AUTOOL BT-360 Battery System Tester User Manual
Notes
- Carefully read the user manual before using, and keep it well for future reference.
- Carefully check the device parts list before using. For any doubt, contact AUTOOL distributor immediately.
- Due to the product upgrade, tiny difference between the user manual and the device will not be further noticed. Take the device as standard.
Copyright and Disclaimer
Copyright reserved! Without written agreement from AUTOOL Tech Co., Ltd (Hereinafter refer to "AUTOOL"), any company or person is not allowed to copy and duplicate this user manual in any format (electronic, mechanical, video, record or other formats). The user manual is designed only for AUTOOL products. Any consequence caused by using the user manual to guide other device operation is not under the responsibility of AUTOOL.
AUTOOL and its branches are not responsible for the fees and expense of the device damage and loss due to private accident or from third party, misuse and abuse of the device, unauthorized change and repair, or any operation and maintenance not following AUTOOL standard.
AUTOOL is not responsible for device damage or problem due to the usage of any optional parts or consumables instead of AUTOOL original products or AUTOOL recognized products.
Declaration: Other product names mentioned in the user manual are aimed to describe the device usage. The registered trademarks still belong to the original company.
The device is for professional technicians or maintenance and repair personnel.
AUTOOL has registered its trademark in China and several other countries, logo is AUTOOL. Other AUTOOL trademarks, service marks, dot names, Icons, company names mentioned in the user manual all belong to AUTOOL and its subsidiaries. In those countries where AUTOOL trademark, service mark, dot name, icon, company name not registered yet, AUTOOL declaim the right for its unregistered trademark, service mark, dot name, icon, and company name. Trademarks of the other products and company names mentioned in the user manual still belong to original registered company. Without written agreement from the owner, no person is allowed to use the trademark, service mark, dot name, icon and company name of AUTOOL or of other mentioned companies. You can visit our website at www.autooltech.com or call to 86-755-27807580 or email to aftersale@autooltech.com to get contact with AUTOOL for the written agreement on the usage of the User Manual.
Chapter 1 Product Summary
1.1 Product Profile
The AUTOOL BT-360 Battery Tester adopts the world's most advanced conductance testing technology to easily, quickly, and accurately measure the actual cold cranking amps capability of the vehicle's starting battery, the healthy state of the battery itself, and common faults of the vehicle's starting system and charging system. This helps maintenance personnel find problems quickly and accurately, thus achieving quick vehicle repair.
Key Features:
- Tests all automotive cranking lead-acid batteries, including ordinary lead-acid, AGM flat plate, AGM spiral, and Gel batteries.
- Directly detects bad cell batteries.
- Features polarity reverse connection protection; reverse connection will not damage the tester or affect the vehicle and battery.
- Allows direct testing of batteries with low charge; no need for full charge before testing.
- Supports the world's majority of battery standards: CCA, JIS, DIN, IEC, EN, SAE, GB.
- Supports multiple languages; customers can select different language packages, including English, Russian, Spanish, French, German, etc. Other languages can be customized upon user request. For languages like Chinese or Japanese, please contact AUTOOL for OEM services.
Image Description: The AUTOOL BT-360 Battery Tester is shown, a compact yellow and black device with a digital display and control buttons, connected to red and black alligator clips.
1.2 Product Function
Main functions of the BT-360 battery tester include: battery test, cranking test, charging test, and other additional functions.
- Battery Test: Analyzes the battery's healthy status to calculate its actual cold cranking capability and aging extent, providing reliable evidence for battery testing and maintenance. It notifies the user to replace the battery in advance when it is aging.
- Cranking Test: Tests and analyzes the starting motor. By measuring the actual required cranking current and voltage, it determines if the starting motor is functioning correctly. Abnormalities can be caused by lubricating system faults increasing starting torque or rotor friction.
- Charging Test: Checks and analyzes the charging system (generator, rectifier, rectifier diode, etc.) to determine if the generator's output voltage, rectifier diode, and charging current are normal. Issues in these components can lead to overcharging or incomplete charging, damaging the battery and shortening the life of other electrical appliances.
- Additional Functions: Include setting language, voltmeter, and screen brightness adjustment.
