Sector:

AUTOMOTIVE/LAND TRANSPORT SECTOR

Qualification:
Automotive Servicing NC-II

Unit of Competency:
Service Automotive Battery

Module Title:
SERVICING AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY

Date Developed: Document No.

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 Passi Trade School

HOW TO USE THIS COMPETENCY BASED LEARNING MATERIAL

Welcome to the Competency Based Learning Material/Module on Servicing

Automotive Battery. This learning material contains activities for you to
complete.

The unit of competency “Service Automotive Battery” covers the

knowledge. Skills and attitudes required for a trainees to posses in an Automotive
course /qualification.
You are required to go through a series of learning activities in order to
complete each of the learning outcomes of this module. In each learning outcome ,
there are Information Sheets, and .Job sheets to help you understand better and
perform the required activities. Follow these activities and answer the self-check.
Get the answer sheet from your trainer to reflect your answers for each self-check.
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask your trainer/ facilitators for
assistance.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
You may have some or most of the knowledge and skills covered in this
learning material because you have:
 Actual experience on the job
 Already completed training in this area

If you can demonstrate to your trainer that you are competent in a

particular skill or skills talk to him/her about having them formally recognized so
you won’t have to do the same training again. If you have qualifications or a
Certificate of Competency from previous trainings, show it to your trainer. If the
skills you acquired are still relevant to this module, they may become part of the
evidence you can present for RPL.
This module was prepared to help you achieve the required competency in
Service Automotive Battery. This will be one of the sources of information that will
enable you to acquire the knowledge and skills of this particular trade at your own
pace, with minimum supervision or help from your trainer.
 Talk to your trainer and agree on how you will both organize the
training of this module. Read through the Competency Based
Learning Material carefully. It is divided into sections which cover all

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 the skills and knowledge you need to successfully complete this
module.
 Most probably your trainer will also be your supervisor or manager.
He /She is there to support you the correct way to do thing. Ask for
help.
 Your trainer will tell you about the important things you need to
consider when you are completing the activities and it is important
that you listen and take notes.
 You will be given plenty of opportunities to ask questions and practice
on the job
Make sure you practice your new skills during regular work shifts.
This way you will improve both your speed and memory and also your
confidence.
 Talk to more experienced workmates and ask for their guidance.
 Use the self-check questions at the end of each section to test your
own progress.
 When you are ready, ask your trainer to watch you perform the
activities outlined in this learning material.
 As you work through the activities, ask for written feedback on your
progress. Your trainer keeps feedback/pre-assessment reports for this
reason. When you have successfully completed each element, ask
your trainer to mark on the reports that you are ready for assessment.
 When you have completed this module and feel confident that you
have had sufficient practice, your trainer will arrange an appointment
with registered assessor to assess you. The results f your assessment
will be recorded in your competency Achievement Record.

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QUALIFICATION: Automotive Servicing NC-II
UNIT OF COMPETENCY: Service Automotive Battery
MODULE TITLE: SERVICING AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY
INTRODUCTION:
This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes in servicing
automotive battery. It identifies the competence required to: service, remove,
replace, test and charge automotive batteries. .
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon competition of this module, you must be able to:
1. Test automotive battery
2. Remove and replace batteries
3. Service and charge batteries
4. Jump-start vehicle.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
1. Battery is tested without causing damage to any workplace property or
vehicle.
2. Correct information is accessed and interpreted base on manufacturer
specification.
3. Appropriate test equipment is selected.
4. Tests are performed and results analyzed.
5. Findings are reported to direct supervisor.
6. Battery is removed and replaced without causing damage to any workplace
property or vehicle.
7. Appropriate tools and equipment are selected and used.
8. Action is taken to prevent loss of vehicles electronic memory if applicable.
9. Battery is charged using the appropriate battery charge.
10. Electrolyte levels are checked and topped up.
11. Battery and its terminals are cleaned.
12. Multiple connectors are repaired and replaced to restore integrity of
the involved circuit.
13. Leads are connected/disconnected in sequence as per polarity.
14. Vehicle is jump started without causing damage to any workplace property
or vehicle.

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 15. Jumper leads are selected and used ensuring spike protection is employed
when necessary.
16. Leads are connected/disconnected in correct according to sequence and
polarity.

