using the ignition key. I have a 25hp mariner efi cdi elpt. The tilt switch is also totally non responsive. I have come accross people with a similar problem who changed a fuse and problem solved. But where do I find the fuse. I can start the engine no problem with the pull cord on the flywheel and engine runs without a hitch.

@derplinkster 6 лет назад

thumbs up

@slyonme 8 лет назад

what about putting destilated water on the battery if its empty!

@myRatchets 8 лет назад

+slyonme you can try that but will need to recharge it too. gl

@slyonme 8 лет назад

gracias

@epidemia2007 8 лет назад

My battery gets 12.2 I need a new battery??

@JazSimone 6 лет назад

No. Assuming that the load test checked out.

@stevefoudray487 3 года назад

Harbor Freight let me down. A Fluke 179 will provide Min/Max and average functions accurately, a cheap meter can’t do.

@sancheztorres35 6 лет назад

My battery read 12.6 with engine off a soon i turn on the headlights read 11.10 so is this posible bad battery .? But if i started the engine from 12.6 i got 14.3 so what is the problem battery or alternator .?

@Dubai892JK 6 лет назад

Armando Sanchez when a battery is labeled 12v it doesn't have to be 12v all the time, that label for identification purpose only

@Dubai892JK 6 лет назад

Armando Sanchez a healthy battery will always show a slight increment when is not being used, in your case the 12.6v. once you put a load on it like the headlights you'll a notice a drop. Higher load will cause more drop

@Dubai892JK 6 лет назад

Armando Sanchez you get around 14v while car is on because the alternator is charging the battery. a general fact, batteries always get charged by higher voltage then their normal designed voltage otherwise it won't be charged. So that 14v is actually the output terminals of the alternator that charge your batteries.

@foxslider351w 5 лет назад

Forgot tomention that a bad starter can cause a voltage drop that exceeds 10.5v when cranking. But he would have caught that on a more thorough battery test. If you need this video to check your car dont. Take it to a professional.

@artbyrobot1 2 года назад

false. DIY screw the pro and his money scandling prices we are't all rich