- Helps prevent owners from being stranded by a dead battery
- Extends battery life by alerting users to damaging charge conditions
- Advanced CrankCheck technology tests battery health every time the engine is started
- Audible alarms and an easy-to-read LCD screen keep users informed of battery status
- Designed specifically for automobile engine starting applications
Product Description
Argus Battery Bug Starting Battery Monitor provides real-time information on the health of the car battery or other engine starting battery. This battery monitor checks the battery at every start while it displays the remaining battery life, present battery voltage and alternator or charging voltage. It comes with an alarm which alerts when the battery gets old and nears the end of its life.Amazon.com Product Description
You count on your vehicle’s ability… More >>
this product is not what i need. my car has a short some where under the hood .this monitors the battery, so i gave it to my friend and it works for him.
Rating: 3 / 5
This small,relatively high priced item hooks up quickly to a standard post car battery. Once you’ve made the connection it will begin a 30 second countdown. Now you start your engine and come out to see your battery strength as a percentage and the charge voltage. The 1st number tells you if you need to charge your battery or run your charging system and the second number tells you how well your charging system is operating. It recently helped me to get out in front of a 70% charged new battery that barely had enough juice in it to turn over my Subaru Outback Wagon in bitter cold -6 degree F weather. I ran a 6 amp charge for 3 hours and that solved my problem. The 2 amp charge was hardly registering in those cold conditions which is the method of charging I would have normally used. I’ve observed that that method of charging will raise the battery’s charge by 2-3% per hour in milder conditions. If you have an internal post battery like older Chevy’s use then you can use gorilla tape on the battery bug’s leads to achieve contact and go through the same procedure. I would not recommend leaving this device attached to the battery as you are courting a malfunction exposing it to the elements and engine temperatures. It’s best used as an intermittant tool to gage battery health and save time by getting you out in front of potential problems. Be careful working around hot batteries because they will arc and spark if you cross the leads which is easy to do if you’re in a hurry or not paying close attention to what you’re doing.
Rating: 4 / 5
The device does not do what it is supposed to do. Failed to provide timely warning of imminent battery failure. Also I could not get it to provide some of the information it was supposed to provide according to the instructions. I feel this device is a gimmick not worth putting on your car, just check your battery once in a while as you should!
It does provide voltage info, and that is the only reason I gave it two stars…
Rating: 2 / 5
In September, 2008 I attached the BB-SBM12 to the Optima battery (new in August, 2006) in my 2003 S-10 at which point the cranking health read 87%. Since then that value has dropped to 81%.
In May, 2009, I attached the BB-SBM12-PS to the Deka battery (new in August, 2008) in my 2004 Kawasaki Z1000… 92%. Now it’s 78%.
Obviously, they’re working! The Battery Bug is worth every penny. Though I haven’t yet gotten to a point where the audible alarm would sound, there is no reason for me to believe it would not considering everything else works as advertised and with excellence.
Rating: 5 / 5
A great way to know what kind of shape your battery is in before it lets you down.
Rating: 5 / 5