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Battery Testing & Inspection

NOTE: Manufacturer recommends using Battery Tester (J-42000) for testing battery. Follow instructions provided with tester.
  1. Inspect battery for a cracked, broken or damaged case. If battery case is okay, go to next step. If battery case is not okay, go to step  19.
  2. Compare battery cold cranking amperage and reserve capacity rating to specifications. See BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS  table. If battery meets or exceeds specifications, go to next step. If battery does not meet or exceed specifications, go to step  19.
    BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

    Application Specification
    3.4L (LA1) Engine (GM P/N 19001810)
    Replacement Battery Number 78A-72
    Cold Cranking Amps 660 Amps
    Reserve Capacity Rating 115 Minutes
  3. Inspect battery hydrometer display. If hydrometer display shows a Yellow dot, go to next step. If hydrometer display does not show a Yellow dot, go to step  5.
  4. Using a small screwdriver, tap top of hydrometer display to dislodge any air bubbles inside. If hydrometer display does not show a Yellow dot, go to next step. If hydrometer display still shows a Yellow dot, go to step  19.
  5. Attempt to rotate negative battery cable connector clockwise with moderate finger pressure. If negative connector rotates, go to next step. If negative connector does not rotate, go to step  7.
  6. Using an INCH lbs. torque wrench, record torque value while loosening negative battery cable bolt. If torque is less than 89 INCH lbs. (10 N.m), go to next step. If torque is equal to or greater than 89 INCH lbs. (10 N.m), go to step  8.
  7. Disconnect negative battery cable, and go to step  9.
  8. Disconnect negative battery cable. Inspect battery and cable terminals for corrosion and defects. After repair are made, go to next step.
  9. Attempt to rotate positive battery cable connector clockwise with moderate finger pressure. If battery cable rotates, go to next step. If battery cable does not rotate, go to step  11.
  10. Using an INCH lbs. torque wrench, record torque value while loosening positive battery cable bolt. If torque is less than 89 INCH lbs. (10 N.m), go to next step. If torque is equal to or greater than 89 INCH lbs. (10 N.m), go to step  12.
  11. Disconnect positive battery cable, and go to step  13.
  12. Disconnect positive battery cable. Inspect battery and cable terminals for corrosion and defects. After repairs are made, go to next step.
  13. Using a wire brush, clean lead face of both battery terminals and metal contact surfaces on both cable connectors. Remove bolts from both battery cable connectors and inspect for corrosion and defects. If battery and cable terminals are clean and in good condition, go to next step. If corrosion or defects were found, clean, repair or replace as necessary, and retest system.
  14. Connect positive battery cable to battery and tighten bolt to 11 ft. lbs. (15 N.m), and go to next step.
  15. Connect negative battery cable to battery and tighten bolt to 11 ft. lbs. (15 N.m), and go to next step.
  16. Ensure all electrical loads are off. Follow manufacturers instructions and install Battery Tester (J-42000) to vehicle battery. Follow any instructions displayed on battery tester. If battery tester passed battery, go to next step. If battery tester did not pass battery, go to step  18.
  17. Press CODE button on battery tester. Record displayed code on vehicle repair order for warranty purposes. If battery is okay, go to next step.
  18. Press CODE button on battery tester. Record displayed code on vehicle repair order for warranty purposes. If battery does not pass test, replace battery and go to next step.
  19. After repairs are made, testing is complete.
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