Inspect, test and replace motor vehicle batteries and related components
Overview
This standard is about carrying out tests to identify faulty batteries, then the removal and replacement of them.
NB: This unit does not include working on high voltage battery packs.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 select and use suitable personal protective equipment and vehicle coverings throughout all battery and component testing and replacement activities
P2 work in a way which minimises the risk of damage to the vehicle and its systems
P3 carry out tests on batteries and components relevant to the faults reported
P4 conduct all testing and replacement activities following:
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P4.1 vehicle, equipment and component manufacturers’ recommendation
P4.2 your workplace procedures
P4.3 health and safety requirements
P5 ensure your testing techniques clearly identify the type of battery or charging system fault(s)
P6 make clear and suitable recommendations for further action based upon the results of your inspection to the relevant person(s)
P7 carry out removal and replacement activities using:
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P7.1 suitable tools and equipment
P7.2 the correct techniques
P7.3 suitable replacement batteries and components
P8 ensure that the replacement battery and charging system function correctly prior to releasing the vehicle to the customer
P9 dispose of removed batteries safely to comply with current legal requirements and your workplace procedures
P10 store batteries safely to comply with current legal requirements and your workplace procedures
P11 complete all testing, inspection and replacement activities within the agreed timescale
P12 promptly report any anticipated delays in completion to the relevant person(s)
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
Legislative and organisational requirements and procedures
K1 the current health and safety legislation and workplace procedures relevant to workshop practices and personal and vehicle protection
K2 the current legal requirements relating to vehicle batteries and components
K3 your workplace procedures for:
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K3.1 the referral of problems
K3.2 reporting of delays to the completion of work
K3.3 personal protection
K3.4 storage and maintenance of battery stock
K4 how to dispose of removed components in line with health and safety and legal requirements
K5 the importance of disposing of waste safely and the consequences of not doing so to others and the environment
K6 the importance of storing batteries safely and the consequences of not doing so to others and the environment
K7 the importance of working to agreed timescales and keeping others informed of progress
K8 the importance of promptly reporting anticipated delays to the relevant person(s)
K9 the relationship between time and costs
Tools and equipment
K10 the function and use of diagnostic testing equipment
K11 the tools and equipment used for replacing batteries and how to select and use them
K12 how to perform safety and operational checks on tools and equipment
K13 code saving devices and how and when to use them
Battery fault finding and replacement
K14 the purpose, function and layout of automotive batteries and charging system, including smart charging
K15 battery ratings and the circumstances in which differently rated batteries should be fitted
K16 the possible faults associated with batteries and charging systems
K17 fault identification methods and procedures and testing techniques associated with batteries and components (e.g. visual, use of hand held diagnostic equipment, use of battery manufacturer’s battery testing equipment)
K18 how to interpret test results
K19 the removal and replacement procedures associated with batteries and components including electrolyte filling, coding of replacement batteries using battery management facility in diagnostic tool and health and safety requirements
K20 how to check that replacement batteries and components are of the correct type and quality for the vehicle
K21 how to inspect, replace and adjust drive belt tension (manual and automatic adjustment) as required
K22 how to check that batteries and components are functioning correctly, referring to manufacturers' procedures, and the importance of doing so before release to the customer
K23 how to work safely avoiding injury to yourself, to others and damage to vehicles
K24 the implications of electrical conductivity through the human body
Scope/range
- Batteries and components include:
1.1. automotive batteries
1.2. battery connections
1.3. battery supports
1.4. battery hold down device
1.5. generators
1.6. drive belt - Testing techniques include:
2.1. sensory
2.2. functional
2.3. electronic - Tools and equipment include:
3.1. hand tools
3.2. diagnostic equipment
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
This section contains examples and explanations of some of the terms used but does not form part of the standard.
Agreed timescales
Examples include job times set by your company or agreed with a specific customer.
Automotive batteries
Examples include lead-acid, flooded, enhanced-flooded, calcium, absorbed glass mat (AGM), gel filled and low voltage lithium.
Diagnostic equipment
Examples include voltmeter, multimeter, battery test equipment, hydrometer and diagnostic tool
Generators
These can be alternators, dynamos and electronic components in a high voltage system
Vehicles
These can be light vehicles and light commercial vehicles. These may also include electric/hybrid vehicles.