Battery Inspection/Test

Diagnostic Instructions

Diagnostic Aids

    Note: For Warranty Repairs — You must use the regionally required battery test equipment refer to Special Tools.

  • For 2019 and Newer North American Vehicle only we have am OEM (as built with) reference table available in SI under General Information > General Information > 12 V Battery Usage.
  • For accurate test results the battery must be disconnected from the vehicle and the equipment connected directly to the battery posts.
  • Failure to obtain the correct connections during the test may result in a failed test on a good battery.
  • For Dual Batteries both of the batteries must be disconnected with test equipment connected directly to the posts. Each battery needs to be tested separately.
  • For battery replacement warranty claims, the complete 15-character (17 with hyphens) test code from the EL-50313 Midtronics GR8 Battery Tester/Charger or 20-character (no hyphens) test code from the EL-52800 E-XTEQ Diagnostic Charge Battery Station (DCBS) must be included in the Labor Code Dependency field in GWM,
  • Setup:
    • When using the GR8, Select “Charging,” “Diagnostic” when setting up the test. and then select the correct battery type (Flooded, AGM, or Stop/Start AGM) and rated CCA (both from the battery label) must be entered. Use the Out of Vehicle test (battery disconnected with test equipment connected directly to the posts) for each battery when testing a vehicle with dual batteries.
    • When using the DCBS, Select “Diagnostic” and “Trolley”, then scan the VIN and verify the battery selection is correct, or manually select the correct battery type (Flooded or AGM) and rated CCA (both from the battery label).
Cold Battery Testing — Battery Temperature Less Than 0° C (32° F):

    Note:

    • Cold batteries are resistant to charging even when in use on the vehicle. They will not recover quickly in subfreezing temperatures. Releasing a new vehicle with a battery in a low state of charge puts the customer at risk to a no crank event.
    • If you suspect that a battery may be frozen, inspect the case for cracks prior to charging. Do not charge a frozen battery.

  • When an automotive 12 Volt battery is cold (below freezing), its capacity starts to reduce. This can be observed in the voltage level of the battery, as well as measured cold cranking amps. A cold battery is also resistant to charging. The colder the battery, the more these characteristics are affected.
  • Depending how cold a battery is, it can fail testing using any type of battery test equipment.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Starting and Charging Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Master Electrical Component List

Description and Operation

Battery Description and Operation

Electrical Information ReferenceScan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Special Tools
  • GR8 EL–50313 Midtronics Battery Tester/Charger
  • DCBS EL–52800 E-XTEQ Diagnostic Charge Battery Station

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools

Circuit/System Testing

Warning: Batteries produce explosive gases. Batteries contain corrosive acid. Batteries supply levels of electrical current high enough to cause burns. Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of personal injury while working near a battery, observe the following guidelines:

  • 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.
    • Flush any contacted areas with water immediately and thoroughly.
    • Get medical help.

Warning: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition must be OFF with the key removed, 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 should be allowed to time out or be disabled (simply opening the driver door should disable retained accessory power) before disconnecting power. Disconnecting power to the OnStar® module in any way while the ignition is On or with retained accessory power activated may cause activation of the OnStar® Back-Up Battery 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 back-up battery is not rechargeable and once activated the back-up battery must be replaced.

Battery Testing with EL–50313 GR8 Midtronics: Battery Testing with EL–52800 DCBS E-XTEQ:

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.