Turn lights blink when testing car battery

Testing car battery can be a little intimidating, especially if you’re not mechanically inclined. However, it’s important to know whether your car battery is functioning properly or not, as it is responsible for powering many important components of your vehicle. In this article, we’ll explore a simple method to test your car battery using just the turn signals and headlights of your car.

The first thing to keep in mind when testing your car battery is safety. Always wear gloves and eye protection, and make sure the ignition is turned off before starting the test. While there are many different ways to test a car battery, this method is quick, easy, and most importantly – safe.

So, let’s get started – we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of testing your car battery using the turn signals and headlights of your car. By the end of this article, you’ll know whether your car battery needs to be replaced or not, and you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your vehicle’s electrical systems are functioning properly.

How to Test a Car Battery

Step 1: Prepare your car and tools

Before testing your car battery, turn off all the electronics in your car and put on safety gloves and goggles. You will also need a voltmeter and a wrench to remove the battery terminals.

Step 2: Check the voltage

Set the voltmeter to DC voltage and touch the positive (red) probe to the positive terminal of the battery and the negative (black) probe to the negative terminal. The voltage reading should be between 12.4-12.7 volts. If the voltage is lower than 12.4 volts, your battery may need to be charged.

Step 3: Load test

If your battery voltage is within the normal range, you can proceed with a load test. Connect a load tester to your battery and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to test the battery’s ability to hold a charge under load. If the battery fails the load test, it may need to be replaced.

Step 4: Check the terminal connections

If your battery passes the load test but your car still won’t start, you may have a problem with the terminal connections. Use a wrench to remove the battery terminals and clean them with a wire brush. Reattach the terminals, making sure they are tight.

Step 5: Consult a professional

If you are unsure about testing your car battery or your battery fails any of the tests, it is best to consult a professional mechanic or automotive technician. They can diagnose the issue and recommend the right solution.

Preparing for the Test

Check Your Car Manual

Before beginning any test, consult your car manual to determine where the battery is located and what type of battery your car requires. This information is crucial to ensuring that you properly test and maintain your car battery.

Gather Necessary Tools

For this test, you will need a multimeter or a voltmeter along with safety goggles and gloves. Make sure to wear the protective gear during the test to avoid injury. Additionally, gather any necessary tools for disconnecting the battery cables, such as pliers or a wrench.

Check the Environment

Perform the test in a well-ventilated area that is free of any flammable materials. The test involves disconnecting cables from the battery, which can cause sparks that may ignite flammable materials. Therefore, it is essential to perform the test in a safe environment.

Understand the Test Process

Finally, it is essential to understand the test process before beginning the test. Consult with a mechanic or expert if you are unsure about any aspect of the test process. Be patient and follow each step of the test to obtain accurate and reliable results.

• Check your car manual
• Gather necessary tools, including a multimeter or voltmeter
• Perform the test in a well-ventilated area
• Understand the test process before beginning

Conducting the Test

Step 1: Turn off all electrical devices

Before conducting the test, make sure to turn off all electrical devices in the car, including the radio, air conditioning, and headlights. This will give a more accurate reading of the battery’s voltage.

Step 2: Connect the battery tester

Attach the battery tester to the positive and negative terminals of the car battery. The red clamp should be attached to the positive terminal, while the black clamp should be attached to the negative terminal.

Step 3: Turn on the battery tester

Turn on the battery tester and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to conduct the test. This usually involves pressing a button or turning a dial to start the test.

Step 4: Observe the results

Observe the results on the battery tester. If the voltage reading is between 12.4 and 12.7 volts, the battery is fully charged. If the reading is below 12 volts, the battery is likely partially or fully discharged.

• If the battery is partially discharged, it may need to be recharged.
• If the battery is fully discharged, it may need to be replaced.

Additionally, if the lights on the car blink during the test, it may indicate a weak battery or electrical issues that need to be inspected further.

Interpreting the Results

Normal Results

If the lights blink steadily, it means the battery is providing sufficient power and is in good condition. This will be reflected in the voltage reading on your multimeter, which should be around 12.6 volts.

Abnormal Results

If the lights blink rapidly or dimly, it may indicate a weak battery or a problem with the alternator. A voltage reading below 12 volts could also suggest a problem. In this case, it’s recommended to have the battery and charging system checked by a professional mechanic.

It’s important to note that a battery that has been drained and recharged a few times may still provide a normal reading, even if it’s near the end of its lifespan. A voltage reading that’s consistently low may also indicate a parasitic drain, which should be investigated further.

Next Steps

If you’re experiencing abnormal results during the battery test, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. Continuing to operate your vehicle with a weak battery or faulty alternator may lead to further problems down the line and could even result in a breakdown.

• Consider replacing the battery if it’s over 3 years old or has been used frequently in extreme temperatures.
• Have the alternator checked to ensure it’s charging the battery properly.
• Check for any parasitic drains that may be causing the battery to lose charge when the vehicle is turned off.

How to Make the Lights Blink During Testing

Step 1: Access the Car’s Computer

To make the lights blink during testing, you will need to access the car’s computer. This is typically done by using an OBD-II scanner. Simply plug the scanner into the car’s OBD-II port, which is usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side.

Step 2: Enable the Output Test Mode

Once the scanner is connected, you will need to navigate to the Output Test Mode. This mode allows you to test various components of the car, including the lights. Depending on your scanner, the Output Test Mode may be labeled differently, but it is typically found under the Diagnostic or Test menu.

Step 3: Select the Light You Want to Test

After entering the Output Test Mode, you will see a list of components that can be tested. Select the light that you want to test, such as the headlights or turn signals.

Step 4: Activate the Test

Once you have selected the light you want to test, you can activate the test by following the prompts on the scanner. Typically, you will be asked to turn the light on and off, or to activate it in a certain pattern. As you perform the test, the light will blink on and off to indicate that it is working properly.

Step 5: Repeat for Other Lights

If you want to test other lights, simply repeat the above steps for each one. You can test all the lights in one session, or test them separately if you prefer. After completing the test, be sure to disconnect the scanner and turn off the car before removing the OBD-II device.

By following these simple steps, you can make the lights blink during testing to ensure that they are functioning properly. This can help you diagnose problems with your car’s battery or electrical system, and keep your vehicle running smoothly.