Tip & How-To about 1999 Ford Escort
Batteries can be measured with a volt meter, this usually gives a reading in volts such as 11.5 or 12.0. The voltage reading will not indicate battery condition.
All electrical requirements are established in amperes. Amperage of a battery can not be determined with a volt meter. The battery is a storage of amperage, however in order to measure this amperage it must be on the move, meaning operating something that requires power.
The only way to determine battery condition is by the use of a load tester. A load tester basically shorts the positive side of the battery to the negative side of the battery through a large resistor, this measures the amperage inside the battery, thus giving battery condition.
You can and will get readings, from a volt meter, anywhere from 10.5 to 12.0 volts on a bad battery. So if you suspect you have a bad battery, have it load tested to determine it true condition.
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