GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Caution: Batteries produce explosive gases, contain corrosive acid, and supply levels of electrical current high enough to cause burns. Therefore, to reduce the risk of personal injury when working near a battery:

   • Always shield your eyes and avoid leaning over the battery whenever possible.
   • Do not expose the battery to open flames or sparks.
   • Do not allow the battery electrolyte to contact the eyes or the skin. Flush immediately and thoroughly any contacted areas with water and get medical help.
   • Follow each step of the jump starting procedure in order.
   • Treat both the booster and the discharged batteries carefully when using the jumper cables.

Caution: Before servicing any electrical component, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position and all electrical loads must be OFF, unless instructed otherwise in these procedures. If a tool or equipment could easily come in contact with a live exposed electrical terminal, also disconnect the negative battery cable. Failure to follow these precautions may cause personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

Notice: Do not use the boost, jump start, crank, or an equivalent setting that may be available on the battery charger for prolonged charging of the battery. Using such settings may damage the battery due to overheating, excessive gassing, or spewing of electrolyte from the vents.

Battery Hydrometer Displays Yellow Dot

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the battery check performed?

--

Go to Step  2

FIX

2

Tap the hydrometer lightly on top with the handle of a small screwdriver to dislodge any air bubbles inside the battery.

Is the hydrometer dot still yellow?

--

Go to Step  4

Go to Step  3

3

Does the hydrometer display a green or dark dot?

--

Hydrometer OK

Go to Step  4

4

Replace the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step  5

--

5

Visually inspect the hydrometer in the new battery.

Does the hydrometer display a green dot?

--

Go to Step  11

Go to Step  6

6

Does the hydrometer display a yellow dot?

--

Go to Step  7

Go to Step  9

7

Tap the hydrometer lightly on the top with the handle of a small screwdriver to dislodge any air bubbles inside the battery.

Is the hydrometer dot still yellow?

--

Go to Step  4

Go to Step  8

8

Does the hydrometer display a green dot?

--

Go to Step  11

Go to Step  9

9

Does the hydrometer display a dark dot?

--

Go to Step  10

--

10

Charge the battery. Refer to Battery Charging

Was the battery recharged?

--

Go to Step  11

--

11

Check the charging system for proper operation. Refer to Charging System Check

Is the charging system OK?

--

Hydrometer OK

--