With more workshops taking diagnostics in-house rather than outsourcing the work, it is important that proper battery support systems are in place to manage the demands of the diagnostic process. We offer one possible solution.

During diagnostic or programming operations when in a ‘key on, engine off’ state, a vehicle’s systems are operating solely from the battery. This reliance on constant voltage poses a risk to control units, so maintaining battery charge during this process is critical.

Traction Direct’s battery support units (BSU) provide constant voltage when used during diagnostic programming, ensuring that there is no loss of charge or damage to the battery, and therefore no risk of losing data during this critical time. When the battery is charged, the BSU is a regulated power supply to sustain accessory loads and offset parasitic drain.

All products in the BSU range have the same simple indicators so an operator can be sure that the charger is working as it should. There are three LEDs on the unit, for power, polarity and demand. When all three are illuminated, you know that the BSU is supporting the battery. To make it even more adaptable to a workshop, all units are designed to be wall, ramp or trolley mounted, and supplied with 5m output leads as standard. The units were also recently remodelled to be more slimline – 90mm height, to fit into awkward spots. The range includes BSU2-50 (50A), BSU2- 125 (125A) and BSU3-125 (100A at 14.8V).

When carrying out software updates and module reprogramming, including diagnostic processes, reduce the risk to a vehicle’s battery by using a battery support unit.

This article was first published in CVW magazine - the article can be read online here.

How to deal with diagnostics