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 bolt. See Special Tools . 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.
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.
3. Install the tester adapters.
4. Replace the battery only if the Out-of-Vehicle test shows a "Bad Battery" 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 SA9154Z-A or P/N 12303040 terminal adapters. See Special Tools . If the adapters that are provided with the SA9154Z-A require replacement, use P/N 12303040. See Special Tools . 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 (Side 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 13
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 13
3	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 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 9	Go to Step 8
5	Attempt to rotate the positive battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure. Does the positive connector rotate?	-	Go to Step 7	Go to Step 6
6	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?	-	Go to Step 13	Go to Step 8
7	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 8
8	Disconnect the negative battery cable. Disconnect the positive battery cable. 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. Did you complete the repair?	-	Go to Step 11	-
9	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 Did you complete the repair?	-	Go to Step 10	-
10	Disconnect the positive battery cable. Inspect for the following conditions and repair as needed: The cable bolt is too long or deformed There is foreign material present inside the nut in the battery terminal Damage to the battery terminal face or cable connector ring Did you complete the repair?	-	Go to Step 11	-
11	IMPORTANT: Ensure that both battery cables are disconnected and proper adapters are installed in the battery terminals. 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 12	Go to Step 13
12	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?	17 N.m (13 lb ft)	Battery OK	-
13	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	-