21/06/2026 10:54 am
Topic starter
Automotive Q&A
Conductance versus load test: which result belongs in a no-crank diagnosis?
Review the evidence, add a focused answer, and distinguish confirmed measurements from assumptions.
Notifications
Clear all
Technician Exchange
2
Posts
2
Users
0
Reactions
205
Views
0
A battery passed a handheld conductance test but fell to 8.7 V during the customer's no-crank event. The argument became whether the tester or the vehicle was correct. We need a policy that treats each test according to what it measures.
How should conductance, state of charge and an actual load event be combined?
1 Answer
0
22/06/2026 6:22 am
Begin with state of charge, temperature and open-circuit condition. Conductance is a useful screening estimate of available performance, but the vehicle's measured voltage and current during the symptom show behavior under the actual load. If voltage collapses at reasonable starter current, recharge and retest or apply the specified load test. If current is excessive, the starter or mechanical load may be the cause.
Record tester code, rated capacity, measured conductance, temperature, crank voltage and current. Do not let a single “Good” label override contradictory loaded evidence.
Topic starter
23/06/2026 7:47 am
Our revised policy requires a crank capture whenever the symptom is present. The original battery failed a controlled load after charging despite its earlier conductance pass. The replacement held 10.6 V at the same starter current and the no-crank did not return.