Diagnostic Aids
Tools Required
J 42000 Digital Battery Tester
Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section.
Important: The battery test using the J 42000 requires correct connections to the battery terminals. A failure to obtain the correct connections during the test may result in a failed test on a good battery.
Follow these instructions in order to avoid an incorrect diagnosis because of connections:
| • | If testing the vehicle with the battery cables still connected, wiggle the J 42000 clips on the terminal bolt. This may cut through any coating or through any oxidation that may be present on the bolt. Even new bolts contain a protective coating that may insulate or cause a resistance in the test circuit. |
| • | If correct connections to the battery terminal bolts in the vehicle are in doubt, perform the following steps: |
| - | Disconnect the negative battery cable. |
| - | Disconnect the positive battery cable. |
| - | Install the test adapters on the terminals. |
| - | Follow the instructions for testing a removed battery. |
| • | If the tester displays a REPLACE BATTERY result for a battery tested in the vehicle with the battery cables connected, perform the following steps: |
| - | Disconnect the negative battery cable. |
| - | Disconnect the positive battery cable. |
| - | Install the tester adapters. |
| - | Follow the instructions for testing a removed battery. |
| - | Replace the battery only if the second test shows a REPLACE BATTERY result. |
| - | Use the test code from the second test for any warranty purposes. |
| • | Use the correct terminal adapters. Do not use any common bolts or a combination of bolts, or nuts, and of washers as adapters when testing the battery. |
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Inspect the battery for a cracked, broken, or damaged case, which may be indicated by battery acid leakage. Is the battery OK? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 19 | ||||||
2 | Compare the Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA) and Reserve Capacity (RC) of the battery to the original battery or Original Equipment (OE) specification. Does the battery meet or exceed the specifications? | -- | Go to Step 3 | Go to Step 19 | ||||||
3 | Does the hydrometer display a yellow dot? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 5 | ||||||
4 | Tap the hydrometer lightly on top with the handle of a small screwdriver in order to dislodge any air bubbles inside the battery. Does the hydrometer still display a yellow dot? | -- | Go to Step 19 | Go to Step 5 | ||||||
5 |
Does the negative connector rotate? | -- | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 7 | ||||||
6 | Use a torque wrench in order to verify the torque of the negative battery terminal bolt. Is the torque at the specified value? | 4.5 N·m (40 lb in) | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 7 | ||||||
7 |
Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Is the cable disconnected? | -- | Go to Step 9 | -- | ||||||
8 |
Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section.
Is the repair complete? | -- | Go to Step 9 | -- | ||||||
9 | Rotate the positive battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure. Does the positive connector rotate? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 11 | ||||||
10 | Use a torque wrench in order to verify the torque of the positive battery terminal bolt. Is the torque at the specified value? | 4.5 N·m (40 lb in) | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 11 | ||||||
11 |
Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section. Disconnect the positive battery cable. Is the cable disconnected? | -- | Go to Step 13 | -- | ||||||
12 |
Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section.
Is the repair complete? | -- | Go to Step 13 | -- | ||||||
13 |
Are the metal connecting parts clean and in good condition? | -- | Go to Step 14 | -- | ||||||
14 |
Is the cable bolt properly tightened? | 4.5 N·m (40 lb in) | Go to Step 15 | -- | ||||||
15 |
Is the cable bolt properly tightened? | 4.5 N·m (40 lb in) | Go to Step 16 | -- | ||||||
16 |
Important: Ensure that all of the electrical loads are turned OFF. Did the tester pass the battery? | -- | Go to Step 17 | Go to Step 18 | ||||||
17 |
Important: Always write the test code displayed by the tester on the repair order for any warranty purposes. The number is a unique code that describes the test data for a particular battery at a particular time. The test code may occasionally repeat when you retest the same battery. More often, each test will result in a different code. Did you complete this action? | -- | Battery OK | -- | ||||||
18 |
Important: Always write the test code displayed by the tester on the repair order for any warranty purposes. The number is a unique code that describes the test data for a particular battery at a particular time. The test code may occasionally repeat when you retest the same battery. More often, each test will result in a different code. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Battery OK | -- | ||||||
19 | Replace the battery. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Battery OK | -- |
