TS 1033520 New Tool for Troubleshooting
DTNA Powernet Issues
TS 1033520 New Tool for Troubleshooting DTNA Powernet Issues
Tool Letters
Link to tool letter - https://ddcsn-ddc.freightliner.com/cps/rde/xchg/ddcsn/hs/6466.htm
Tool Letter Numbers
BCT-460DTNAK PowerNet Assessment Tool - 18 TL-5
AC-107 Adaptor Kit - 18 TL-6
AC- 105 Replacement Clamps and Lead set - 18 TL-7
AC-94 20' Voltage Drop Test Lead Set - 18 TL-8
AC-90 Charging Station - 18 TL-9
Video
Refer to the ARC Video Channel in ARC for training video's. The video's are in the "Tools" section, in ARC.
Link to Video - https://daimler.videonitch.com/LearningPrograms/Pass/7828?CategoryID=1153
Applicable Vehicles
All
Issue/Solution
The AutoMeter BCT-460DTNA PowerNet Assessment Tool is now available. The BCT-460DTNA is the only
Daimler-approved tool for troubleshooting vehicle powernet issues. The tool is required for all Battery, Starter,
Alternator and Heavy Electrical Cable diagnostics and warranty.
See the attached PDFs for complete instructions for using the tool.
This document was generated from the following discussion: New Tool for Troubleshooting DTNA Powernet
Issues

1

Changing Location Code in the BCT-460DTNA

Select “Settings”
from the main
screen

Select “Location
Code” from the
settings screen.

Delete the location
code.
Enter new location
code.

Note:
Non dealer must
enter the location
code received form
the AmpNet setup
email, for non
dealers.

BCT-460DTNA PowerNet Assessment Tool
Work Instructions
Note: The BCT‐460DTNA performs a complete electrical system test (PowerNet Test) that checks the Battery Pack
state of charge, Battery Interconnect cables voltage drop, Individual Batteries, Starter Cables voltage drop, Starter,
Alternator Cable voltage drop, and Alternator test. A completed PowerNet Test must be completed for all
warranty claims.

SAFTEY
 Carefully read all operating instructions before using the BCT‐460DTNA

 Wear eye protection when working around batteries.

 Be sure each test is completed before removing load clamps to
prevent arcing and potential explosion from battery gases.
Never remove load clamps while testing. Keep sparks, flames,
or cigarettes away from batteries.
 Keep hair, hands, and clothing as well as tester leads and cords
away from moving blades and belts.
 Provide adequate ventilation to remove vehicle exhaust.

 In extremely cold temperatures, check for frozen electrolytic fluid
before applying load. Do not attempt to Load Test or charge a battery
under 20 degrees. Allow the battery to warm to room temperature
before testing or charging.
 Warning! Never attach the BCT‐460DTNA to a battery that is connected to any other tester or charging unit.
Damage may result.

CAUSE OF BATTERY FAILURE
 Incorrect Application: Wrong size battery may have inadequate cold cranking rating for original vehicle
specifications.
 Incorrect Installation: Loose battery hold‐downs cause excessive vibration, which can result in damage to the
plates.
 Improper Maintenance: Low electrolytic fluid and corrosion on battery connections can greatly reduce battery
life and affect battery performance.
 Age of Battery: If the date code on the battery indicates it is fairly old, the failure may be due to natural
causes.
 Overcharging: Overcharging caused by a high voltage regulator setting or incorrect battery charging can cause
excessive gassing, heat and water loss.
Undercharging: Undercharging caused by a faulty charging system or low voltage regulation can cause lead sulfate
to gradually build up and crystallize on the plates greatly reducing the battery's capacity and ability to be
recharged.
Page 1

INSPECTION
Valid heavy duty electrical system testing depends on all the components being in good
operating condition. In addition, the battery MUST have sufficient charge for testing. Carefully
perform the following steps before attempting any electrical diagnosis.

Visual Check
Inspect Belts for cracks, glazed surface and fraying. Tighten
loose belts before proceeding.

Inspect Battery for terminal corrosion, loose or broken posts, cracks in the case, loose hold‐downs, low electrolyte
level (if possible), moisture and dirt around the terminals.
If the battery terminals are corroded or dirty, clean
terminals before performing any tests
Important Note: A damaged battery must be replaced
before proceeding.

