Battery Inspection/Test
Diagnostic Instructions
Diagnostic Aids
Warning: Refer to
Battery Disconnect Warning .
Note:
• |
The battery test
using the EL 42000 Battery Tester requires correct connections to
the battery terminals. A failure to obtain the correct connections
during the test may result in a failed test on a good
battery. |
• |
Use the Out of
Vehicle test for each battery when testing a vehicle with dual
batteries. |
Follow these instructions in order to avoid an incorrect
diagnosis because of connections:
• |
If testing the vehicle with
the battery cables still connected, wiggle the EL 42000 clips on
the terminal bolt. This may cut through any coating or through any
oxidation that may be present on the bolt. |
|
Even new bolts contain a protective coating that may insulate
or cause a resistance in the test circuit. |
• |
If correct connections to the
battery terminal bolts in the vehicle are in doubt, perform the
following steps: |
|
0.1 |
Disconnect the negative
battery cable. |
|
0.2 |
Disconnect the positive
battery cable. |
|
0.3 |
Install the test adapters on
the terminals. |
|
0.4 |
Follow the instructions for
testing a removed battery. |
• |
If the tester displays a
REPLACE BATTERY or BAD CELL - REPLACE result for a battery tested
in the vehicle with the battery cables connected, perform the
following steps: |
|
0.1 |
Disconnect the negative
battery cable. |
|
0.2 |
Disconnect the positive
battery cable. |
|
0.3 |
Install the tester
adapters. |
|
Note: Always write the test
code displayed by the tester on the repair order for any warranty
purposes. The number is a unique code that describes the test data
for a particular battery at a particular time. The test code may
occasionally repeat when you retest the same battery. More often,
each test will result in a different code. Use the test code from
the second, or Out of Vehicle test.
|
|
0.4 |
Follow the instructions for
testing a removed battery. |
|
0.5 |
Replace the battery only if
the second test shows a REPLACE BATTERY or BAD CELL - REPLACE
result. |
|
0.5 |
Use the test code from the
second test for any warranty purposes. |
• |
Use the correct terminal
adapters. |
|
Do not use any common bolts or a combination of bolts, of nuts,
and of washers as adapters when testing the battery. |
|
Use the test adapters that are provided with the EL 42000 or GM
P/N 12303040 terminal adapters. If the adapters that are provided
with the EL 42000 require replacement, use GM P/N 12303040. Any
other adapter may not contact the correct areas of the battery
terminal, causing a resistance that may result in an invalid
battery test result. |
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Starting and Charging Schematics
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views
Description and Operation
Starting System Description and Operation
Electrical Information Reference
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References for scan tool information
Special Tools
EL 42000 Battery Tester
For equivalent regional tools, refer to
Special Tools .
Circuit/System Testing
|
Warning:
Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start
switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical
loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component.
Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical
spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed
electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result
in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its
components. For Vehicles equipped with
OnStar® (UE1) with Back Up Battery: The Back Up Battery is a redundant power supply to allow
limited OnStar® functionality in the event of a main vehicle
battery power disruption to the VCIM (OnStar®module). Do not
disconnect the main vehicle battery or remove the OnStar® fuse
with the ignition key in any position other than OFF. Retained
accessory power (RAP) should be allowed to time out or be disabled
(simply opening the driver door should disable RAP) before
disconnecting power. Disconnecting power to the OnStar® module
in any way while the ignition is On or with RAP activated may cause
activation of the OnStar® Back-Up Battery (BUB) system and will
discharge and permanently damage the back-up battery. Once the
Back-Up Battery is activated it will stay on until it has
completely discharged. The BUB is not rechargeable and once
activated the BUB must be replaced. |
1. |
Inspect the C1 Battery for a
cracked, broken, or damaged case, which may be indicated by battery
acid leakage. |
⇒ |
If there is any apparent damage, replace the C1
Battery. |
2. |
Verify the cold cranking
amperage and amperage hour rating of the C1 Battery. Refer to the
manufacturer specifications on the battery label. |
⇒ |
If the C1 Battery does not meet or exceed
specifications, replace the C1 Battery. |
⇒ |
If the battery cables need to be cleaned, clean as
required and tighten as specified. |
⇒ |
If the battery cables are damaged, replace then
tighten as specified. |
4. |
Install the EL 42000 and
follow directions supplied by the tester. |
Repair Instructions
Perform the
Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic
procedure.
|