GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1999 🢒 Park Avenue 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Battery Check

Step

Action

Normal Result(s)

Abnormal Result(s)*

Caution: Batteries produce explosive gasses. Batteries contain corrosive acid. Batteries supply levels of electrical current high enough to cause burns. Therefore, to reduce the risk of personal injury while working near a battery:

    • Always shield your eyes.
    • Avoid leaning over the battery whenever possible.
    • Do not expose the battery to open flames or sparks.
    • Do not allow battery acid to contact the eyes or the skin.
        1. Flush any contacted areas with water immediately and thoroughly.
        2. Get medical help.

1
  1. Inspect the following areas for battery acid:
    2. • The battery case
    • The battery tray
    • The area around and underneath the battery tray
  2. Inspect the battery for a cracked, broken, or damaged case.
    • The battery case, the battery tray, and the surrounding area are dry.
    • The battery is not cracked, broken, or damaged.

Refer to Battery Replacement .

2

Compare the Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA) and the Reserve Capacity (RC) of the battery or the Original Equipment (OE) specification. Refer to Battery Usage .

The ratings of the vehicle battery meet or exceed the CCA and the RC of the original equipment specification.

Refer to Battery Replacement .

3

Inspect the battery hydrometer for a green dot.

The battery hydrometer displays a green dot.
    • If the battery hydrometer has a dark dot (no green dot visible), test the condition of the battery. Refer to Battery Not Operating Properly .
    • If the battery hydrometer has a yellow dot, check the battery for low electrolyte. Refer to Battery Hydrometer Displays Dark or Yellow Dot .

4

Turn the ignition key to START and check to see if the engine cranks normally and starts.

The engine cranks normally and starts.
    • Engine does not crank or cranks slowly, If the vehicle will not crank or cranks slowly, refer to Battery Not Operating Properly .
    • Engine cranks normally but does not start, refer to Engine Cranks but Does Not Run in Engine Controls.
    • Engine starts but does not start overnight or after a couple of days, refer to Charging System Check and Battery Electrical Drain/Parasitic Load Test .

5
  1. Inspect the battery for proper installation and retention in the battery tray.
  2. Inspect the battery terminals for clean and tight connections.
    • The battery is firmly held in place in the tray and the hold-down bolt is properly tightened.
    • The battery terminals are clean and tight.
    • Install the battery in the battery tray correctly. Refer to Battery Replacement .
    • Clean and tighten battery terminals.

* Refer to the appropriate symptom diagnostic table for the applicable abnormal result.