Grand Prix V6-3.1L VIN J (2000)
Alternator: Customer Interest
Battery - Various Driveability Symptoms
File In Section: 06 Engine/Propulsion System
Bulletin No.: 99-06-03-016
Date: December, 1999
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Service Engine Soon/Generator Light On, Engine Cranks Slowly, Will Not Start or Quits (Diagnose/Replace Battery and/or Generator)
Models:
1999-2000 Pontiac Grand Prix with 3.1 L Engine (VINs J, M - RPOs LG8, L82)
Condition
Some customers may comment on one or more of the following conditions:
^
The Service Engine Soon Light is ON.
^
The Generator Light is ON.
^
The engine cranks slowly.
^
The engine will not start.
^
The engine stops running.
Cause
These conditions may be caused by several factors:
^
A loose or improperly installed battery cable (either positive or negative).
^
The battery.
^
A malfunctioning generator (one with output voltages less than 12 volts or greater than 18 volts).
Correction
Caution:
Before servicing any electrical component, the ignition key must be in the OFF or LOCK position and all electrical loads must be OFF, unless
instructed otherwise in these procedures. If a tool or equipment could easily come in contact with a live exposed electrical terminal, also disconnect
the negative battery cable. Failure to follow these precautions may cause personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.
Important:
If the starter will crank the engine, go to Charging System Test outlined below. If the starter will not crank, test the battery using the following
procedure.
Test the battery with the J 42000 Battery Tester following this procedure:
1.
Inspect the battery for evidence of physical damage. if damage is found, replace the battery. If no physical damage is present, proceed to the next
step.
2.
Is the hydrometer eye yellow? If the eye is yellow, tap the hydrometer lightly with the handle of a small screwdriver. Did the color change? If the
color did not change, replace the battery. If the color did change, continue with the next step.
3.
Check for loose battery cables. Attempt to rotate the battery cable end. Properly tightened battery cables will have a breakaway torque requirement
of 15 N.m (10 lb ft). If the bolt is tight and the end rotates, the attaching bolt may be too long, foreign material may be lodged in the battery bolt
hole, or the battery/cable end may be damaged.
4.
Install the J 42000. Follow the directions supplied with the tester. When testing with the battery cables still connected to the battery, rock the J
42000 clips back and forth on the terminal bolt to cut through any coating or oxidation that may be present on the bolt. Follow the directions
