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Battery check

Battery check


Test procedure

Battery testing should be performed using Battery analyser 311. See also Service Information 311-2009 (SE = 311-2145)

Use the arrow keys to select the correct option in each menu.

Use the ENTER key to confirm a choice. The selections that are made will be saved as menu defaults the next time the analyser is turned on.


1. Check the battery electrolyte level and top up as necessary (especially in markets with a hot climate). If the battery has been used for some time with too low an electrolyte level it should be topped up with distilled water and then charged before a battery test is performed.

Important

Long-term low electrolyte level will cause permanent damage to the battery and impair its service life span.


2. Remove the battery cables. Clean the battery terminals and lubricate with vaseline, part no. 30 06 665.

3. Connect the red cable clamp to the positive terminal (+). (Reversed polarity will not damage the analyser.)

4. Connect the black cable clamp to the negative terminal (-). When both clamps are connected, the analyser will be activated automatically and a self-test will start. If the analyser is defective, the message “INTERNAL ERROR SERVICE REQUIRED” will be displayed.

5. Take care to ensure that the cable clamps make as good contact as possible.

6. If the battery is connected to the car's electrical system, select “IN-VEHICLE” in response to “SELECT TEST”. Otherwise select “OUT-OF-VEHICLE”.

7. Under “BATTERY TYPE”, select whether the battery is works-fitted (“SAAB BATTERY”) or a replacement battery from another manufacturer (“NON-SAAB”).

8. Confirm with “SELECT TEST BY SAE(A)” if the battery's cold cranking amperage is specified according to CCA (SAE) standard. For batteries specified according to DIN, select and confirm with “SELECT TEST BY DIN (A)”.

Important

CCA (SAE) always applies to Saab factory fitted batteries.


DIN standard can be selected when the analyser is to be used for testing replacement batteries which are not to SAE specification.

9. Specify the cold cranking amperage for the battery in question.

Starting with model year 1999, the cold cranking amperage is shown in large text on the top of Saab factory-fitted batteries.

The table below indicates the CCA (SAE) values of factory-fitted batteries from model year 1994 and onwards. These values are to be used when testing the relevant battery with Battery analyser 311.

Manufacturer Part number Car variant Ah CCA (SAE)
Varta

4812921

900/9000/9-3/9-5

60

580 A

Varta

5106661

9-3/9-5

60

580 A

Varta



9-3

60

600A



Important

If the battery specification for cold cranking amperage cannot be identified, the following default values should be used.


900, 9-3

570 CCA (SAE)



After selection and value confirmation, the actual battery test will start automatically.

“SELECT MODE BEFORE CHARGE”

“SELECT MODE AFTER CHARGE”

In certain relationships between measured voltage and conductance, the analyser will need to know whether testing is taking place before or after any battery charging so that a correct assessment of the battery can be made.

Important

Make a practice of also checking the electrolyte level each time the battery is checked. This is especially important in warm climates.


Once any questions have been answered, the analyser will display the test results in one of the following ways:

Message Meaning
GOOD BATTERY

Fully charged. No action.

GOOD-RECHARGE

Recharge the battery, connect it and start using it.

CHARGE&RETEST

Recharge the battery and then repeat the test. Change the battery if message persists after recharging.

REPLACE BATTERY

Change the battery.

BAD CELL-REPLACE

Change the battery.



When the messages “GOOD BATTERY” and “GOOD - RECHARGE” are shown, the display alternates between the message and the degree of charge in steps of 25%, e.g. “STATE OF CHARGE: 0-25%”. This value provides a clear indication of the current state of the battery.

Note the test code when the analyser indicates that the battery needs replacement within the warranty period. The test code from this measurement should then be included on the warranty claim (see Warranty policy for more information).

Important

Check also the replacement battery with Battery analyser 311 before fitting it into the car. If the cold cranking amperage of the replacement battery is not specified according to SAE standard, it can be measured according to DIN standard in step 7 above.