Battery Testing & Inspection

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

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 15 .
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 15 .
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 next step. If no, go to step 9 .
Using a torque wrench, verify the torque by loosening the negative battery terminal bolt. Is the torque greater than 88 INCH lbs. (10 N.m)? If yes, go to step 9 . If no, go to step 8 .
Attempt to rotate the positive battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure. Does the positive connector rotate? If yes, go to step 7 . If no, go to next step.

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

Install Battery Tester (J 42000). Follow directions supplied with the tester for an In-Vehicle test. 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 step 14 . If no, go to step 8 .
Use a torque wrench, verify the torque by loosening the positive battery terminal bolt. Is the torque greater than 88 INCH lbs. (10 N.m)? If yes, go to step 10 . If no, go to next step.
Disconnect the negative and positive battery cable. Clean and wire brush the lead face of both battery terminals and metal contact rings in both cable connectors. Remove bolts from the cable connectors in order to provide access to the connector rings as needed. If either of the battery terminals or cable rings are excessively damaged or corroded, replace as needed. After repairs, go to step 11 .
Disconnect the negative battery cable. Inspect cable bolt that is too long or deformed at the end. Inspect for foreign material present inside the nut in the battery terminal. Inspect for damage to the battery terminal face or cable connector ring. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to next step.
Disconnect the positive battery cable. Inspect cable bolt that is too long or deformed at the end. Inspect for foreign material present inside the nut in the battery terminal. Inspect for damage to the battery terminal face or cable connector ring. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to next step.

NOTE: Ensure that both battery cables are disconnected and proper adapters are installed in the battery terminals.

Install battery tester. Follow directions supplied with the tester for an Out-of-Vehicle test. Follow any directions displayed on 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 15 .
Press the CODE button on the battery tester. For warranty purposes, write the displayed code on the repair order. Did you complete this action? If yes, go to next step.
Connect the positive and negative battery cable to the batteries positive terminal. Tighten battery cable bolts to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Press the CODE button on the battery tester. For warranty purposes, write the displayed code on the repair order. Did you complete the replacement? Battery is okay.
Replace battery.