Inspect Starting System – Check starter, solenoid for loose connections, loose mounts and frayed or cracked cables

Page 2

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
Bluetooth
The BCT‐460DTNA uses Bluetooth to communicate between the control module and load module. This allows you to make the connections, remove
the control module and the run the tests from inside your vehicle.
The BCT‐460DTNA control module and load module come paired from the factory.
Bluetooth will work as long as the distance between the load module and control module is less than 30 feet. Walls, windows and other objects
between the control module and load module will affect the range.
If you do experience any communication issues please look at the troubleshooting guide at the back of this manual on how to correct them.
Wi‐Fi
The BCT‐460DTNA uses Wi‐Fi to communicate between the control module and AMPNET server. The AMPNET service will provide firmware updates
for the control module and the load module. You will need to pair the control module with your local wireless LAN. See Wi‐Fi section for instructions on
setting up the wireless connection.
AMPNET
The data from your BCT‐460DTNA can be downloaded to the data management software known as AMPNET. This is software that can be used to
display and track your battery, starting system, and charging system test results in graphical form.

CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
Control Module (CM) and Load Module (LM)
mated and latched

Control Module (CM)

Load Module (LM)

Load Module (LM)
Push Button Power

Load Module (LM) Push Button Power
On: Push and Hold button for 1 second
Power Off: Push and hold for more than 5 seconds
Reboot/Reset: Push and hold button for 3‐4 seconds

Page 3

CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS cont.
The following screens are located in the option menu, by selecting the 3 Dots
upper right corner on the main screen.

Options Menu
Click on the 3 dots
to access the drop
down menu. The
drop down menu
is for options of
the tool.

Update Firmware
Update software
screen allows the
user to update both
the Control modules
application or the
Load module
firmware.

Send PowerNet Test
If the test results are
not showing up in
AmpNet, use this
option to manually
send the test to
AmpNet.

icon in the

About Screen
The About screen
gives user the
information about
the applications
version and how to
contact Auto Meter.

Battery Status
Display the state of
charge of the batteries in
the Control module (CM)
and the Load module
(LM). This screen can also
be used to verify the CM
and LM are connected.

Bluetooth Settings
Use this screen to
connect or verify the
CM and LM Bluetooth
connection.

Page 4

Hook Up
Connect Black Clamp to
Negative (‐) Terminal

Connect Red Clamp to
Positive (+) Terminal

Battery

CONNECTING ADAPTORS TO COMPONENT

 Clean matting surface for adaptor with a wire brush to
remove any dirt, grime or corrosion protection covering
 Make sure the adaptor is properly torqued to component.

CONNECTION ERRORS

 If the clamps are reversed the Reversed Connection warning will be displayed on the Control Module
with an audible beeping.
 If one or both of the clamps are not in complete contact (both of each clamp jaws) A "Check
Connections" screen will appear on the control module.
 Clean battery terminals with a wire brush if battery terminals are corroded or dirty. Clean clamp jaws
with 1 part ammonia and 10 parts water if clamp jaws are corroded or dirty.

Clean Clamps

Dirty Clamps
Page 5

PowerNet Test (Info Screen)
Note – the tool has to have been set up and connected to Wi‐Fi before these work
instructions can be followed. Refer to manual for Wi‐Fi connections and set up.

To start the PowerNet test. Press
the Blue Icon that says “DTNA
PowerNet” on the main screen

If Resume is chosen a list of active
tests will appear and the user can
choose the test they want to
resume. The test are organized by
Vin and Date. The latest started test
will be at the top.

Safety screen

New

Go to page 7

Resume

The user will be asked if this
is a “New” test or do they
want to “Resume” a previous
test that was already started.

The test will start at
retesting the battery pack to
verify the pack is charged.
After the pack test, the test
will resume at last step that
hasn’t been completed.

Page 6

PowerNet Test (Info Screen)
Continued from page 6
The complete 18
digit Vehicle VIN
must be entered.

Click on the
Camera Icon to
open screen for
scanning vehicle
QR code.

