BLCKTEC 420: Battery Test

Purpose

To guide you on navigating to the Battery/Alternator Test features for your vehicle while using the BLCKTEC 420.

Introduction

The BLCKTEC 420 can perform a check of the vehicle’s alternator system to ensure the system is operating within acceptable limits. You can perform a battery check or an alternator check only.

Perform a battery check only

When Battery/Alternator Test is selected from the Main Menu and the vehicle is not an electric or hybrid vehicle, the Battery/Alternator Test menu will display. Proceed to step 3.

Step 1 -While linked to your vehicle, press the MENU button to access the Menu.

While linked to your vehicle, press the MENU/ENTER ↵ button twice, and release.

Step 2 - Select Battery/Alternator Test, then press MENU/ENTER↵.

The Main Menu will display.

Scroll through the screen using the DOWN ▼ button to scroll down to go through the options and find the Battery/Alternator Test, then press the MENU/ENTER ↵ button.

Step 3 -Select Battery Test, then press MENU/ENTER ↵.

Press the DOWN ▼ button to scroll through the options, select the Battery Test, then press the MENU/ENTER ↵ button.

An instructional message will be displayed, showing the procedures to prepare the vehicle for the battery check.

Step 4 - Prepare the vehicle for the battery check.

Turn the engine OFF.

Place the transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL and set the parking brake.

Make a visual check of the battery’s condition. If the battery terminals are corroded or other damage is present, clean or replace the battery as appropriate.

For 'unsealed' batteries, make sure the water level in each cell is above the battery plates.

Turn the ignition on. DO NOT start the engine. Select Next to proceed.

NOTE: If the engine is running, an advisory message will show. Turn the engine off, then turn the ignition on. DO NOT start the engine. Press the MENU/ENTER ↵ button to continue.

An 'instructional' message is displayed.

Step 5 -Turn the vehicle’s headlights on, then select Next to proceed.

A countdown message will show while the battery check is in process.

If the battery voltage is less than 12.1 volts, an advisory message will show. Turn the ignition OFF and disconnect the Diagnostic Tool from the vehicle. Fully charge the battery, then repeat the battery check.

If the battery voltage is greater than 12.1 volts, an instructional message will show.

Step 6 -Turn the vehicle’s headlights OFF, then select Next to proceed.

An instructional message will show.

Step 7 -Start the vehicle’s engine.

Allow the engine to run for several seconds, then turn the engine OFF. Repeat for a total of three 'start/stop' cycles.

If the Diagnostic Tool did not detect 'cranking status' for the vehicle’s engine, an advisory message will show. Select Retest to repeat the battery check or select Exit to return to the Main Menu.