REFRACTOMETER

Jaltest Refractometer (SKU 50003011) — $32

The Jaltest Refractometer (part 50003011, $32) is an optical refractometer from the Jaltest Tools product line, used for measuring fluid concentrations in commercial vehicle and equipment service. Refractometers are standard workshop tools for checking antifreeze protection levels, battery acid concentration, and DEF/AdBlue concentration — quick, non-destructive checks that should happen as part of any thorough vehicle inspection or SCR system diagnostic process.

What a Refractometer Does

A refractometer measures the refractive index of a liquid, which correlates directly to concentration. In a truck or equipment shop, the primary uses are:

• Coolant freeze point: Check ethylene glycol or propylene glycol antifreeze concentration to confirm adequate freeze protection — critical for trucks and equipment operating in cold climates or winter conditions
• Battery electrolyte: Check lead-acid battery acid concentration as part of electrical system diagnostics
• Windshield washer fluid: Confirm adequate freeze protection concentration
• DEF/AdBlue concentration: Verify that the DEF tank contains properly concentrated urea solution — diluted or contaminated DEF is a common cause of SCR fault codes and SCR system derates

Why DEF Concentration Matters for Diesel Diagnostics

Contaminated or improperly mixed DEF is a leading cause of SCR system fault codes, including cascading faults that trigger derate conditions on EPA13 and newer engines. A refractometer gives you a quick, non-destructive way to rule out fluid contamination before spending time diagnosing expensive SCR components. This is particularly relevant alongside Jaltest SCR diagnostics and the Jaltest AdBlue/DEF Module Cleaning Kit (SKU 50105190) — confirming fluid quality is step one of any SCR diagnosis.

Key Details

• Part number: 50003011
• MSRP: $32.00
• Type: Optical refractometer
• Part of: Jaltest Tools product line
• Primary uses: Coolant, battery acid, DEF/AdBlue concentration measurement

Note: Detailed specifications (scales, temperature compensation, measurement range) are not published in the Jaltest 2025 pricelist. Contact us for the current spec sheet.

Who Needs This

• Diesel shops performing coolant system service on Class 4-8 trucks
• Technicians diagnosing SCR/DEF system faults where fluid quality is a variable
• Any shop that does preventive maintenance inspections on commercial vehicles or equipment

Why Buy From OEM Diagnostic Tools?

We have been a Jaltest specialist since 2016 and stock the full Jaltest Tools line. Free shipping on every order, full warranty, and tech support at 866-217-0063. At $32, this refractometer is a practical addition to any shop's fluid testing toolkit.

Call 866-217-0063 for quick answers and help!