Check all that apply
Click on
page 2 to
continue
to the next
screen

VIN QR Code Locations
Freightliner – Driver
door jamb by striker
Western Star – Driver
door jamb by door
hinges

Check all that apply
Click on
page 3 to
continue
to the next
screen

The complete
Repair Order ID
must be entered.

Vehicle Odometer, Tech
ID and repair
comments, can also be
entered. Press Done on
the keypad when
finished entering data.
Move on to next screen
by pressing Done
button on the bottom.

Click on the page
number to return
to the previous
screen.

Continue to page 8

Page 7

PowerNet Test (Battery Pack Test)
Continued from page 7

No

Yes

If “No” is selected
for “Does the
Vehicle Have an
Auxiliary Battery
Pack” the tester will
skip over testing the
Auxiliary battery
pack.

Continue to page 9
Page 8

PowerNet Test (Starting Battery Pack Test)
Continued from page 8

Note:
If an error has been made in any
of the battery data fields. Just
reselect the battery data field to
change the data.

“Manual Entry”

Select Battery Rating
to bring up screen
for scan or manual
entry option.

“Scan Battery QR Code”

When the
battery QR code
is scanned, the
battery rating,
type, and serial
number are
entered into the
tool.

Continue to page 10
Section B
Continue to page 10
Section A
Page 9

PowerNet Test (Starting Battery Pack Test)
Continued from Page 9 ‐ Section B

Continued from Page 9 ‐ Section A
Select “Battery
Type” to input the
type of battery

If an error has been
made in any of the
battery data fields.
Just reselect the
battery data field
to change the data.

Select the type of
batteries that are in
the battery pack.
Gray Case ‐ AGM
Black Case ‐ Standard/
Flooded

Select “Measure Battery
Temp” to input the battery
temperature.

If battery
pack has a
low state of
charge.
Charge the
battery pack
before
proceeding.
The
PowerNet
test can be
resumed
after the
battery pack
has been
charged and
tested.

If the truck does NOT
have an Auxiliary
Battery Pack Continue
to page 13

If the truck has an
Auxiliary Battery Pack
Continue to page 11
Page 10

PowerNet Test (Auxiliary Battery Pack Test)
Continued from page 10

Note:
If an error has been
made in any of the
battery data fields. Just
reselect the battery
data field to change the
data.

“Manual Entry”

“Scan Battery QR Code”

When the
battery QR code
is scanned, the
battery rating,
type, and serial
number are
entered into the
tool.

Continue to page 12
Section B
Continue to page 12
Section A
Page 11

PowerNet Test (Auxiliary Battery Pack Test)
Continued from Page 11 ‐ Section A

Continued from Page 11 ‐ Section B

Select “Battery
Type” to input the
type of battery

If an error has been
made in any of the
battery data fields.
Just reselect the
battery data field
to change the data.

Select the type of
batteries that are in
the battery pack.
Gray Case ‐ AGM
Black Case ‐ Standard/
Flooded

Select “Measure
Battery Temp”
to input the
battery
temperature.

If battery pack has a low state of
charge. Charge the battery pack
before proceeding. The PowerNet test
can be resumed after the battery pack
has been charged and tested.

Continue to page 13
Page 12

PowerNet Test (Individual Battery Test)
Continued from page 10 or 12

“Battery damaged and
cannot be tested”
prompt
By selecting this prompt you
acknowledge that the battery is
physically damaged and unsafe
to test. There will be no battery
test performed. The test result of
“Damaged Battery” will be
captured on the test data.

Disassemble battery pack
to test individual battery.
Note:
Disconnect positive and negative
battery interconnect cables to
test batteries individually.

Standard battery
testing

If “Battery Damaged and
Cannot be Tested” is
selected.

Select all that apply

Continue to page 14

If “Battery Damage” is
selected. The test will
resume at the next
individual battery test. If
the last battery is
selected as “Battery
Damaged” the test will
stop and direct to
replacing faulty battery.

Page 13

PowerNet Test (Individual Battery Test)
Continued from page 13

Select Battery Rating
to bring up screen
for scan or manual
entry option.

“Manual Entry”

“Scan Battery QR Code”