GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 1998 🢒 GMC P42 Commercial Chassis 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Battery Check

Caution: Batteries produce explosive gases. Batteries contain corrosive acid. Batteries supply levels of electrical current high enough to cause burns. Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of personal injury while working near a battery, observe the following guidelines:

   • Always shield your eyes.
   • Avoid leaning over the battery whenever possible.
   • Do not expose the battery to open flames or sparks.
   • Do not allow battery acid to contact the eyes or the skin.
      - Flush any contacted areas with water immediately and thoroughly.
      - Get medical help.

Step

Action

Normal Result(s)

Abnormal Result(s)*

1
  1. Inspect the following areas for battery acid:
    2. • The battery case
    • The battery tray
    • The area around and underneath the battery tray
  2. Inspect the battery for a cracked, broken, or damaged case.
    • The battery case, the battery tray, and the surrounding area are dry.
    • The battery is not cracked, broken, or damaged.

Refer to Battery Replacement .

2

Compare the Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA) and the Reserve Capacity (RC) of the battery or the Original Equipment (OE) specification. Refer to Battery Usage .

The ratings of the vehicle battery meet or exceed the CCA and the RC of the original equipment specification.

Refer to Battery Replacement .

3

Inspect the battery hydrometer for a green dot.

The battery hydrometer displays a green dot.
    • If the battery hydrometer has a dark dot (no green dot visible), test the condition of the battery. Refer to Battery Not Operating Properly .
    • If the battery hydrometer has a yellow dot, inspect the battery for low electrolyte. Refer to Battery Hydrometer Displays Dark or Yellow Dot .

4

Turn the ignition key to START and inspect to see if the engine cranks normally and starts.

The engine cranks normally and starts.
    • Engine does not crank or cranks slowly, refer to the following procedures: Battery Not Operating Properly .
    • Engine cranks normally but does not start, refer to the appropriate procedure in Engine Controls:
      •  Engine Cranks but Does Not Run 4.3L (L35)
      •  Engine Cranks but Does Not Run 5.7L (L31)
      •  Engine Cranks but Does Not Run 6.5L (L57)
      • Engine Cranks but Does Not Run 6.5L (L65)
    • Engine starts but does not start overnight or after a couple of days, refer to Charging System Check and Battery Electrical Drain/Parasitic Load .

5
  1. Inspect the battery for proper installation and retention in the battery tray.
  2. Inspect the battery terminals for clean and tight connections.
    • The battery is firmly held in place in the tray and the hold-down bolt is properly tightened.
    • The battery terminals are clean and tight.
    • Install the battery in the battery tray correctly. Refer to Battery Replacement .
    • Refer to Battery Terminal Check .

* Refer to the appropriate symptom diagnostic table for the applicable abnormal result.