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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Diagnose and service automobile batteries and battery system components 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376600  Diagnose and service automobile batteries and battery system components 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
People in the field of autotronics require the specialist skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard. The learner is capable of carrying out diagnostic tests and service procedures on an automotive battery and its associated systems, perform cable tests, remove and refit a battery, explain jump-starting procedures and configure 12/24 volt battery systems. The learner will also have an understanding of preventative maintenance principles and health and safety procedures relating to handling batteries. This unit standard may be used in the context of one or more of the following areas of specialisation:
  • Passenger vehicles.
  • Commercial vehicles.
  • Earthmoving equipment.
  • Lift trucks.
  • Motor cycles.

    At the end of this standard, the learners will be able to:
  • Perform vehicle tests on a fitted automotive battery.
  • Perform cable testing related to the battery.
  • Remove and refit a battery in accordance with procedures.
  • Test batteries.
  • Perform basic service operations on battery/battery system components.
  • Perform basic repair operations on battery system components.
  • Configure and test 12/24 volt battery systems.
  • Explain and conduct jump-starting procedures.
  • Restore work area, complete and process documentation. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 1.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    All tasks are performed bearing in mind health and safety requirements. Safety includes; work area safety, electrical safety, electro-static safety, the use of personal protective clothing and standard safety procedures when handling any part of the battery system. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Perform vehicle tests on a fitted automotive battery. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Tests include visual inspection, leakage voltage, discharge current and battery charging current under load/no load conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of, and different tests/test equipment are explained in terms of manufacturer's specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Differences include test method, reason for test and equipment used.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Correct test equipment is selected and used to manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant equipment is identified and used to protect the vehicle. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Perform cable testing related to the battery. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Tests include voltage loss tests/functional tests on the control circuit, main starter and earth cables, main alternator feed, main feed cables to primary fuse/junction centers/battery sensors and associated wiring and solenoid contact voltage drop. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Uses of, and different cables/components are explained in terms of manufacturer specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Relevant equipment is identified and used to protect the vehicle when removing and fitting cables and test equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The cables are checked for safety and condition prior to removal and then removed, if necessary. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Differences include cause of volt drops, cable/connector faults and solutions to cable problems.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Remove and refit a battery. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Uses of, and different batteries are explained in terms of battery manufacturer specifications or applications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Differences include battery type, size, amp hour rating, cold cranking amps and voltage, standards (International Standards Organisation (ISO), South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and Deutsches Institut fur Normung (DIN)-German Institute for Standards.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of removing and fitting batteries according to specified procedures is explained in terms of cost, durability and safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant equipment is identified and used to protect the vehicle when removing and fitting batteries. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The battery is checked for safety and condition prior to removal. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The battery is removed and refitted in accordance with accepted work standards and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Batteries are secured in accordance with manufacturer specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The correct functioning of the vehicle is confirmed after battery fitment and devices such as clocks and radios are re-set if required. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Functioning includes vehicle charge and discharge current.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The replaced battery is handled according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Test batteries. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Tests include battery manufacturer/OEM approved electronic battery test, surface discharge test, hydrometer test, sulphation test, load test, correct size and application for vehicle.
  • Test equipment includes multi-meter, hydrometer, thermometer, conventional and electronically controlled slow and fast chargers battery charger, load tester, jumper cables and electronic battery testers. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of testing batteries is explained in terms of manufacturer warranty and reliability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools and test equipment to perform various tests are used in accordance with workshop procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Test results are interpreted to determine the status of a battery. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Perform service operations on battery/battery system associated components. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Operations include cleaning of battery and casing/terminals/cables/connectors, topping up of battery electrolyte, charging the battery, cleaning away corrosion in battery area/on battery, fitting/securing the battery with hold downs/brackets and fasteners/checking and adjusting the alternator drive belt and tensioner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of a correctly adjusted charging system drive belt is explained in relation to battery state of charge. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Reasons for charging a battery are explained in terms of battery life and durability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The operation of a battery is explained in terms of the process of converting chemical energy into electrical energy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The serviceability and functionality of the battery and the battery system components are checked and confirmed to be in accordance with manufacturer specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Batteries and related components are cleaned in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Methods for working with solvents and acids are explained in accordance with relevant health and safety procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Consequences of not working safely are explained in terms of potential injury to personnel and damage to equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The battery is properly secured using an appropriate method. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The alternator drive belt and tensioner are correctly checked and adjusted if required. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Perform repair operations on battery system associated components. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Operations include replacing/fitting/and commissioning new batteries, fitting new terminals and cables, fitting new drive belts, replacing belt tensioners/battery sensors and associated components. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The type, state of charge and capacity of the battery is checked and confirmed to be in accordance with manufacturer specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The repairs are carried out in accordance with workplace and manufacturer requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Reasons for carrying out the repairs are explained in terms of battery life and durability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The purpose of the associated components is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    New batteries are marked and identified in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Configure and test 12/24 volt battery systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correct battery application/voltage is identified in terms of the vehicle/application where the battery is to be used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Correct inter-connecting cables are selected and connected correctly observing series/parallel connection and polarity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Batteries are coupled to achieve the desired output. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Output includes increase in voltage and capacity.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Terminals and cables are selected according to appropriate size/current ratings as specified by the battery and vehicle manufacturer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The circuit output/functioning is confirmed in terms of output voltage and current. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    All tools and equipment are used according to their design and workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Applicable SHE procedures are followed during the process. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
    Explain and conduct jump-starting procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correct jump-start procedures are identified as per manufacturing requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedures include booster vehicle, boosted vehicle and from stand alone battery/booster unit.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Safety and precautionary measures are implemented to prevent injury to self and others and any damage that might occur. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Cables are connected in the sequence specified by motor manufacturer and any additional requirements are performed as per standard procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The vehicle jump-started according to manufacturer instruction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The jump-start procedure is completed according to manufacturer's procedure and/or specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 9 
    Restore work area and complete and process documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The work area is cleaned in accordance with workplace and SHE requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools and equipment are cleaned, packed and stored in accordance with workplace and SHE requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of restoring the workplace is explained in terms of safety hazards and production. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The work area is restored as per standard procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Restoration of work area includes disposal of hazardous materials.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Documentation is completed and processed in accordance with workplace procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Documentation includes job cards, check lists and reports.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Report to customer/colleagues is prepared and printed out according to workplace requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Report to include condition of battery/battery system, possible reasons for failure, additional causes that might contribute to starter problems and preventative maintenance recommendations.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names and functions of:
  • Types of automobile batteries include but not limited to conventional lead acid, maintenance free-sealed, AGM (Absorbed Glass-fibre matt), Gel/basic Hybrid types, and Fleece battery.
  • Battery terminals.
  • Battery cables.
  • Multi-meters.
  • Electronic battery testers.
  • Relevant hand tools.
  • Hydrometer.
  • Personal and automotive protective equipment.
  • Conventional, electronically controlled/fast and slow battery chargers.
  • Cleaning solvents.
  • Electrolytes/acids.
  • Battery testers.

