Testing A Battery Without A Voltage Meter

• 1). Turn the key to the accessory setting in your ignition. This is the setting that allows you to play the radio and turn on other accessories, such as the windshield wipers.
  
  
• 2). Turn on the windshield wipers. If they run more slowly than normal, the battery does not have enough of a charge.
  
  
• 3). Look at the instrument panel lights. If they are dimmer than normal, the battery's charge is not adequate.
  
  

Testing A Battery With A Voltage Meter

• 1). Turn your car off and don't drive for at least eight hours. Open the hood and remove the battery terminal covers.
  
  
• 2). Connect the positive (red) cable on a voltage meter with the positive (red) battery terminal of your car. Connect the negative (black) cable on the voltage meter with the negative (black) battery terminal.
  
  
• 3). Look at the reading on the voltage meter. A properly-functioning battery will produce at least 12.5 volts on the voltage meter.