Learning Experiences
Learning Outcome I, 2-and 3
Test Automotive battery, Remove and Replace batteries, Service and charge
batteries
Learning Activity Special Instructions

1. Read information sheet

No.1.1 Testing
automotive battery

2. Answer Self –Check no. Compare Answers with the answer key. You are
required to get all answers correct. If not, read the
1.1 Answer job sheet
information sheet again to answer all questions
No.1-1 correctly.
3. Read information Sheet
no. 2 for LO2 Remove
and replace batteries,
LO3 Service and charge
batteries .

4.Perform Job Sheet Evaluate your own work using the performance
no.1,2,3 criteria. Present your work to your trainer for
evaluation and recording.

5.Answer self- Check no.2 Compare your answers with the answer key.
and Self-Check no. 3

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Information Sheet Unit of Service Automotive Battery
competency
No.1.1
Module Title Servicing Automotive Battery

LO1: Test automotive battery

BATTERYTESTING
Testing batteries is an important part of electrical system service. Depending on
the design of the battery, state of charge and capacity can be determined in
several ways; specific gravity tests, visual inspection of batteries with a built-in
hydrometer, open circuit voltage tests, capacity test, and capacitance test.
SpecificGravityTests
On unsealed batteries, the specific gravity of the electrolyte can be measured to
give a fairly good indication of the battery’s state of charge. A hydrometer (Figure
17-19) consists of glass tube or barrel, rubber bulb, rubber tube, and a glass float
or hydrometer with a scale built into its upper stem. The glass encases the float
and forms a reservoir for the test electrolyte. Squeezing the bulb pulls electrolyte
in to the reservoir for the test electrolyte. Squeezing the bulb pulls electrolyte into
the reservoir.

Figure 17-19 Two types of battery hydrometers.

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When filled with test electrolyte, the sealed hydrometer float bobs in the
electrolyte. The depth to which the glass floats sinks in the test electrolyte
indicates its relative weight compared to water (Figure 17-20). The reading is
taken off the scale by sighting along the level of the electrolyte.

Figure 17-20 (A) When the scale sinks in the electrolyte, the specific gravity is
low; (B) when it floats high, the specific gravity is high.

The electrolyte of a fully charged battery is usually about 64% water and 36%
sulphuric acid, which corresponds to a specific gravity of 1 270. Specific gravity is
the weight of a given volume of any liquid divided by the weight of an equal volume
of water. Pure water has a specific gravity of 1 000, while battery electrolyte
should have a specific gravity of 1 260 to 1 280 at 800F (26.70C) in other words,
the electrolyte should be 1 260 to 1 280 times heavier than water.
The specific gravity of the electrolyte decreases as the battery discharges. This is
why measuring the specific gravity of the electrolyte with a hydrometer can be
good indicator of how much charge a battery has lost. Table 17-1 lists specific
gravity readings is various stages of charge with respect to a battery’s ability to
crank an engine at a temperature of 80oC (26.7oC).

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 CAUTION!

Electrolyte is very corrosive. It can cause severe

injures if it comes in contact with your skin or eye. If
electrolyte gets on you, immediately wash with baking
soda and water. If the acid gets in your eyes,
immediately flush with cool water. Then get medical
help.

Temperature correction It is necessary to correct the reading by adding or

subtracting 4 points (0.004) for each 10oF (-12oC) above or below the standard of
80oF (26.7oC). Most hydrometers have a built-in thermometer to measure the
temperature of the electrolyte (Figure 17-21) the hydrometer reading can be
misleading if the hydrometer is not adjusted properly. For example, a reading of 1
260 taken at 20oF (-6.6oC) would be 1 260 – (6x 0.004 or 0.024) = 1 236 this lower
reading meaning the cell has less charge than indicated.