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
  • Acids.
  • Distilled water.

    Sensory cues:
  • Visual, audible, feel, smell and taste.

    Purpose of:
  • Electrolytes.
  • Procedures.
  • Automotive batteries.
  • Battery cables.
  • Following correct procedures when working with batteries.
  • Battery terminals.
  • Ventilation.
  • Charging.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies and standards:
  • Regulations regarding working with batteries.
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental legislation.

    Theory: rules, principles and laws:
  • Internal resistance.
  • Cells in series and parallel.
  • 12/24 volt circuits.
  • Chemical reaction.
  • Electrolysis.
  • Basic principles of electricity.
  • Additional faults that may be incorrectly diagnosed as having being caused by battery failure like advanced timing, faulty starter and tight engine.

    Relationships and systems:
  • Relationship of the battery as the power source and to the starting and charging system of the automobile. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Engaging with problems related to battery and battery system.
  • Testing battery using a variety of equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsively and effectively when:
  • Perform vehicle tests on a fitted automotive battery.
  • Perform cable testing.
  • Remove and refit battery in accordance with battery and vehicle manufacturer's specifications and instructions.
  • Test batteries using appropriate equipment.
  • Perform service operations on battery/battery systems.
  • Perform repairs on battery system.
  • Select and use correct test equipment to perform various tests on battery and battery system. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to:
  • Solve problems pertaining to the battery and battery system. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation to:
  • Complete documentation for workplace.
  • Prepare report on battery condition for customer. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others by:
  • Using tools and equipment according to manufacturer's instructions and/or specifications. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that the problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when engaging with problems associated with the battery and battery systems. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  78944   National Certificate: Autotronics  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.