Diagnostic Aids
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire and 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
Refer to BATTERY DISCONNECT CAUTION
In Cautions and Notices.
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.
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:
- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Disconnect the positive battery cable.
- Install the test adapters on the terminals.
- Follow the instructions for an Out-of-Vehicle test.
- 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:
- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Disconnect the positive battery cable.
- Install the tester adapters.
- Follow the instructions for an Out-of-Vehicle test.
- Replace the battery only if the Out-of-Vehicle test shows a REPLACE BATTERY or BAD CELL-REPLACE result. This prevents battery replacements that are due only to faulty battery cable connections.
- Use the correct terminal adapters.
Do not use any common bolts or a combination of bolts, nuts, and or washers as adapters when testing the battery.
Use the test 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.