Is 10 volts too low for a car battery?
If the measured reading is less than 12.2 volts, the battery’s resting voltage is weak, which means it most likely needs to be charged or replaced. As soon as the car is turned on, the voltage reading will drop for a quick moment, but should not fall below 10 volts.
What is the lowest acceptable drop in battery voltage when load testing a battery?
That value will understandably be lower than the standalone voltage test. When performing a load test, you should apply a load to a fully charged battery for no more than 30 seconds and should not see the voltage drop below 9.6V. If it does, replace the battery.
How long does battery voltage drop under load?
The voltage should only drop for as long as the load is applied the battery should recover instantly to it’s original voltage (minus the small drop in voltage to account for consumption while load was applied)
What should voltage drop be on 12 volt battery?
12-volt system: 0.500 volts maximum voltage loss 24-volt system: 1.000 volts maximum voltage loss 2) Replace cables or repair circuits with excessive voltage loss. If the voltage drop exceeds specification, check for corrosion, frayed strands of wire, loose connections or a battery cable gauge that is too small.
What should I do if voltage drop is too high?
If the voltage drop exceeds specification, check for corrosion, frayed strands of wire, loose connections or a battery cable gauge that is too small. Ensure the vehicle’s batteries have been tested and that the terminals have been cleaned and tightened. 1) Ensure the battery is charged to 12.4 volts minimum.
How does a voltage drop test work on a car?
A voltage drop test will assess voltage losses at the battery, the alternator and the starter. 1) With the voltmeter connected to battery, and key and engine off, record a “base” voltage reading. (Your battery should have a minimum of 12.4 volts.) If it is less than 12.4 volts, charge the battery and repeat the test.