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 Figure 17-21 Hydrometer with thermometer correction scales make adjusting for
electrolyte temperature easy.
It is important to make these adjustments at high and low temperatures to
determine the battery’s true state of charge
Interpreting Results The specific gravity of the cells of a fully charged battery
should near 1.265 when adjusted for electrolyte temperature.
Recharged any battery if the specific gravity drops below an average of 1.230.
A specific gravity difference of more than 50 points between cells is a good
indication of a defective battery in need of replacement.
Built-In Hydrometer

On some sealed maintenance-free batteries, a special temperature-compensated

hydrometer is built into the battery cover (Figure 17-22). A quick visual check
indicates the battery state of charge (Figure 17-23). It is important when
observing the hydrometer that the battery has a clean top to see the correct
indication. A flashlight may be required in poorly lit areas. Always look straight
down when viewing the hydrometer.

Figure 17-22 Slight glass in a maintenance-free battery.

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Figure 17-23 Design and operation of built-in hydrometers on maintenance-free
scaled batteries.
Many maintenance-free batteries do not have a built-in hydrometers. A voltage
check is the only way to check this type of battery’s state of charge. The specific
gravity of these batteries cannot be checked because they are sealed. Never pry off
the sell caps to check the electrolyte levels of condition of a sealed battery.
A few battery design s incorporated a charge indicator into the top of the
battery (Figure 17-24). Rather than built-in hydrometer, these batteries use a
color display to note the batter’s state of charge. The color green stands for “OK”
gray for “check or recharge,” and white for “change or replace.”

Figure 17-24 A battery with a built-in charge indicator

Open Circuit Voltage Test
An open circuit voltage check can be used as a substitute for the hydrometer
specific test. As the battery is charged or discharged, slight changes occur in the
battery’s voltage. So battery voltage with no load applied can give some indication
of the state of charge.
The battery’s temperature should be between 60o and 100oF (15.5o and 37.7oC).
The voltage must be allowed to stabilize for at least 10 minuets with no load
applied. On vehicles with high drains (computer controls, clocks, and accessories
that always draw a small amount of current), it may be necessary to disconnect
the battery ground cable. On batteries that have just been recharged, apply heavy
load for 15 seconds to remove the surface charge. Then allow the battery to
stabilize. Once voltage has stabilized, use a voltmeter to measure the battery
voltage to the nearest one-tenth of a volt (Figure 17-25). Use Table 17-2 to
interpret the results. As you can see, minor changes in battery open circuit voltage
can indicate major changes in state of charge.

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Figure 17-25 Measure open circuit voltage across battery terminals using
voltmeter
If the open circuit voltage test indicates a charges of below 75% of full charge,
recharge the battery and perform the capacity test to determine battery condition.

TABLE 17-2 BATTERY OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE

AS AN INDICATOR OF STATE OF CHARGE

Open Circuit Voltage State of Charge

12.6 or greater 100%

12.4 to 12.6 75-100%

12.2 to 12.4 50-75%

12.2 to 12.4 25-50%

11.7 to 12.0 0-25%

11.7 or less 0%

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Battery Leakage Test
To perform a battery leakage test, set volt meter on a low DC volt range. Connect
the negative test lead to the battery negative terminal. Then move the meter’s
positive lead across the top and sides of the battery case (Figure 17-26) If some
voltage is read on the voltmeter, current is leaking out of battery cells. The battery
should be cleaned, then rechecked. If the battery again has some leakage, it
should be replaced because the case is excessively porous or is cracked.

Figure 17-26 Performing a battery leakage test

Battery Drain Test

If a vehicle’s battery is dead after is has not been used for a short while, the
problem may be a current drain caused by one of the electrical system. The most
common cause for this type of drain is a light that is not turning off---such as a
light in the grove box, trunk, or engine compartment.
Constant drains on the battery due of accessories that draw small amounts of
current called parasitic drains. These drains on the battery can cause various
drive ability problems. With low battery voltage several problems can result; the
computer may go into backup mode of operation, the computer may set false
codes, or the computer may set false codes, or the computer may raise idle speeds
to compensate for the low battery voltage.

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 The procedure for performing a battery drain test varies according to the
manufacturer. However, battery drain can often be observed by connecting an
ammeter in series with the negative cable or by placing the inductive ammeter lead
around the negative cable. If the meter reads 0.25 or more amps, there is
excessive drain. Visually checked the trunk, glove box, and under hood lights to
see if they are on. If they are, remove the bulb and watch the battery drain. If the
drain is now within specifications, find out why the circuit is staying on and repair
the problem. If the cause of the drain is not the lights, go to the fuse panel or
distribution center and remove one fuse at a time while watching the ammeter.
When the drain decreases, the circuit protected by the fuse you removed last is the
source of the problem.
To test for battery drains using s high-current tester, follow these steps.

