ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS An overview of tools used for electrical system testing A look at the features and functions of common tools and equipment used for electrical system testing in the bay. by Barry Hoyland , Contributing Editor, PTEN magazine SINCE SO MUCH OF TODAY’S vehicles rely on electrically driven components, it is important to understand the role of different tools and equipment in diagnosing electrical systems correctly and effi ciently. Even though many of the tool categories are able to perform electrical tests on circuits and components, some types of tools are better than others by either improving effi ciency or the quality of data the tool provides. Overall, there are a number of different electrical system tools and equipment to assist with analyzing and diagnosing a vehicle’s electrical system issues. The tools necessary for your shop are dependent on your needs and capabilities. Clore Automotive Technicians today need a number of electrical testing tools in their arsenal to fully perform electrical diagnosis on vehicles. Electronic Specialties Battery and charging system testers First and foremost, in any electrical test it is important to evaluate the battery and charging system. Most late-model vehicles utilize the PCM to control battery charge rates based not only on load demands, but on the quality of the battery as well. It is necessary to utilize a quality battery/charging system tester to load test the battery and to determine if the charging system has the ability to perform under all conditions. Many battery/charging system testers have the ability to print a record of the results that may be stored with the vehicle records and provided to the customer. Battery monitor reset tools Many late-model vehicles now require resetting CanDo International the Battery Monitor System (BMS) after servicing the charging system or replacing the battery. The battery monitor works with the PCM to evaluate the battery and to adjust the charge rate to extend battery life. Depending on the vehicle, resetting the BMS can be performed by using a scan tool, or a stand-alone tool designed specifi cally to the task. 10 | ELECTRICAL TESTING SUPPLEMENT | DECEMBER 2016 Battery chargers Not to be confused with battery and charging system testers, considerations for battery chargers today should include the types of batteries the unit services and how fast the unit can charge the battery. Associated Equipment Due to different types of batteries (fl ooded, gel cell and glass mat) having different requirements for charging, it is necessary to have a battery charger that is capable of charging each type without damaging the battery. Glass mat and gel cell battery chargers typically utilize a slower charge rate and may be temperature regulated, while fl ooded batteries are able to use traditional chargers because they are not apt to overheat while charging. An additional concern when purchasing a battery charger is to ensure it has the ability to deliver “clean” power in order to be useful when programming computer modules. Voltage spikes or varying voltages while charging during programming may cause damage to computer modules.
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