GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Battery Terminal Check

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

    Notice:  Always turn the ignition OFF when connecting or disconnecting battery cables, battery chargers, or jumper cables. Failing to do so may damage the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or other electronic components.

  1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
  2. Attempt to rotate the battery negative cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure.

Does the negative connector rotate?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 3

2

Use a torque wrench in order to verify the torque to loosen the battery negative terminal bolt.

Is the torque above the specified value?

10 N·m (7 lb ft)

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

Disconnect the battery negative cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .

Is the cable disconnected?

--

Go to Step 5

--

4

Ensure the battery negative cable is disconnected.

Inspect for the following conditions and repair as needed:

    • The cable bolt is too long or misformed 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.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 5

--

5

Rotate the battery positive cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure.

Does the positive connector rotate?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Use a torque wrench in order to verify the torque to loosen the battery positive terminal bolt.

Is the torque above the specified value?

10 N·m (7 lb ft)

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

Disconnect the battery positive cable.

Is the cable disconnected?

--

Go to Step 9

--

8

Ensure the battery positive cable is disconnected.

Inspect for the following conditions and repair as needed:

    • The cable bolt is too long or misformed 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.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Clean and wire brush the lead face of both battery terminals and the metal contact rings in both cable connectors.
  2. Remove the bolts from the cable connectors in order to provide access to the connector rings as needed.
  3. If either the battery terminals or the cable rings are excessively damaged or corroded, replace as needed.

Are the metal connecting parts clean and in good condition?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10

  1. Connect the battery positive cable to the battery positive terminal.
  2. Tighten the cable bolt to the specified value.

Is the cable bolt properly tightened?

15 N·m (11 lb ft)

Go to Step 11

--

11

  1. Connect the battery negative cable to the battery negative terminal.
  2. Tighten the cable bolt to the specified value.

Is the cable bolt properly tightened?

15 N·m (11 lb ft)

System OK

--