Service Bulletin

Vehicle and Model Information

Involved Region or Country: United States and Canada Only

Note: This bulletin excludes Corvette E-Ray.

Diagnostic Tools and Warranty Codes

The Midtronics GR8 (EL-50313) or DCA (DCA-8000P) Battery Tester/Charger, or the E-XTEQ Diagnostic Charge Battery Station/DCBS (EL-52800) must be used for diagnosing battery replacements and maintaining batteries on new vehicles in dealer inventory.

A Warranty Code on the printed test result slip is decodable by GM to capture critical information on batteries that require replacement. This code must be entered on the warranty transaction. Codes will be 15-digits with GR8, 16 digits with DCA, or 20 digits with DCBS.

Important: Effective October 1, 2024, the GR8 will no longer be approved equipment for testing batteries under warranty. Only a DCA or DCBS battery test result of "battery is bad" along with the respective warranty code will support warranty replacement of a battery (see exceptions in the "Special Cases" section lower in this bulletin).

Midtronics GR8 Example: English and French Canadian Versions

The GR8 tool provides diagnostic printouts. An example shows two versions:

• English Version: Displays "Diagnostic Mode", "Out of Vehicle" Test Info, "REPLACE BATTERY" as the result, rated and measured CCA, voltage, age time, and state of health. It includes a 15-digit "WARRANTY CODE" (e.g., PJE88-01180-06601).
• French Version: Displays "MODO DIAGNOSTICO", "FUERA DEL VEHICULO" test info, "MALA CELDA-REEMP" (Bad Cell - Replace) as the result, and a "CODIGO DE GARANTIA" (Warranty Code) (e.g., WAE90-01090-10002).

Legend for GR8 Printout:

1. Printout must reflect “Diagnostic Mode" and "Out of Vehicle" Test Info.
2. Do not enter MID Info number on the warranty transaction.
3. The "Warranty Code" is the correct 15-digit code to enter on the warranty transaction. This code is unique to each test performed and is decodable by GM.

Midtronics DCA Example: English and French Canadian Versions

The DCA tool also provides diagnostic printouts. An example shows two versions:

• English Version: Displays "Diagnostic Charge", "Technician: admin", "2015 Chevrolet Cruze", "REPLACE BATTERY", "Felled: Cranking: Fail", Voltage, Rated CCA, Measured CCA, Temperature, and Chemistry (AGM). Includes tool details like "DCA-8000 192-111510-A00-0004".
• French Version: Displays "Diagnostic Charge", "Technicien: admin", "2015 Chevrolet Cruze", "REMPLACER BATTERIE", "Echec: Etat au démarrage: Echouer", Voltage, Nominal CCA, Measured DCA (likely CCA), Temperature, and Chemistry (AGM). Includes tool details.

Legend for DCA Printout:

1. Printout must reflect "Diagnostic Charge" test information.
2. Test result must reflect "Replace Battery".
3. Enter the bottom code (16-digit) on the test slip in the Battery Tester field on the warranty transaction. This code is unique to each test performed and is decodable by GM.

DCBS Example: English and French Canadian Versions

The DCBS tool provides diagnostic printouts. Examples show:

• Acceptable Printout (Trolley): Displays "Diagnostic Informations", "Diagnostic tool: Trolley", "Tested CCA", "SOC" (State of Charge), "Precharge Ah", and a warranty code (e.g., 2KTBCSUCEU20045OOLJ80).
• Unacceptable Printout (Remote): Displays similar information but lacks a warranty code and indicates the use of the "Remote" tool.

Note: Only diagnostic tests performed by the DCBS Trolley will generate a warranty code. Tests using the DCBS remote will not generate a warranty code.

12V Battery Testing Procedures

When testing 12V batteries, always follow current Service Information (SI) procedures for Battery Inspection/Test, including:

• Ensure the GR8, DCA, or DCBS is programmed with the dealership's correct 6-digit BAC code.
• Disconnect the battery from the vehicle. When using the GR8, select the "Out of Vehicle" test.
• Enter the correct VIN and Job Card Number.
• Select the proper battery type (Flooded or AGM) and CCA rating. Refer to Service Information or Techlink (? https://gm-techlink.com) for OEM battery types and CCA ratings for 2016-2024 model years.

