BA201: How to Perform Battery Health Check

Introduction

Maintaining proper battery condition is critical for reliable operation of modern vehicles. The Battery Health Check function on the INNOVA® BA201 Battery Tester Tablet is designed to evaluate the overall condition of a vehicle battery by measuring key electrical and performance parameters. This comprehensive assessment analyzes multiple battery characteristics and generates a detailed report that helps identify battery-related issues and supports accurate service decisions.

The Battery Health Check determines battery condition by examining measured parameters and providing a clear status evaluation. The test results assist in identifying whether the battery is operating normally, requires charging, or should be replaced. This function can be performed with the battery installed in the vehicle (In-Vehicle Test) or with the battery removed from the vehicle (Out-of-Vehicle Test). In both test modes, the system provides detailed diagnostic results to help pinpoint performance concerns and identify the most appropriate corrective actions.

INNOVAPRO BA201 Battery Tester device displaying Electrical System Test function

Procedure

NOTE: Inspect the battery terminals for sulfate deposits and other corrosion. Use a brush to thoroughly clean the terminals before connecting the Battery Tester Tablet.

From the Homescreen, select Battery Health Check. The Test Location screen displays. Then, select the desired test as follows.

  • In Vehicle Test: Perform Battery Health Check with the battery installed in the vehicle. This function performs a deep test of battery health by combining multiple tests for optimal accuracy.

  • Out of Vehicle Test: Perform Battery Health Check with the battery removed from the vehicle.

NOTE: If battery voltage is less than 11.8V, the message ‘Charge the battery and retest’ displays, indicating that the battery needs to be charged before trying again.

Battery tester main menu showing the Battery Health Check option

In Vehicle Test

Warning: Do not perform this test on Smart Alternator, Hybrid, or Electric vehicles.

NOTE:

  • If the battery is a wet cell (maintenance-type), check the electrolyte level (the level of the mixture inside the battery that transmits electricity between the terminals of the battery). Make sure the electrolyte is at the required level for the battery type to obtain the most accurate test results.
  • Make sure the connection between the test clamps and the battery terminals are good to ensure test results are correct.

Battery Health Check battery type selection screen

Step 1. After selecting In Vehicle Test, select the Type, Standard, and Rating of the battery.

  • Select the desired Battery Type.

Battery Health Check battery standard selection screen
  • Select the desired Battery Standard.

Battery Health Check CCA value entry screen
  • Enter the value for the Battery Standard you previously selected.

  • Use the Up/ Down buttons to choose the desired value.

  • Use the Left/ Right buttons to change the next digit.

Battery Health Check test condition instructions

Step 2. The screen displays the test conditions required before starting the test. Confirm that all conditions are met, then select Continue.

Battery Health Check checking battery surface voltage
Battery Health Check instruction to turn off the headlights and blower

Step 3. The battery tester checks for the presence of surface voltage.

  • If there is no surface voltage, proceed to next step.

  • If there is surface voltage, an “instructional” screen displays. Follow the instructions to clean surface voltage, then select Continue.

Battery Health Check test in progress screen
Battery Health Check prompt to start the engine

Step 4. The battery tester proceeds to perform the battery health check (In Vehicle Test).

  • The screen displays the requirement to start the engine within 30 seconds while performing the test.

Battery Health Check test results showing battery condition
  • Start the vehicle’s engine when prompted. An “instructional” screen displays requiring you to turn the engine and all vehicle accessories OFF. Select Continue to complete the test.

Battery Health Check Out-of-Vehicle Test selection screen

NOTE: If no engine start is detected, the screen displays a notification for the test failure and requests for retesting.

Step 5. The Battery Result screen displays.

  • Select Report to submit the test report to RSPRO® App via Wi-Fi network.

  • Select Complete. The battery tester returns to the Home screen.
Out-of-Vehicle Test battery type selection screen

Out-of-Vehicle Test

NOTE:

  • If the battery is a wet cell (maintenance-type), check the electrolyte level (the level of the mixture inside the battery that transmits electricity between the terminals of the battery). Make sure the electrolyte is at the required level for the battery type to obtain the most accurate test results.
  • Make sure the connection between the test clamps and the battery terminals are good to ensure test results are correct.
Out-of-Vehicle Test battery standard selection screen

Step 1. After selecting Out of Vehicle Test, select the Type, Standard, and Rating of the battery.

  • Select the desired Battery Type.

Out-of-Vehicle Test CCA value entry screen
  • Select the desired Battery Standard.

Out-of-Vehicle Test in progress screen
  • Enter the value for the Battery Standard you previously selected.

  • Use the Up/ Down buttons to choose the desired value.

  • Use the Left/ Right buttons to change the next digit.

Out-of-Vehicle Test battery results screen

Step 2. The battery tester proceeds to perform the battery health check (Out-of-Vehicle Test).

Battery Health Check results showing state of health and state of charge

Step 3. The Battery Result screen displays.

  • Select Report to submit the test report to RSPRO® App via Wi-Fi network.

  • Select Complete. The battery tester returns to the Home screen.

INNOVA BA201 battery tester with battery test clamps

Test Result Explanation

There are four types of result when you perform Battery Health Check: Good Battery, Good - Recharge, Charge - Retest, Replace Battery. The type of result is shown at the beginning of each report, which also includes relevant parameters to help you further understand the condition of your battery. REPAIR TIPS are provided at the end of the test results to advise what you should do with your battery.

1. Good Battery: This result indicates the battery is in good condition.

Follow the Repair Tip to fix the issues: “The battery is in good condition. Please test it again in 90 days.”

2. Good – Recharge: This result indicates the battery is in good condition but not fully charged.

Follow the Repair Tip to fix the issues: “The battery is in normal condition but isn’t fully charged. Please recharge the battery.”

3. Replace Battery: This result indicates the battery should be replaced.

Follow the Repair Tip to fix the issues:

  • In Vehicle Test: “Replace the battery and retest. In some cases, a poor connection between the battery terminal and the tester clamp may affect test results. After disconnecting the battery cables, conduct an out-of-vehicle test before proceeding with the battery replacement.”
  • Out of Vehicle Test: “Replace the battery and retest. In some cases, a poor connection between the battery terminal and the tester clamp may affect test results.”

4. Charge – Retest: This result indicates the battery should be recharged and retested as the current battery condition may provide inaccurate results. If you still receive this result after the battery has been fully charged, consider replacing it.

Follow the Repair Tip to fix the issues: “To ensure accurate results, fully charge the battery before performing this test. If the "CHARGE - RETEST" status remains after the battery is fully charged, replace the battery as soon as possible.”


Video Reference

Have Questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.
Our U.S.-based customer service team is ready to assist you.