Auto Meter BCT-200J Intelli-Check II Electrical System Analyzer

I use this for engine electrical system testing... Used to have to use 10 millimeters and take 6 hours to do what I do with this in 20 minutes... BUY THIS IF YOU DO ELECTRICAL TESTING FOR AUTOMOTIVE

First off, if you’re reading this review you know what you’re looking for, and the BCT-200J really shines at finding small problems, before they become major PROBLEMS. One of the key features of the BCT-200J is its preventive maintenance test, or PM test for short.The PM test provides a brief summary of the electrical and charging system’s health and allows you to quickly determine if there is an error in the system. Please note that the PM test should only be used when the vehicle is in the shop for a PM service, and NOT when the vehicle is having electrical problems. For a vehicle with suspected electrical problems, use the individual test starting with the batteries, the cables, and finally the alternator or starter.*The manual goes into great detail regarding this.I will briefly go through the steps on how to perform a preventative maintenance test on a vehicle.First, you start by navigating to the menu by turning the device “ON” and pressing “ENTER” on the keypad; then navigating to “PM TEST” on the menu (this is the first choice), you just enter in the number of batteries you'll be testing. In my case, I was only testing 3 batteries. Be sure to connect the (large) positive and negative leads of the device to the battery system you’re testing.One of the neat little features that I love about the BCT-200J is its ability to apply a load to the battery. It may not sound like much at first, but this will allow you to stabilize your system WITHOUT having to turn on your accessories system. After the BCT-200J stabilizes, it will ask what type of batteries you are testing (Lead Acid or AGM). I was using lead acid.Next you will be prompted to enter in the CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) of your batteries. Don’t worry if you aren’t able to navigate to the exact CCA value of your batteries, the BCT-200J only allows you to select in 25 value increments. So just find the closest increment to your batteries specs and continue.Press “ENTER” to test the bank. Then, connect the (small) clips to the starter. The BCT-200J will now load the batteries with a load. Now you will “start the engine, and then rev to the governed speed.” The device will perform a few more automated tests and that’s it!If you have the optional PR-15 printer, you can simply print your results from the BCT-200J to the printer. Simply point the BCT-200J towards the printer and press the print button on the keypad. It doesn’t get much easier than that.Pros:Can perform many testsBright illuminated displayAbility to accurately test partly discharged batteriesVery intuitive and easy to use interfaceI was able to test the battery, starter and alternator in less than 3 minutes.The manual is very well written with lots of pictures showing exactly what you should be looking at.If you hook something up wrong it will tell you!Cons:Not cheap, but it replaces a lot of tools (carbon pile, multiple meters, and amp clamps At least that’s what I tell myself to justify it. JSIDE NOTE: Please wear safety glasses when working in close proximity to batteries! My dad had a battery blow up in his face, and it nearly cost him his sight.

Auto Meter BCT-200J Intelli-Check II Electrical System AnalyzerFirst Impressions: This Test Meter is built to last, as everything about it is strong, well designed and manufactured using premium parts.This meter does multiple tests, although I wanted it mostly for the testing of batteries and alternators, which it does very well.The testing of automotive batteries is simple and quick. As you progress through the testing process, the screen guides you though to the next step, either by asking questions concerning the battery you are testing, or offering a choice of different components.This test kit includes a permanently attached set of battery cables that are heavy "0" gauge and a smaller set that are attachable for testing Alternators and the many other test it performs. It also comes with long extended size bolts that you can use to make proper connections.Because I also own a multitude of motorcycles, ATV's, Dirt-Bikes and such, I also wanted the ability to test the batteries of each of those. The only drawback is most of my smaller "Toys", the CCA is usually not much above 150 Cold Cranking Amps, whereas this test meter only goes as low as 200 CCA. Whether its inability to be lowered down to 150 cca's will have a negative result during the testing process, I am not yet sure.Overall, I like having the ability to perform the test "I" require, but if you are reading this review, you have already done your research and are fully aware what this testing device is capable of, simply because of it's price, its not cheap.I reduced my rating from 5 to 5 stars because of its inability to be lowered down to test batteries that only provide 150 CCA or less.

This is an extremely well made battery and electrical system analyzer. Its price point puts it out of the range of affordability for most weekend mechanics, but if you own a small or large shop, or maintain a fleet of vehicles, this analyzer will be very useful.This is an intelligent analyzer that can check batteries (wet, gel, and absorbent glass mat) and charging systems. The interface is very well designed. It is very easy to go through the testing procedure – just follow the on the screen instructions. You do need to have a basic understanding of the charging system in order to make the correct connections and answer the questions. Once the test, or set of tests, are run, the results appear in the screen. It can print to printer via infrared communication, but I do not have the printer and I don’t think it is really essential.The manual is very well written. It is not necessary to study it since you are already familiar with batteries and alternators, but a quick read-through will let you know about all of the different tests the analyzer can run. I particularly appreciate the preventive maintenance set of tests – connect the leads to the battery and alternator when instructed to do so, answer a few questions, and it automatically runs basic tests on the battery (including a load test), the starter, and the alternator.This is what the unit tests:1) Battery test (bank and individual)2) Charging cable test3) Alternator test4) Starter cable test5) Starter solenoid test6) Key switch test7) Liftgate voltage drop test (which can be used to test trailer charging, trailer motor, etc.) – I didn’t have a need for this.This is a great device!