GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Molded into the top of the maintenance-free battery is a built-in temperature compensated hydrometer. Use this hydrometer with the following diagnostic procedure. When observing the hydrometer, make sure the battery has a clean top. A light may be required in poorly lit areas.


Object Number: 1023  Size: SH

Under normal operation, on of three indications can be observed:

  1. GREEN DOT VISIBLE (A): Any green appearance in the hydrometer is interpreted as a green dot. This means the battery is ready for testing.
  2. GREEN DOT NOT VISIBLE (DARK DOT) (B): If the green dot cannot be seen and there is a cranking complaint, refer to Battery Test Diagnosis .
  3. CLEAR OR LIGHT YELLOW DOT (C): This means that the electrolyte level is below the bottom of the hydrometer and is too low for diagnosis. This may have been caused by excessive or prolonged charging, a broken case, or excessive tipping. Refer to Battery Test Diagnosis .