Open Circuit Voltage Test

A battery open circuit voltage (no load) test will show the approximate state of charge of a battery.

Before proceeding with this test, completely charge the battery, (Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE  ).

1. Before measuring the open circuit voltage, the surface charge must be removed from the battery. Turn on the headlights for 15 seconds, then allow up to five minutes for the battery voltage to stabilize.
2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable. If equipped with an Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS), disconnect the IBS connector first before disconnecting the negative battery cable.
3. Using a voltmeter connected to the battery posts (see the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the voltmeter), measure the open-circuit voltage.

See the Open Circuit Voltage Table. This voltage reading will indicate the battery state of charge, but will not reveal its cranking capacity. If a battery has an open-circuit voltage reading of 12.4 volts or greater, it may be load tested to reveal its cranking capacity.