Diagnostic Aids
Caution: Refer to Batteries Produce Explosive Gases Caution in the Preface section.
Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section.
Important: The battery test using the J 42000 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.
Important: When testing an AGM battery with the J42000 tester, add 100 to the CCA rating of the battery and enter that amount into the tester when prompted for the CCA rating. For instance, if the AGM battery's CCA rating is 500 amps, enter 600 into the J42000. If this modification is not made for the AGM battery, an invalid test result and invalid test code will be obtained on the J42000.
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 J 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: |
| 1. | Disconnect the negative battery cable. |
| 2. | Disconnect the positive battery cable. |
| 3. | Install the test adapters on the terminals. |
| 4. | Follow the instructions for testing a removed battery. |
| • | If a REPLACE BATTERY or BAD CELL-REPLACE result is obtained for a battery that is below 4° C (40° F), perform the following steps: |
| 1. | Disconnect the negative battery cable. |
| 2. | Disconnect the positive battery cable. |
| 3. | Allow the battery to remain in a warm place (above 15° C (60° F) for 6 hours. |
| 4. | Install the tester adapters. |
| 5. | Follow the instructions for testing a removed battery. |
| 6. | Replace the battery only if the second test shows a REPLACE BATTERY or BAD CELL-REPLACE result. |
Use the test code from the second test for any warranty purposes.
| • | 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: |
| 1. | Disconnect the negative battery cable. |
| 2. | Disconnect the positive battery cable. |
| 3. | Install the tester adapters. |
| 4. | Follow the instructions for testing a removed battery. |
| 5. | Replace the battery only if the second test shows a REPLACE BATTERY or BAD CELL-REPLACE result. |
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, nut, and washers as adapters when testing the battery. |
| Use the test adapters that are provided with the J 42000 tester or GM part number 12303040 terminal adapters. If the adapters that are provided with the J 42000 or P/N 12303040 terminal adapters. If the adapters that are provided with the J 42000 require replacement, use 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. |
Important: 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.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Inspect the battery for a cracked, broken, or damaged case. Is the battery OK? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 18 | ||||||
2 | Compare the Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA) and reserve capacity (RC) of the battery to the original battery or original equipment specification. Refer to Battery Usage . Does the battery meet or exceed the specifications? | -- | Go to Step 3 | Go to Step 18 | ||||||
3 |
Does the negative connector rotate? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 5 | ||||||
4 | Use a torque wrench in order to verify the torque to loosen the negative battery terminal bolt. Is the torque above the specified value? | 10 N·m (88 lb in) | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 5 | ||||||
5 |
Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Is the cable disconnected? | -- | Go to Step 7 | -- | ||||||
6 |
Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section.
Is the repair complete? | -- | Go to Step 7 | -- | ||||||
7 | Rotate the positive battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure. Does the positive connector rotate? | -- | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 9 | ||||||
8 | Use a torque wrench in order to verify the torque to loosen the positive battery terminal bolt. Is the torque above the specified value? | 10 N·m (88 lb in) | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 11 | ||||||
9 |
Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section. Disconnect the positive battery cable. Is the cable disconnected? | -- | Go to Step 11 | -- | ||||||
10 |
Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section.
Is the repair complete? | -- | Go to Step 11 | -- | ||||||
11 |
Are the metal connecting parts clean and in good condition? | -- | Go to Step 12 | -- | ||||||
12 |
Is the cable bolt properly tightened? | 17 N·m (13 lb ft) | Go to Step 13 | -- | ||||||
13 |
Is the cable bolt properly tightened? | 17 N·m (13 lb ft) | Go to Step 14 | -- | ||||||
14 |
Important: Make sure all electrical loads are turned OFF. Important: Make sure to modify the test procedure as needed for the AGM battery.
Did the tester pass the battery? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 16 | ||||||
15 |
Did you complete this action? | -- | Battery OK | -- | ||||||
16 | Did the J 42000 battery tester display a result of GOOD - RECHARGE or CHARGE & RETEST? | -- | Go to Battery Charging | Go to Step 17 | ||||||
17 |
Important: If the battery was tested in the vehicle with the battery cables connected, disconnect the cables and install proper adapters. repeat the test according to tester instructions for testing out of the vehicle. Replace the battery only if the second test shows a REPLACE or BAD CELL-REPLACE result. Use the test code from the second test.
Replace the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Battery OK | -- | ||||||
18 | Replace the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Battery OK | -- |
