Battery Voltage Test
Battery Open Circuit Voltage:

Testing Battery Open Circuit Voltage:

DESCRIPTION
A battery voltage (no load) test will indicate the state of charge of a battery that will pass the Battery Load Test described in this section. Before proceeding with this test or the Battery Load Test the battery must be completely charged as described in Battery Charging in this section.
If a battery has a no load voltage reading of 12.4 volts or greater but will not endure a load test, it is defective and should be replaced. To test battery no load voltage, perform the following procedure:
TEST PROCEDURE
1. Remove both battery cables, negative first. If the battery has been boosted, charged, or loaded just prior to this operation, allow the battery time to stabilize.
2. Using a voltmeter connected to the battery posts, see instructions provided with voltmeter being used, measure open circuit voltage (Fig. 6).
- This voltage reading will indicate state of charge, but will not reveal cranking capacity. Refer to Battery Open Circuit Voltage chart.