Important: Selecting the correct battery type and CCA rating ensures accurate test results and prevents battery damage. Using the VIN scan feature with DCBS is recommended. Improper setup may result in chargeback.

Note: There are two common types of battery CCA Ratings: EN CCA (European Standard) and SAE CCA (North American Standard). Dealers must use the SAE number when testing 12V batteries.

• On vehicles with two batteries (including auxiliary batteries), each must be electrically isolated and charged individually.
• When testing a vehicle with two batteries, identify the correct specifications for each, as they may differ.

Cold Battery Testing – Battery Temperature Below 0°C (32°F)

Notice: Batteries that are cold (below freezing) can falsely fail testing. Batteries that are cold and deeply discharged must first be warmed to above 4°C (40°F) prior to testing & charging.

A cold battery's capacity and charging resistance are reduced. Warm the battery prior to testing; longer warming times may be needed depending on how cold it is. Surface temperatures are not reliable for determining actual battery temperature; measure at multiple points.

Note: If a battery may be frozen, inspect the case for cracks before charging. Do not charge a frozen battery.

Tool Software Updates

Dealers are responsible for having the latest software installed.

• DCBS: Connect to a computer with Optimus every 30 days to prevent remote lockout. Updates are applied automatically if connected overnight.
• GR8: Must be equipped with software version 192-675P_July_2017 or newer. ⚠️ Effective October 1, 2024, GR8 will no longer be approved for warranty testing.
• DCA: Software updates are pushed over the air. If connected to Wi-Fi overnight, the tool applies updates automatically. Otherwise, the user is notified to apply the update.

Battery replacement transactions tested with outdated software are subject to debit.

Proactive Alerts

GM evaluates battery condition via connected vehicles and reports through Vehicle Diagnostics Reports or Multi-Point Inspections.

Level of testing based on Indicator:

• Green: No issues detected. A battery test and "replace battery" result IS REQUIRED prior to replacement.
• Yellow: Verify proactive alert SAC002 – SAC005 and follow the diagnostic procedure. A battery test and "replace battery" result IS REQUIRED prior to replacement.
• Red: Verify proactive alert SAC001 and follow the service procedure. If SAC001 is present, replace battery. A battery test IS NOT REQUIRED. Transactions due to SAC001 are not eligible for Diagnostic Add Time; enter "SAC001" in the Battery Tester Code field.
• No Indicator/Blank: Battery condition unavailable or insufficient information. Follow standard diagnostic procedures. A battery test and "replace battery" result IS REQUIRED prior to replacement.

New Vehicle Inventory

If a new vehicle arrives with a discharged or defective battery, the claim must be submitted within one week of arrival. Vehicle delivery documentation is required.

Dealers are responsible for battery maintenance up to the point of delivery. Refer to Service Bulletin # 21-NA-043 and # 22-NA-115 for details.

Dealers in the U.S. Only

Use the Battery Maintenance Report in the GlobalConnect Dealer Maxis app to identify vehicles needing charging or moving. Perform actions within 7 days.

If a vehicle fails the initial charging/maintenance test, retest using "Diagnostic Charge" (GR8/DCA) or "Diagnostic – Trolley" (DCBS). Claims for retesting use Labor Code 0600284.

• If the retest PASSES, return the vehicle to inventory.
• If the retest FAILS, replace the battery and submit a ZREG warranty claim. Attach both test printouts. Enter the second code (from retest) in the Battery Tester Code field.

Note: Warranty coverage is ineligible if recommended actions per the Battery Maintenance Report were not timely. The report applies to OnStar-equipped vehicles, excluding certain vans. For others, a PDI Mode charge is required every 30 days.

Dealers in Canada Only

Use GR-8, DCA, or DCBS in PDI mode to check battery condition and charge at delivery, every 30 days thereafter, and at point of sale. Refer to Service Bulletin # 21-NA-043.

Warranty Information: Original Equipment (OE) vs. Non-OE 12V Battery Coverage (U.S. Only)

U.S. dealers submit warranty claims in Global Warranty Management (GWM) for:

• Defective factory-installed OE batteries failing within the New Vehicle Bumper to Bumper Limited Warranty.
• Defective dealer-installed batteries replaced under Bumper to Bumper Warranty, failing within the remainder of that warranty or 12 months, whichever is greater.

