Often, a low or dead battery is the cause of your automobile not starting. Sadly, most car owners don’t check their batteries until they break down. The recommended best practice is to frequently monitor the voltage of a car battery using a multimeter—at least twice annually—as preventative maintenance. So, the question is, how do you test your car battery?
Regular testing of your battery and electrical system is crucial; do not wait until they start to show signs of weakness. You can lessen your risks of failure by proactively testing it (or making sure your mechanic does) twice a year. A basic, free five-minute battery test is provided by the majority of stores.
Volts, amps, and resistance from an electrical source can all be measured with a multimeter, an electronic measuring gadget. Testing the strength of a car battery is the most typical application for a multimeter in the automobile industry. When utilized correctly, it will accurately display voltage information on a digital readout. In order to determine whether the battery is strong and healthy or needs to be replaced, it is essential to comprehend the data presented.
Well, in this article we’ll be looking at how to test a car battery with a multimeter, how often should you test your car battery, and the warning signs of a low or a failing car battery.
Read more: How to disconnect a car battery in 5 straightforward and safe steps
Ok then, let’s dive in.
Contents
How to test a car battery with a multimeter?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to test a car battery with a multimeter:
- Get the battery ready for testing
- Do the multimeter setting
- Measure and analyze
- Test alternator
Read more: Best battery testers
Get the battery ready for testing
Locate the car’s battery (see the owner’s manual for guidance) and check the positive and negative connections for debris or corrosion. Negative terminals typically have a black cover and a “minus” sign, whereas positive terminals typically have a red cover and a “plus” sign. Corrosive buildup should be removed using fine-grit sandpaper because it can prevent the multimeter from reading voltages accurately. To protect your skin from battery acid and dangerous chemicals, gloves should be worn. The terminals will act as the connection points for the multimeter’s probes once they have been cleaned.
Do the multimeter setting
The multimeter’s numerous measurement settings may give the impression that it is difficult, but its basic use is actually quite straightforward. The multimeter dial should be set to “20 volts” for checking the electrical output from a car battery. But for an accurate measurement, all surface charge from the battery must be removed before using the multimeter. To accomplish this, turn on the headlights for roughly two minutes, then turn them off.
Measure and analyze
The multimeter comes equipped with two red and black probes for monitoring battery load. Red and black probes are used to make contact with the positive and negative terminals, respectively. The multimeter display should show a reading of 12.2 to 12.6 volts when the probes are in contact with the terminals while the car is off and the battery is at rest (full charge). The battery is in good enough condition to start the car with this voltage range. The battery’s resting voltage is weak if the measured value is less than 12.2 volts, hence it most likely needs to be charged or replaced.
Once the resting voltage has been determined, the crank cycle reading should be taken. When the ignition is turned on, the battery experiences the greatest draw since more energy is required to power the starter motor. A second person will be required to start the ignition in order to obtain this reading. The voltage reading will dip briefly when the car is started, but it shouldn’t go below 10 volts. The battery is less likely to last and has insufficient turnover strength if it drops below 10 volts. Again, in this scenario, a battery recharge or replacement may be required.
Following the crank cycle, the car will start to idle and keep a constant demand on the battery. The multimeter’s reading should remain between 14 and 14.5 volts when the motor is running. When the battery voltage falls below 14, either the alternator is broken or the battery is too weak and unreliable to operate the car continuously. The alternator is responsible for producing energy for the electrical system while the car is moving and charging the battery.
Test alternator
Turn on all of the car’s electrical components, including the stereo, climate controls, interior lighting, and headlights, to test the alternator. As a result, the voltage load will be increased. The alternator is having trouble charging the battery enough if the multimeter reading falls below 13.5 volts, and it could need to be replaced. It’s time to seek a second opinion from a qualified professional. A car owner can learn important details about the battery and electrical system of their vehicle by using a multimeter. Regular testing can aid in foreseeing and preventing impending failures, which frequently happen without prior notice.
Read more: Most common and possible reasons why your car battery won’t hold a charge
For more insight on how to test your car battery using a multimeter, watch the video below:
How often should you test your car battery?
Usually, it is recommended that you test the batteries at least twice a year (every 6 months or 6,000 miles). In your owner’s manual, you’ll discover the recommended interval for your particular car. Thus, please don’t hesitate to bring your car to a repair center so the mechanics may test the batteries if you find that it starts slowly or that your lights are dim. You may be able to avoid the sinking feeling that comes from looking down and seeing that the “Battery” or “Charging System” indicator is illuminated on your dashboard or — much worse! — finding yourself stuck with a car that just won’t start according to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and acting if you spot a problem.