PROCEDURE
Battery Drain Test
STEP 1 Turn off all accessories and close the doors.
STEP 2 Remove the under hood lamp, if equipped.
STEP 3 Disconnect the negative battery cable.
STEP 4 Attach the multiplying coil between the negative battery
cable and the battery terminal post (Figure 17-27).

ST
EP 5 Zero the ammeter.

ST
EP 6 Connect the inductive pick-up probe around the multiplying coil.

ST
EP 7 Read the ammeter.

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Figure 17-27 Using a multiplying coil to obtain accurate readings when
measuring parasitic drains with a VAT -40 similar tester

The maximum permissible current drain is 0.05 ampere. If the current drain
exceeds this limit, remove the fuses, one at a time, as discussed earlier.

Capacity Test
The load or capacity test determines how well any type of battery, sealed or
unsealed, functions under a load. In other words, it determines the battery’s
ability to furnish starting current and still maintain sufficient voltage to operate
the ignition system.
The load or capacity test can be performed with the battery either in or out of the
vehicle. The battery must be at or very near a full state of charge. For best results,
the electrolyte should be as close to 80o F (26.7o C) as possible. Cold batteries show
considerably lower capacity.
Never load test a sealed battery if its temperature is below 60o F (15.5o C).
On batteries with side terminals, obtaining a sound connection can be a problem.
The best solution is to screw in the appropriate manufacturer’s adapter (Figure
17-28). If an adapter is not available, use a 3/8 inch (9.54mm) coarse bolt with a
nut on it. Bottom out the bolt. Back it off a turn. Then lighten the nut against the
contact. Now, attach the lead to the nut.

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 A battery tester with a carbon pile should be used to check the capacity of a
battery the typical connection for this type of meter are shown in Figure 17-29.

Figure 17-28 Adapters may be needed to test and charge batteries with side-
mount terminals

Figure 17-29 Typical tester hook-up for conducting a battery load test
When performing a battery load test, follow these guidelines

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 PROCEDURE
Battery Load Test

 The inductive pickup must surround the negative cable of the tester.
 Observe the correct polarity and make sure the test leads are making good
contacts with the battery posts.
 Turn the load control knob ( if the tester is so equipped) to draw current at
the rate of three times the battery’s ampere-hour rating or one-half of its
CCA rating.
 Maintain the load for 15 seconds of current draw.
 At 70o F (21o C) or above or on testers that are temperature compensated,
voltage at the end of 15 seconds, use table 17-3 to determine he adjusted
minimum voltage reading for a particular temperature.

Interpreting Results If the voltage reading exceeds the specifications by a volt or

more, the battery is supplying sufficient current with a good margin of safety. If
the reading is right on the spec, the battery might not have the reserve necessary
to handle cranking during low temperatures. If the battery was at 75% charge and
fell right on the load specifications, it is probably in god shape.

TABLE 17-3 MINIMUM LOAD TEST VOLTAGES

AS AFFECTED BT TEMPERATURE

Battery Temperature (F) Minimum Test Voltage

70o (21oC) 9.6 volts

60o(15.5oC) 9.5 volts

50o(10oC) 9.4 volts

40o(4.4oC) 9.3 volts

30o(-1oC) 9.2 volts

20o(-6.6oC) 8.9 volts

10o(-12.2oC) 8.8 volts

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 0o(-17.7oC) 8.5 volts
If the voltage read below the temperature-corrected minimum, continue to
observe the voltmeter of the tester after removing the load. If it rises above 12.4
volts, the battery is bad. It can hold a charge but has insufficient cold-cranking
amperes. The battery can be recharged and retested, but the results are likely to
be the same.
If the voltage test below the minimum and the voltmeter does not rise above
12.4 volts when the load is removed, the problem may only be a low state of
charge. Recharge the battery and lead test again.
If a volt-ampere tester is not available, the starter motor can be used as a
loading device to conduct a capacity test. By observing a voltage reading before
and after the starting motor has run, the condition of the battery can be
determined. Connect the voltmeter across the battery. Make sure ignition is
disabled to prevent engine starting.