Reminder: Remove battery warranty tags on batteries installed under the New Vehicle Bumper to Bumper Limited Warranty per Service Policies and Procedures.

Dealers must refer to their ACDelco distributor for other warrantable ACDelco battery situations and not submit those claims in GWM.

Battery Labeling and Identification

To determine if a failed battery is OE, check the battery labeling. ACDelco replacement batteries (1) have a label on the side, whereas OE batteries (2) do not.

When charging and testing, use information from the battery label. Compare CCA rating and type to OE specifications.

Note: Common CCA Ratings are EN CCA (European) and SAE CCA (North American). Dealers must use the SAE number.

Battery Replacement Labor Operations 4041510 and 4041520 – Required Warranty Code

The Warranty Code generated by the GR8, DCA, or DCBS must be entered into the "Battery Tester Code" field for battery replacement transactions (labor operations 4041510 or 4041520). The complete code (no dashes or spaces) must be entered.

Important: Do not enter the code in the cause/correction/comments field. It must be entered into the system-generated mandatory field.

Technicians must attach the test result printout with a "Replace Battery" (GR8/DCA) or "Battery is bad" (DCBS) decision, including the Warranty Code, to the job card.

Note: A copy of the printout must be returned with paperwork for each battery to the Warranty Parts Center (WPC).

Note: Warranty Codes do not use the letters I, O, Y, Z or special characters like &, (, ), $, %.

Special Cases

• Damaged or leaking batteries: Testing is not necessary. Enter "LEAKS" into the Battery Tester Code Field. For AGM batteries, "LEAKS" is only valid if the case is damaged and documented.
• Note: Other parts damaged by leaking battery acid (e.g., cables) must be claimed on the same line.
• Note: GM does not recognize an AGM battery as capable of leaking per Bulletin 23-NA-044.
• Batteries replaced due to SAC001/Red Proactive Alert: Testing is not required. Enter "SAC001" into the Battery Tester Code field. Diagnostic Add Time is ineligible.
• GM Fleet and Commercial: If Warranty Code is available, enter it. If not, enter "FLEET". Valid only for approved stations.
• Customer reimbursement cases: If the customer's battery is available, enter the Warranty Code. If not, enter "REIMBURSEMENT".
• Equipment not working/available: Non-functional equipment must be repaired/replaced within 30 days. Temporarily, enter "INOP" in the Battery Tester Code field.
• Cadillac Roadside service claims (U.S.): Use Labor Operation 0600102, not 4041510.
• Subsequent failure of batteries under New Vehicle Bumper to Bumper Warranty (Canada): Proper testing and a valid Warranty Code are still required. Submit as ZPTI Transaction Type and route for GM Authorization.
• Batteries purchased retail and replaced under GM Replacement Parts Warranty:
  • U.S. Dealers: Handle through ACDelco distributor. Do not submit claims in GWM.
  • Canada Dealers: Submit applicable ZPTI/ZPTC parts warranty in GWM. Testing and a valid Warranty Code are required.
• Battery damaged or stolen in transit: Note on Delivery Receipt. Submit as ZTPT (Transportation) Transaction Type. Enter "DAMAGED" or "STOLEN" in Battery Tester Code Field.
• New Vehicle arrives with defective battery: Battery must be tested, and a valid Warranty Code entered. Submit within one week of arrival.
• Battery "too low" is NOT a valid entry: Test equipment can test very low voltage batteries. If a vehicle has no voltage, charge it to support testing.

Transactions Requiring GM Authorization

For battery replacement labor operations 4041510 and 4041520 requiring GM authorization, the test result printout must be scanned and attached.

• Paid transactions with invalid or missing Warranty Codes are subject to chargeback. Resubmit within 30 days with corrected code.
• Transactions for vehicles with 250 miles (U.S.)/400 km (Canada) or less require routing to the Warranty Support Center (WSC) for review. Proof of inventory battery maintenance and test result printout must be attached.

Questions can be directed to the Warranty Support Center (WSC) at 1-866-446-2900.

Version History