Chapter 2 Tester Structure
The AUTOOL BT-360 consists of the battery tester main unit and testing cables. The main unit cover is made of ABS acid-resistant plastic.
Image Description: A close-up image of the AUTOOL BT-360 Battery Tester unit, showing its yellow casing, black buttons, and a digital screen. Red and black testing clamps are also visible.
Chapter 3 Operation
3.1 Pre-Test
3.1.1 Connect Tester
Ensure the clamps are well connected to the battery poles; otherwise, the test cannot proceed. If the screen prompts "Check Connection", clean the poles and reconnect correctly.
The tester has reverse connection protection. If clamps are connected in reverse, the screen will not light up, but neither the tester nor the automotive load will be damaged.
Note: For parallel connected batteries, break off the cathode connection first, then perform a single test on each battery. If the cathode connection is not disconnected, the test result will be erroneous.
Image Description: A screen display showing "CHECK CONNECTION".
3.1.2 Key Description
- Up / Down keys: ⬆️ / ⬇️ (Select upwards or downwards via white UP and DOWN keys)
- Return key: ↩️ (Return to previous menu via blue RETURN key)
- OK key: ✔️ (Confirm the selection via green OK key)
Image Description: Diagram showing the tester's control buttons: Up, Down, Return, and OK keys.
3.2 Tester Startup
The tester automatically starts up after the clamps are correctly connected and displays the AUTOOL startup interface. The voltmeter is ON by default.
Image Description: The AUTOOL startup interface displays "BT-360 Battery System Tester" and the current voltage, e.g., "12.64V".
The voltmeter value, displayed at the bottom of the startup interface, can be used as a DC voltmeter. The DC Voltmeter test range is 8-30V DC; exceeding this range may damage the tester.
3.3 Select Language
Press the UP/DOWN keys to select the desired language. Supported languages include English, French, German, Spanish, etc.
Image Description: The screen displays "SELECT LANGUAGE" with "ENGLISH" highlighted.
3.4 Battery Test
After entering the battery test program, the tester displays the model and version for approximately 2 seconds.
Image Description: The screen displays the tester model and version, e.g., "BT-360 Version:1.00.000".
The tester will display the following contents sequentially for selection.
3.4.1 IN-VEHICLE or OUT-OF-VEHICLE
Press UP/DOWN keys to select the battery location (in vehicle or out of vehicle), then press the OK key to confirm.
IN-VEHICLE: Indicates the battery is connected to the vehicle's generator or electrical appliance.
Image Description: Screen showing "SELECT TEST IN-VEHICLE".
If surface charge is detected, the tester prompts "SURFACE CHARGE, TURN LIGHTS ON".
Image Description: Screens showing "SURFACE CHARGE DETECTED" and "TURN LIGHTS ON".
Turn on the headlights as prompted to eliminate battery surface charge. The tester will then display messages sequentially.
Image Description: Screens showing "HEADLIGHTS ON" and "TURN LIGHTS OFF".
Once surface charge is eliminated, turn off the lights as prompted, then press the OK key. The tester will resume the automatic test.
OUT-OF-VEHICLE: Indicates the battery is not connected to any vehicle load; the battery connection is cut off.
Image Description: Screen showing "SELECT TEST OUT-OF-VEHICLE".
3.4.2 Select Battery Charge State
After selecting the battery location, the tester prompts to select the battery charge state: "Before Charge" or "After Charge". Press UP/DOWN keys to select and OK to confirm for a more accurate test result. For in-vehicle tests, select "Before Charge" for cold vehicles and "After Charge" for hot vehicles.
Image Description: Screens showing "SELECT CHARGE AFTER CHARGING" and "SELECT CHARGE BEFORE CHARGING".
3.4.3 Select Battery Type
After selecting the battery charge status, the tester prompts to select the battery type: Regular Flooded, AGM Flat Plate, AGM Spiral, or Gel battery. Press UP/DOWN keys to select and OK to confirm.
Image Description: Screens showing "SELECT TYPE REGULAR FLOODED", "SELECT TYPE AGM FLAT PLATE", "SELECT TYPE GEL", "SELECT TYPE AGM SPIRAL".
For IN-VEHICLE tests, the battery installation way must also be selected (e.g., TOP, SIDE, or REMOTE). This selection is not needed for OUT-OF-VEHICLE tests. Press OK to confirm. The "REMOTE" option is for batteries installed too tightly to access the poles directly with the test clamps.
