- Test battery voltage without load, as described here
- Remove the test leads from the battery and connect the load tester (pictured) alligator clips or hooks to both the red and black test leads
- Again, touch the red and black test leads to the proper battery poles
- Resistor should warm considerably and voltage should drop from original reading
- If the voltage drops less than 0.5 volts and then stabilizes, the battery is good
- If the voltage drops rapidly and more than 0.5 volts or fails to stabilize, the battery should be replaced
For the Aspiring Hydrographer
