Reelmaster 5010 SeriesPage 5 -- 18Electrical System
Electrical System Quick Checks
Battery Test (Open Circuit Test)
Use a digital multimeter to measure the battery voltage.
Set the multimeter to the DC volts setting. The battery
should be at a temperature of 60
o
to 100
o
F(16
o
to 38
o
C).Theignition switchshouldbeintheOFF positionand
allaccessoriesturnedoff.Connectthepositive(+)multi-
meter lead to the positive battery post and the negative
(--) multimeter lead to the negative battery post. Record
the battery voltage.
NOTE: Thistestprovides arelativecondition ofthebat-
tery. Load testing of the battery will provide additional
and more accurate information (see Battery Service in
the Service and Repairs section).
Voltage Measured
Battery Charge Level
12.68 volts Fully charged (100%)
12.45 volts 75% charged
12.24 volts 50% charged
12.06 volts 25% charged
11.89 volts 0% charged
Charging System Test
This is asimple test used to determine ifa charging sys-
tem is functioning. It will tell you if the charging system
has an output, but not its capacity.
Use a digital multimeter set to DC volts. Connect the
positive (+) multimeter lead to the positive battery post
and thenegative (--) multimeterlead tothe negativebat-
tery post. Keep the test leads connected to the battery
posts and record the battery voltage.
NOTE: Upon starting the engine, the battery voltage
will drop and then should increase once the engine is
running.
NOTE: Depending upon the condition of the battery
charge and battery temperature, the battery voltage will
increase at different rates as the battery charges.
Start the engine and run at high idle (3200 RPM). Allow
the battery to charge for at least 3 minutes. Record the
battery voltage.
After running the engine for at least 3 minutes, battery
voltageshouldbeatleast0.50volthigherthaninitialbat-
tery voltage.
An example of a charging system that is functioning:
At least 0.50 volt over initial battery voltage.
Initial Battery Voltage = 12.30 v
Battery Voltage after 3 Minute Charge = 12.85 v
Difference = +0.55 v
Glow Plug System Test
This is a fast, simple test that can help to determine the
integrity and operation of your Reelmaster glow plug
system. The test should be run anytime hard starting
(cold engine) is encountered on a diesel engine
equipped with a glow plug system.
Use a digital multimeter and/or inductive Ammeter (AC/
DCCurrentTransducer).Properly connecttheammeter
to the digitalmultimeter (refer to manufacturers’ instruc-
tions) and set the multimeter to the correct scale. With
the ignition switch in the OFF position, place the
ammeter pickup around the main glow plug power sup-
ply wire and read the meter prior to activating the glow
plug system. Adjust the meter to read zero (if applica-
ble). Activate the glow plug system by turning the igni-
tion switch to RUN and record the multimeter results.
The Reelmaster glow plug system should have a read-
ing of approximately 9 Amps perglow plug (27 amps to-
tal on Reelmaster 5210 and 36 amps total on models
with four cylinder engine). If low current reading is ob-
served, one (or more) glow plugs is faulty.