Image Description: Screens showing "SELECT TYPE TOP POST", "SELECT TYPE SIDE POST", "SELECT TYPE REMOTE".
Note: For REMOTE tests, there may be a slight tolerance. If in doubt, remove the battery and select "OUT-OF-VEHICLE" to re-test.
3.4.4 Battery System Standard and Rating
The BT-360 battery tester tests each battery according to the selected system and rating. Use UP/DOWN keys to select the actual system standard and rating marked on the battery.
Image Description: A car battery is shown with various markings, including "Pb", "12V 60Ah", and ratings like "SAE/438A EN". An arrow indicates the location of the rating information.
Standard Definitions:
- CCA: Cold Cranking Amps, specified by SAE & BCI, most frequently used value for starting battery at 0°F (-18°C).
- JIS: Japan Industrial Standard, displayed on the battery as a combination of numbers and letters (e.g., 55D23, 80D26).
- DIN: German Auto Industry Committee Standard.
- IEC: International Electro technical Commission Standard.
- EN: European Automobile Industry Association Standard.
- SAE: Society of Automotive Engineers Standard.
- GB: China National Standard.
- Other features include: BCI, MCA, CA.
Measure Range Table:
| Measure Standard | Measure Range |
|---|---|
| CCA | 100-1400 |
| JIS | 26A17--245H52 |
| DIN | 100-1200 |
| IEC | 100-1200 |
| EN | 100-1400 |
| SAE | 100-1400 |
| GB | 30-220Ah |
| BCI | 100-1400 |
| MCA | 100-1400 |
| CA | 100-1400 |
Image Description: Screens showing "SELECT INPUT CCA" and "SET RATING 500A CCA".
Input the correct test standard and rating, then press OK. The tester starts the test, and a dynamic interface "TESTING" is prompted.
Image Description: The screen displays "TESTING" with asterisks.
3.4.5 Battery Test Result
It takes approximately 3 seconds to display the battery test result. The battery test result includes 5 types:
- Good Battery
Example: SOH:96%, SOC:98%, 12.64V, Rating 500A. Result: GOOD BATTERY.
The battery is without any problem; it can be used with confidence.
Note: SOH means State of Health, SOC means State of Charge.
- Good, Recharge
Example: SOH:78%, SOC:30%, 12.20V, Rating 500A. Result: GOOD, RECHARGE.
The battery is good but has low current; recharge before using.
- Replace
Example: SOH:46%, SOC:80%, 12.68V, Rating 500A. Result: REPLACE.
The battery is near or has reached the end of its useful life; replace it to avoid potential danger.
- Bad Cell, Replace
Example: SOH:0%, SOC:20%, 10.60V, Rating 500A. Result: BAD CELL, REPLACE.
Indicates battery interior damage, a broken cell, or a short circuit; replace the battery.
- Charge, Retest
Example: SOH:39%, SOC:20%, 12.08V, Rating 500A. Result: CHARGE-RETEST.
Unstable batteries should be recharged and retested to avoid errors. If the same test result appears after recharge and retest, the battery is considered damaged and should be replaced.
Attention: If a "Replace" result occurs in IN-VEHICLE mode, it might be due to a poorly connected vehicle cable. Ensure the cable is disconnected and retest the battery in OUT-OF-VEHICLE mode before deciding to replace it.
Note: After testing, press the RETURN key to return directly to the startup interface. If it was an "IN-VEHICLE" test, pressing the OK key will proceed to the Cranking Test.
3.5 Cranking Test
The tester prompts for the cranking test.
Image Description: Screen showing "CRANKING TEST START ENGINE".
Start the engine as prompted. The tester will automatically complete the cranking test and display the result.
Image Description: Screen showing "RPM DETECTED".
Normally, a cranking voltage value lower than 9.6V is considered abnormal; a value higher than 9.6V is acceptable.
The test result includes the actual cranking voltage and actual cranking time.
Image Description: Screens showing cranking test results: "TIMES 780ms CRANKING NORMAL 10. 13V" and "TIMES 1020ms CRANKING LOW REPLACE 9. 12V".
