Electrical/Electronics Flashcards
Where should inspection of a battery begin?
An inspection of a battery should always begin with a thorough visual inspection of the case and the immediate surrounding area for any signs of leakage.
Check mounting bolts, hold-down clips, and cover clamps.
Ruber hold-downs and insulators should have no tears or cracks.
What are battery terminals?
Battery terminals are either two tapered posts or threaded studs on top of the case or two internally threaded connectors on the side. Some batteries have both types of terminals so that one battery fits either application.
What should be disconnected first when disconnecting a battery?
The ground cable should always be disconnected first, then the positive cable; therefore when reconnecting a battery, the positive cable should always be connected first and the ground cable last.
What kind of battery hook-ups do heavy-duty trucks us?
Heavy-duty trucks typically use three or four batteries connected in series or parallel to allow operation of a 123-volt or 24-volt electrical system, and/or to increase the cold cranking amperes (CCA) rating of the vehicle.
Which is the most common battery hookup?
The most common hookup is the parallel hookup, which can be further described as a single-path circuit or dual-path circuit.
How is the path determined?
The path is determined by the placement of batteries, such as two batteries per side or truck or all the batteries in one battery box on one side of the truck, or behind the cab.
How do you check the condition of the battery cables?
Check the condition of the battery cables by performing voltage drop tests.
Connect the voltmeter in parallel with the portion of the circuit being tested, being careful to observe polarity.
How do you test for resistance caused by battery terminal corrosion?
Place one voltmeter lead on the battery post, the other one on the cable, and then observe the meter while cranking the starter.
A good connection at the battery post will show that only about 0.1 volts are dropped.
When the voltage dropped across the entire positive battery cable measured there should be less than 0.5 volts dropped.
You can test the positive battery cable by placing one lead on the battery post and the other on the solenoid battery cable stud, testing voltage drop through the entire cable.
How do you test the ground circuit?
Place one lead on the negative battery post and the other on the starter frame and observe the voltage reading while cranking, There should be less than 0.3 volts dropped across the negative cable.
All wires somewhat resist current flow. What determines the value of resistance?
The value of resistance is relative to the size and type of wire used.
In relation to current flowing, the smaller the wire the greater the resistance value.
Resistance generates heat, which further increases resistance.
How do you clean a battery?
A battery can be cleaned with a baking soda and water solution.
Always wear hand and eye protection when servicing batteries and their components.
What is occurring when the built-in hydrometer indicates light yellow or clear?
The electrolyte level is low and the battery should be replaced.
How can a high voltage regulator setting result in low electrolyte levels?
By overcharging.
How can you prevent corrosion of the cable clamps?
By spraying the cable clamps with a protective coating.
Or a little grease or petroleum jelly will also prevent corrosion.
Also, protective pads that go under the clamp and around the terminal can prevent corrosion.
What should you do to the battery case, terminals and electrolyte level before testing?
Perform a visual inspection.
What should you do if you find any leakage from the case due to cracks or loose posts/terminals?
The battery is deemed unserviceable and must be replaced.
What comprises the level of electrolyte?
A combination of sulfuric acid and distilled water and it must be serviced if required.
What must be completely immersed in electrolyte?
The plate area must be completely immersed in electrolyte; if the level is low, indicated by the plate area being exposed then distilled water only can be added to return the electrolyte to proper balance.
Why can’t you use tap water to add to the electrolyte?
Tap water contains impurities and will lead to premature battery failure.
What are some things that usually indicate the overcharging of the battery?
A battery having moisture on the top surface
A strong odor of sulfur
Expanded case or
Excessively high temperatures
What does moisture on the surface of the battery cause?
A discharge condition and must be removed.
Cold weather starts are critical to the operation of a truck.
What can happen to a battery that is even partially discharged in cold weather?
It can e be exposed to a freeze-up in cold weather.
What happens to the specific gravity in a discharged battery?
It is decreased to a point where the electrolyte can freeze.
What can you use to determine the state of charge of a battery?
A battery open-circuit can be used to determine the sate of charge.
What state of a battery must have its surface charge removed before testing?
A battery that has recently been charged bu running the engine, or using a battery charger must ave its surface charge removed before testing.
How can you remove a surface charge?
Surface charge may be removed by applying a load of 300 amps for 15 seconds with a carbon pile load tester, or by cranking the engine fo 15 seconds.
What should you do after removing the surface charge?
After removing the surface charge, stabilize the voltage by allowing the battery to rest for 15 minutes.
If the State of Charge is fully charged, what is the stabilized open circuit voltage?
12.6 volts or more
If the State of Charge is 75% charged, what is the stabilized open circuit voltage?
12.4 volts
If the State of Charge is 50% charged, what is the stabilized open circuit voltage?
12.2 volts
If the State of Charge is 25% charged, what is the stabilized open circuit voltage?
12.0 volts
If the State of Charge is discharged, what is the stabilized open circuit voltage?
11.7 volts or less
If the battery passes the state of charge test, what test should you then perform and why?
Then, perform a load test to determine if the battery is capable of providing the proper discharge amperage and voltage under load conditions.
How long should you wait between load testing cycles?
A two minute waiting period should be maintained to avoid damage to the battery
If it is a multiple battery vehicle, what should your for recharging steps be?
- First, disconnect the batteries and perform individual testing of each battery.
- Determine the amperage rating of the vehicle (check Manufacturer’s specification), and confirm that the proper batteries are installed in the vehicle.
- If the voltage is below 12.4 volts DC at 70 degrees, the battery should be recharged to above 12.6 vols.
- Apply a load through the tester at one-half the CCA for 15 seconds.
If the voltage drops below 9.6 volts at 70 degrees F, the battery is unserviceable.
Because charging to proper levels can take hours to properly complete, what would be good time management?
Install the battery charger, set it to a medium charge rate(voltage), amperage approximately 40 amps, and observe the voltage rate.
If the voltage exceeds 15 volts DC within 2 or 3 minutes, then the battery requires replacement.
What level of torque do starter motors produce and what should you do?
Check the clamping torque of the starter flange fasteners.