Battery support specialist GYS discusses battery drain issues and what workshops can do to avoid it.
Last year, the Ministry of Transport issued a special notice (02-24) addressing the issue of battery drain during MOT tests. Battery drain has been identified as a significant problem in certain vehicles, particularly when devices are connected to the OBD port during emissions testing. This issue occurs when the instrument panel cluster receives a request for a diagnostic service it does not support, preventing the system from entering sleep mode. During MOT tests, the combined power demands of diagnostics, emissions testing and other evaluations can place considerable strain on a vehicle’s battery.
An effective and simple solution to this issue is to connect a battery support unit during MOT testing or any work performed in key-on engine-off mode. This ensures a stable power supply, preventing battery drain and safeguarding sensitive electronic systems.
BSUs
Battery support units are essential tools for today’s workshops, providing stable voltage to prevent power issues during diagnostics, programming, and MOT testing. Unlike traditional chargers, BSUs dynamically adjust power output to match the vehicle’s requirements, ensuring optimal performance without overloading the battery. By eliminating voltage drops, BSUs safeguard sensitive systems, reduce diagnostic failures and ensure a seamless workflow for technicians handling modern vehicles.
GYS offers a wide range of battery support units that provide the necessary power for MOT testing and advanced diagnostic and ADAS work. The GYSFLASH range is the most advanced battery support unit available today.
MOT Testing
MOT testing places significant stress on vehicle batteries due to the activation of numerous systems, including lights, diagnostics, and emissions equipment. Battery drain can disrupt these tests, causing incomplete evaluations or even failures unrelated to actual faults.
Connecting a BSU during MOT testing is an effective solution as it maintains consistent power levels to support the vehicle’s systems. This prevents interruptions, protects sensitive electronics, and ensures accurate test results.
GYSFLASH Range
The GYSFLASH battery support unit range offers a variety of models tailored to diverse needs and power requirements. There is a GYSFLASH BSU suitable for every application. The GYSFLASH 30.12, delivering up to 30 amps, is ideal for light-duty tasks like MOT testing. For heavy-duty applications such as advanced diagnostics and ADAS work, the industry-standard GYSFLASH 100.12 is renowned for its powerful and stable performance, with a 120amp version also available.
In response to advancing technology, GYS has developed the GYSFLASH 101.24 CNT. This model incorporates connected (CNT) technology, Tesla 16V programs, and advanced features like customisable charge curves and computer connectivity, future-proofing battery support applications.
