Battery Testing & Inspection

Follow these instructions in order to avoid an incorrect diagnosis because of connections:

If testing vehicle with battery cables still connected, wiggle the Starting And Charging System Tester (SA9154Z-A) clips on the terminal. 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, disconnect the negative and positive battery cables.
If the tester displays a Bad Battery result for a battery tested in the vehicle with battery cables connected, disconnect negative and positive battery cables.

CAUTION: Before servicing any electrical component, the ignition key must be in the OFF or LOCK position and all electrical loads must be OFF, unless instructed otherwise. If a tool or equipment could easily come in contact with a live exposed electrical terminal, disconnect the negative battery cable. Failure to follow these precautions may cause personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or it's components.

Inspect battery for a cracked, broken, or damaged case, which may be indicated by battery acid leak. Is the battery okay? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 9 .
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. See BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS . Does the battery meet or exceed the specifications? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 9 .
Turn OFF the ignition. Attempt to rotate the negative battery cable connector with light finger pressure. Does the negative connector rotate? If yes, go to step 6 . If no, go to next step.
Attempt to rotate the positive battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure. Does the positive connector rotate? If yes, go to step 6 . If no, go to next step 5 .

NOTE: Ensure that all of the electrical loads are turned OFF.

Install the Starting And Charging System Tester (SA9154Z-A). 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, recharge battery. Did the tester pass the battery? If yes, battery is okay. If no, go to next step.
Disconnect the negative and positive battery cable. Clean and wire brush both battery posts and metal contact rings on both cable connectors. If either of the battery terminals or contact rings are excessively damaged or corroded, replace as needed. After repairs, go to next step.

NOTE: Ensure that both battery cables are disconnected.

Install tester. Follow any directions displayed on the tester. If tester calls for charging the battery, recharge battery. Did the tester pass the battery? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 9 .
Connect the positive and negative battery cable to the batteries positive terminal. Tighten battery cable bolts to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Replace battery.