Diagnostic Aids

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT:

A dead battery is usually a symptom of another problem. Fix the problem, do not just charge or change the battery.
Failure to properly understand the battery and its function could lead to a misdiagnosis and unneeded repairs. Refer to Battery Description and Operation and Battery Common Causes of Failure for more information.

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 SA9154Z-A clips on the terminal. See Special Tools . This may cut through any coating or through any oxidation that may be present on the terminal.
Even new terminals contain a protective coating that may insulate or cause a resistance in the test circuit.
If correct connections to the battery terminals in the vehicle are in doubt, perform the following steps:
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Disconnect the positive battery cable.
If the tester displays a "Bad Battery" 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.

Battery Inspection/Test (Top Post Terminal Battery)

Step	Action	Values	Yes	No
CAUTION: Refer to BATTERY DISCONNECT CAUTION .
1	Inspect the battery for a cracked, broken, or damaged case, which may be indicated by battery acid leakage. Is the battery OK?	-	Go to Step 2	Go to Step 9
2	Compare the cold cranking amperage (CCA), and reserve capacity (RC) and/or amp hour (AH) rating of the battery to the original battery or original equipment (OE) specification. Refer to Battery Usage . Does the battery meet or exceed the specifications?	-	Go to Step 3	Go to Step 9
3	Turn OFF the ignition. Attempt to rotate the negative battery cable connector with light finger pressure. Does the negative connector rotate?	-	Go to Step 6	Go to Step 4
4	Attempt to rotate the positive battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure. Does the positive connector rotate?	-	Go to Step 6	Go to Step 5
5	IMPORTANT: Ensure that all of the electrical loads are turned OFF. Install the SA9154Z-A Starting and Charging System Tester. See Special Tools . Follow the directions supplied with the tester. Follow any directions displayed on the tester. If the tester displays "Good, Low Charge" or "Charge and Retest", refer to Battery Charging . Did the tester pass the battery?	-	Battery OK	Go to Step 6
6	Disconnect the negative battery cable. Disconnect the positive battery cable. Clean and wire brush both battery post and the metal contact rings on both cable connectors. If either of the battery terminals or the contact rings are excessively damaged or corroded, replace as needed. Did you complete the repair?	-	Go to Step 7	-
7	IMPORTANT: Ensure that both battery cables are disconnected. Install the SA9154Z-A . See Special Tools . Follow any directions displayed on the tester. If the tester calls for charging the battery, refer to Battery Charging . Did the tester pass the battery?	-	Go to Step 8	Go to Step 9
8	Connect the positive battery cable to the batteries positive terminal. NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE . Tighten the positive battery cable bolt to the specified value. Connect the negative battery cable to the battery negative terminal. Tighten the negative battery cable bolt to the specified value. Are the cable bolts properly tightened?	6 N.m (53 lb in)	Battery OK	-
9	Replace the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement (2.2L (L61) and 3.5L (L66)) or Battery Replacement (2.4L (LAT)) . Did you complete the replacement?	-	Battery OK	-