When the cranking test is abnormal, the battery test result will also be displayed simultaneously. This provides maintenance personnel with a quick understanding of the entire starting system's state.
After the test is finished, do not shut down the engine. Press the OK key to enter the Charging Test.
3.6 Charging System and Rectifier Diode Test
Upon entering the charging test, the tester prompts "Charging Test?".
Image Description: Screen showing "CHARGING TEST ?".
Press the OK key again to start the charging test.
Note: Do not shut down the engine during the test. Ensure all electrical appliances and devices are OFF. Turning any electrical appliance in the vehicle on or off during the test will affect the accuracy of the test result.
The tester performs the following tests sequentially:
Operate accordingly to increase the engine rotating speed to 3000 RPM or above and maintain it for 5 seconds.
Image Description: Screen showing "TESTING" with asterisks.
The tester starts the charging voltage test after detecting the increased RPM.
After the test finishes, the tester displays the effective charging volts, ripple test result, and charging test result.
Image Description: Screens showing charging results: "CHARGING NORMAL LOADED 14.18V LOADED 14.36V RIPPLE NORMAL" and "NO OUTPUT LOADED 12.81V LOADED 12.81V RIPPLE NORMAL".
Note: If no increase in RPM is detected, it indicates a fault in the generator regulator or a failed battery connection. The tester will attempt detection three times. If still failed, it will skip the RPM detection, and the test result will display "No Volt Output".
Check the connection between the generator and the battery, then retest.
Charging Test Results:
- Charging Volt: Normal
The charging system shows normal generator output; no problems detected.
- Charging Volt: Low
The charging voltage of the system is low. Check the generator drive belt for slippage or wear. Verify the connection between the generator and battery is normal. If both the drive belt and connection are in good condition, follow the manufacturer's suggestions to resolve the generator fault.
- Charging Volt: High
Generator output voltage is high. Since most vehicle generators use internal regulators, the generator assembly may need replacement. (Some older cars use external regulators, which can be replaced directly.) The normal high voltage of the voltage regulator is maximum 14.7±0.5V. If the charging voltage is too high, it will overcharge the battery, shortening its life and causing other issues.
- No Volt Output:
No generator voltage output is detected. Check the generator connection cable and the belt for proper condition.
- Diode Test:
Through the charging current ripple test, the tester determines if the diode is normal. If the ripple voltage is too high, it indicates at least one diode is damaged. Check and replace the diode.
All tests are now completed.
Chapter 4 Daily Maintenance
4.1 Eliminate Common Fault
4.1.1 Screen Not Light
- Check the connection with the battery to ensure it is well or reverse-connected.
- Check the test cable for breaks or damage.
Warranty Clause
The warranty clause is only applicable to users and distributors who purchased AUTOOL products through the regular process. Within 1 year from delivery, AUTOOL guarantees products against defects in material or craftsmanship. Any damage due to abuse, unauthorized changes, usage other than intended, or operation not following the user manual is excluded from warranty. Compensation for auto instrument damage due to device defects is limited to repair or replacement; AUTOOL is not responsible for any indirect or accidental loss. AUTOOL will clarify device damage according to the specified test method. Any distributor, employee, or business representative of AUTOOL is not authorized to make confirmations, presentations, or promises related to AUTOOL products.
Statement of Disclaimer
The above warranty clause can substitute for any other form of warranty clauses.
Purchase Order
Replaceable parts and optional parts are available from AUTOOL authorized suppliers. A purchase order should include:
- Order quantity
- Part Number
- Part Name
Customer Service Center
For any questions during operation, please call 86-755-27807580 or email aftersale@autooltech.com.
For maintenance and repair, please send the device back to AUTOOL with the Warranty Card, Product Qualified Card, Purchase Invoice, and a problem description. AUTOOL will maintain and repair the device for free if it is within the warranty period. Otherwise, AUTOOL will charge for maintenance, repair, and shipping.
AUTOOL Website: http://www.autooltech.com
Statement
AUTOOL reserves the right to make any changes to product designs and specifications without notice. The actual object may differ slightly from the descriptions in the manual regarding physical appearance, color, and configuration. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, defects are inevitable. For any questions, please contact a local dealer or AUTOOL's after-sale service center. AUTOOL is not responsible for any misunderstandings.
