Argus Analyzers AA400 Support
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Testing Tips and Techniques
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Why is the tester failing nearly every battery when I know they are 'good'?
-
- A wrong value was entered as the reference value for the test. Check the battery label and re-test.
- The rating standard set in the tester is incorrect. Check the battery label and enter the correct rating standard (CCA, CA, EN, EN2, DIN, Ω)
-
Why does my AA tester often indicate a failed alternator when testing batteries installed on motorcycles?
-
Because most motorcycles do not have alternators. The software of the AA series that evaluate alternator performance is designed to look for specific wave patterns that result from the output of triple wound alternators. Most motorcycles (except the very largest) use a device called a rectifier to generate DC voltage to charge the battery. The output wave form of a rectifier will be considered a �fail� by the AA series alternator test algorithms.
When testing motorcycle charging systems, use the indicated battery voltage as your guide to determine correct function. If the voltage is between 13.2 and 14.8 when the engine is running the charging system appears to be working correctly.
-
Why is the tester not turning on when I attach it to the battery?
-
1. The analyzer clamps are connected to the wrong poles of the battery. Reverse the connections and try again.
2. The battery voltage is too low. If the battery is drained below 4.5V, the tester will not turn on. You must charge the battery above 6V before testing.
3. The cables or clamps are damaged. Replace the cable set.
-
Why do I get a different answer if I test the same battery again?
-
A very slight difference in the quality of the connection between clamp and battery terminal will have a small impact on the measured resistance. Generally these differences are quite small and can be ignored (less than 5%). If the differences are large, repeat the test and ensure a high quality contact between clamps and the lead posts of the battery.
If the clamps are not connected directly to the lead of the battery terminals these differences can be more significant. Note: Special attention to connection quality must be given to batteries with side-pole terminals and batteries where the lead posts are covered by steel battery terminals.
Interpreting Display and Results
-
Why is the tester failing nearly every battery when I know they are 'good'?
-
- A wrong value was entered as the reference value for the test. Check the battery label and re-test.
- The rating standard set in the tester is incorrect. Check the battery label and enter the correct rating standard (CCA, CA, EN, EN2, DIN, Ω)
-
Why does my AA tester often indicate a failed alternator when testing batteries installed on motorcycles?
-
Because most motorcycles do not have alternators. The software of the AA series that evaluate alternator performance is designed to look for specific wave patterns that result from the output of triple wound alternators. Most motorcycles (except the very largest) use a device called a rectifier to generate DC voltage to charge the battery. The output wave form of a rectifier will be considered a �fail� by the AA series alternator test algorithms.
When testing motorcycle charging systems, use the indicated battery voltage as your guide to determine correct function. If the voltage is between 13.2 and 14.8 when the engine is running the charging system appears to be working correctly.
-
Why is the tester not turning on when I attach it to the battery?
-
1. The analyzer clamps are connected to the wrong poles of the battery. Reverse the connections and try again.
2. The battery voltage is too low. If the battery is drained below 4.5V, the tester will not turn on. You must charge the battery above 6V before testing.
3. The cables or clamps are damaged. Replace the cable set.
-
Why do I get a different answer if I test the same battery again?
-
A very slight difference in the quality of the connection between clamp and battery terminal will have a small impact on the measured resistance. Generally these differences are quite small and can be ignored (less than 5%). If the differences are large, repeat the test and ensure a high quality contact between clamps and the lead posts of the battery.
If the clamps are not connected directly to the lead of the battery terminals these differences can be more significant. Note: Special attention to connection quality must be given to batteries with side-pole terminals and batteries where the lead posts are covered by steel battery terminals.
Troubleshooting
-
Why is the tester failing nearly every battery when I know they are 'good'?
-
- A wrong value was entered as the reference value for the test. Check the battery label and re-test.
- The rating standard set in the tester is incorrect. Check the battery label and enter the correct rating standard (CCA, CA, EN, EN2, DIN, Ω)
-
Why does my AA tester often indicate a failed alternator when testing batteries installed on motorcycles?
-
Because most motorcycles do not have alternators. The software of the AA series that evaluate alternator performance is designed to look for specific wave patterns that result from the output of triple wound alternators. Most motorcycles (except the very largest) use a device called a rectifier to generate DC voltage to charge the battery. The output wave form of a rectifier will be considered a �fail� by the AA series alternator test algorithms.
When testing motorcycle charging systems, use the indicated battery voltage as your guide to determine correct function. If the voltage is between 13.2 and 14.8 when the engine is running the charging system appears to be working correctly.
-
Why is the tester not turning on when I attach it to the battery?
-
1. The analyzer clamps are connected to the wrong poles of the battery. Reverse the connections and try again.
2. The battery voltage is too low. If the battery is drained below 4.5V, the tester will not turn on. You must charge the battery above 6V before testing.
3. The cables or clamps are damaged. Replace the cable set.
-
Why do I get a different answer if I test the same battery again?
-
A very slight difference in the quality of the connection between clamp and battery terminal will have a small impact on the measured resistance. Generally these differences are quite small and can be ignored (less than 5%). If the differences are large, repeat the test and ensure a high quality contact between clamps and the lead posts of the battery.
If the clamps are not connected directly to the lead of the battery terminals these differences can be more significant. Note: Special attention to connection quality must be given to batteries with side-pole terminals and batteries where the lead posts are covered by steel battery terminals.