Battery Capacitance Test

Many manufacturers recommend that a capacitance or conductance test be
performed on batteries. Conductance describes a battery’s ability to conduct
current. It is a measurement of the plate surface available in a battery for
chemical reaction. Measuring conductance provides a reliable indication of a
battery’s condition and is correlated to the battery capacity. Conductance can be
used to detect cell defects, shorts, normal aging, and open circuits which can
cause the battery to fail.
A fully charged new battery will have a high conductance reading, anywhere
from 110% to 140% of its CCA rating. As a battery ages, the plate surface can
sulfate or shed active material, which will lower its capacity and conductance.
When a battery has lost a significant percentage of its cranking ability, the
conductance reading will fall well below its rating and the test decision will be to
replace the battery. Because conductance measurements can track the life of the
battery, they are also effective for predicting end of the life before the battery fails.
To measure conductance, the tester (Figure 17-30) creates a small signal
that is sent through the battery and then measure a portion of the AC current
response. The tester displays the service condition of the battery. The tester
indicates that the battery is good, needs to be recharged and tested again, has
failed, or will fail shortly.

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 Figure 17-30 A conductance (capacitance) battery tester.

Self Check Unit Service Automotive Battery

No.1.1 Module Servicing Automotive Battery

LO1: Test automotive battery

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What is a parasitic load?

2. What design characteristics determine the current capacity of a battery?
3. How is a battery leakage test conducted?
4. A battery is also called a deep-cycling battery.

Job Sheet no. 1.1 Unit of Service Automotive Battery

competency

Module Title Servicing Automotive Battery

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LO1: Test Automotive Battery

Testing Automotive Battery

Objective:
After completion of this job sheet, you will have demonstrated the ability
to test automotive battery. You must know how to perform this task in order to
pass the Competency Assessment in Service Automotive Battery.

Tools and Materials

Service manual
Battery
Basic Hand Tools
Battery Charger
Testing Instrument
PPE
Fender Cover

Follow the following procedures in testing automotive battery.

PROCEDURE
Battery Leakage Test

Step 1. Set a voltmeter on a low DC volt range.

Step 2. Connect the negative test lead to the battery negative terminal.
Step 3. Then move the meter’s positive lead across the top sides of the battery
Case.
Note; If some voltage is read on the voltmeter, current is leaking out of battery
Cells. The battery should be cleaned, then rechecked. If the battery again
has some leakage, it should be replace because the case is excessively
porous or cracked.

Battery Drain Test

Step 1.
Turn off all accessories and close the doors.
Step 2.
Remove the underhood lamp, if equipped.
Step 3.
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Step 4.
Attached the multiplying coil between the negative battery cable and
the battery terminal post.
Step 5. Zero the ammeter.

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Step 6. Connect the inductive pickup probe around the multiplying coil.
Step 7. Read the ammeter.

Note: Use a multiplying coil to obtain accurate readings when measuring

parasitic drains with a VAT- 40 similar tester. The maximum permissible
Current drain is 0.05 ampere. If the current drain exceeds this limit, remove the
fuses, one at a time. < TASK COMPLETED.>

Battery load test

Step 1. The inductive pickup must surround the negative cable of the tester.
Step 2. Observe the correct polarity and make sure the test leads are making
Good contact with the battery posts.
Step 3. Turn the load control knob ( if the tester is so equipped) to draw current
At the rate of three times the battery’s ampere- hour rating or one- half
To its CCA rating.
Step 4. Maintain the load for 15 seconds. Observe the tester’s voltmeter.
Step 5. Discontinue the load for after 15 seconds of current draw.
Step 6. At 70 degrees F or above or on tester that are temperature compensated,
Voltage at the end of 15 seconds should not fall below 9.6 volts. If the
tester is not temperature compensated, use table 17-3 to determine the adjusted
minimum voltage reading for a particular temperature.

Note: If the voltage reading exceeds the specification by a volt or more, the battery
is supplying sufficient current with a good margin of safety. If the reading is right
On the spec, the might not have the reserve necessary to handle cranking during
low temperatures. If the battery was at 75% charge and fell right on the load
specifications, it is probably is good shape. ( Task Completed)

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