Battery Load Test
A fully charged battery 12v auto battery is 12.6v static. (each cell
produces approx. 2.1v.)
Normal charging system output 13.5-14.5v

Battery load test: (testing the battery)remove battery surface charge if car
was just driven (turn on headlamps for 10 seconds and turn off) next,
disable the ignition, crank engine for 15 seconds. Battery reading should
not fall below 9.6v if it does, charge the battery, re-test and replace if
necessary.(assuming the charging system is OK) This is an accurate way to
load test a battery without using a carbon pile load tester only found in
auto shops.

Paul Katson
paulkatson@inspectacar.com   May 2001