Diagnostic Aids

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 GMC Sierra, 2004 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2004 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. 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 Battery Tester 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.
Use the Out of Vehicle test for each battery when testing a vehicle with dual batteries.

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 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, of nuts, and of washers as adapters when testing the battery.

Use the test adapters that are provided with the J 42000 or GM P/N 12303040 terminal adapters. If the adapters that are provided with the J 42000 require replacement, use GM 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.

Battery Inspection/Test (Non-HP2)

Step	Action	Value(s)	Yes	No
CAUTION: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Cautions and Notices.
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 19
2	Compare the Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA) and Reserve Capacity (RC) of the battery to the original battery or Original Equipment (OE) specification. Refer to Battery Usage (Non HP2) or Battery Usage (HP2) . Does the battery meet or exceed the specifications?	-	Go to Step 3	Go to Step 19
3	Does the hydrometer display a yellow dot?	-	Go to Step 4	Go to Step 5
4	Tap the hydrometer lightly on top with the handle of a small screwdriver in order to dislodge any air bubbles inside the battery. Does the hydrometer still display a yellow dot?	-	Go to Step 19	Go to Step 5
5	Turn OFF the ignition. Attempt to rotate the negative battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure. Does the negative connector rotate?	-	Go to Step 6	Go to Step 7
6	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 8	Go to Step 7
7	Disconnect the negative battery cable. Is the cable disconnected?	-	Go to Step 9	-
8	Disconnect the negative battery cable. Inspect for the following conditions and repair as needed: The cable bolt is too long or deformed at the end. There is foreign material present inside the nut in the battery terminal. Damage to the battery terminal face or cable connector ring. Is the repair complete?	-	Go to Step 9	-
9	Rotate the positive battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure. Does the positive connector rotate?	-	Go to Step 10	Go to Step 11
10	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 12	Go to Step 11
11	Disconnect the positive battery cable. Is the cable disconnected?	-	Go to Step 13	-
12	Disconnect the positive battery cable. Inspect for the following conditions and repair as needed: The cable bolt is too long or deformed at the end. There is foreign material present inside the nut in the battery terminal. Damage to the battery terminal face or cable connector ring. Is the repair complete?	-	Go to Step 13	-
13	Clean and wire brush the lead face of both battery terminals and the metal contact rings in both cable connectors. Remove the bolts from the cable connectors in order to provide access to the connector rings as needed. If either of the battery terminals or the cable rings are excessively damaged or corroded, replace as needed. Are the metal connecting parts clean and in good condition?	-	Go to Step 14	-
14	Connect the positive battery cable to the battery positive terminal. Tighten the cable bolt to the specified value. Is the cable bolt properly tightened?	15 N.m (11 lb ft)	Go to Step 15	-
15	Connect the negative battery cable to the battery negative terminal. Tighten the cable bolt to the specified value. Is the cable bolt properly tightened?	15 N.m (11 lb ft)	Go to Step 16	-
16	IMPORTANT: Ensure that all of the electrical loads are turned OFF. Install the J 42000 Battery Tester. Follow the directions supplied with the tester. Follow any direction displayed on the tester. Did the tester pass the battery?	-	Go to Step 17	Go to Step 18
17	Press the CODE button on the J 42000 . For warranty purposes, write the displayed code on the repair order. Did you complete this action?	-	Battery OK	-
18	Press the CODE button on the J 42000 . For warranty purposes, write the displayed code on the repair order. Replace the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement . Did you complete the replacement?	-	Battery OK	-
19	Replace the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement . Did you complete the replacement?	-	Battery OK	-