Read more: How long does it take to charge a car battery? What you need to know
Warning signs of a low or a failing car battery
Here are the most common warning signs of a low or failing car battery:
- Clicking sound when you turn the key
- If you need to press the gas pedal for your car to start
- Headlight appears to be dim
- Backfiring
- Slow crank
Clicking sound when you turn the key
The starter solenoid is an electrical component that receives current from your automobile battery when you turn the ignition key to start the engine. This task will be more difficult for a failing battery, and a weaker electrical current will be provided to the starter. The clicking sound you’re hearing is frequently made by the starter when it receives less or inadequate juice from the battery.
If you need to press the gas pedal for your car to start
It shouldn’t be necessary to start your car using gas. You may have a failing battery if you discover that your automobile will only start when you step on the gas pedal.
Headlight appears to be dim
The electrical parts of your automobile, including the headlights, won’t be able to be fully powered if your car battery is failing. Take note if you find that your headlights appear weaker and less bright than usual. The diminished light is a safety concern, but it also indicates that your automobile battery is almost dead.
Backfiring
You simply cannot overlook this warning sign! Sparks that come and go can be caused by a dead car battery. The fuel in the cylinders may build up as a result of these occasional sparks. Your automobile will backfire because the built-up fuel will ignite abruptly and with more force. A battery test is essential here because backfiring might be a sign of numerous other issues.
There are a few things you can do in the interim to prevent a completely dead battery if you are unable to bring your car in for a battery test for any reason. One tip that’s useful? removing the batteries! Until you can have your battery tested and/or replaced, cleaning up rust around the battery terminals can assist restore a connection.
Slow crank
Drivers get used to their automobiles’ typical noises. When you turn the key, your engine may crank more slowly or sluggishly than usual if your battery is getting old. Do not overlook this warning sign!
Read more: How to recondition a car battery
FAQs
How do you know if your car battery is bad?
Connect the positive and negative battery terminals of the multimeter. You may have a faulty battery if your voltage is below 12.6 volts. Start the vehicle now, and check for a revised voltage greater than 10. When the engine is running, if your voltage falls below 5, it is defective and needs to be changed right away.
How can I test my car battery myself?
Connect the negative multimeter lead to the battery’s terminal that is negative, and the positive multimeter lead to the positive terminal. Watch the multimeter as an assistant turns on the ignition for no more than 15 seconds. When the battery voltage falls below 9.6 volts, it indicates that the battery is weak.
How can you tell if your car battery needs replacing?
- Dashboard lights and lighting problems, ignition/engine starting issues, electrical malfunctions, and more.
- Strange Odor, Poor Performance in Cold Temperatures.
- Read more:
How can I check if my car battery is working?
For 10 to 15 minutes, leave them in the “ON” position. Start your car once that period has passed. Keep an eye on how bright your headlights are. Your battery fails the load test if your headlights are noticeably dim as the engine starts and stops.
How do I know if my car battery or alternator
is bad?
You might have a dead battery if your automobile won’t start at all. Your alternator may be malfunctioning if your car begins briefly, giving you a glimmer of hope that everything is okay, but then abruptly stops.
How do you manually test a battery?
Check Your Battery by Cranking the Engine
- Turn the ignition on, wait two seconds after the starter engages, and then “crank” the engine. While you verify the voltage drop of the battery, have a helper start the engine.
- Check the Power Probe’s reading while you crank the engine. There shouldn’t be a drop to 9.6 volts.
How do you test if a car battery is good without a multimeter?
Start the car and turn on the headlights to test the electrical system if you don’t have a multimeter to determine the battery voltage. If they are dim, the lights are likely being powered by the battery and the alternator is producing little or no charge.
What is the average life of a car battery?
Some automobiles’ batteries can last up to five or six years, while others must be replaced just after two. Generally speaking, your car’s battery needs to be replaced every three to four years. Another aspect of routine maintenance is changing your car battery.
What problems can a weak car battery cause?
These are particular issues that frequently arise as a battery is nearing the end of its useful life:
- Ignition, door locks, windows, and accessories with a mind of their own, as well as the random and spontaneous illumination of several warning lights.
- Failure with Auto Start/Stop.
- Automatic Alarm Activation.
Can a completely dead battery be recharged?
A dead battery can be recharged, and depending on the situation, whether you are stranded in your garage and can manage it yourself or you are in the middle of nowhere and require professional, quick, and fast service in the blink of an eye, a dead battery is typically an easy fix.
That is all for this article, where we looked at how to test a car battery with a multimeter, how often should you test your car battery and warning signs of a low or a failing car battery.
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