SB-12-001

SB-10043249-2477
Service Bulletin
Applies To:
12-001
January 12, 2012
2005–12 Models – ALL
Alternator Testing With the GR8 Alternator/Starter Tester (AST)
(Replaces 10-033, Service Manual Update: Alternator Testing, dated September 14, 2011)
BACKGROUND
Your dealership was recently shipped a GR8
Alternator/Starter Tester (AST) Module to install on
your GR8 Diagnostic Battery Station. Once installed,
your GR8 AST is capable of testing alternators. All
warranty repairs to the alternator require your
dealership to use the GR8 AST. The starter test
function will be available in the future.
REQUIRED TOOLS
GR8 Alternator/Starter Tester (AST):
P/N MTRA270 (AST Module only)
Software version 192-210007H
TOOL REQUIREMENTS
The GR8 software must be updated within 3 days of a
new software update release.
Refer to S/B 09-034, GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station
Update Information.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
• Effective January 12, 2012, alternator warranty
claims will not be accepted without the 15-digit test
code from the GR8 AST.
• For all DTC codes resulting in alternator
replacement, you must do the alternator test to
obtain the 15-digit test code.
• Enter the 15-digit code into warranty claim
Diagnostic Trouble Codes fields one, two, and three.
• If you have an alternator under warranty that needs
replacement for a non-electrical defect (noise or
seized), contact your District Parts and Service
Manager (DPSM) for help.
OP#
Description
118100
Replace alternator
118100F
Test alternator using
GR8 AST tester
Failed Part:
Defect Code:
Symptom Code:
Skill Level:
DTC:
FRT
Ref. flat rate table
0.2 hour
Use original equipment part number
03214
06702
Repair Technician
Enter 15-digit test code into claim
ALTERNATOR TEST
1. Ask the client to describe the events that led up to
the problem. Many charging system complaints are
caused by leaving the headlights or interior lights
on, headlight flicker (a normal condition), or
installing aftermarket accessories with a high
parasitic draw that drains the battery.
2. Visually inspect the alternator and battery cables
and grounding straps to confirm that the
connections are clean and tight. If there are any
damaged parts or loose connections, repair them
as needed.
3. Place the GR8 AST by the driver’s side front tire.
NOTE: Make sure the engine is at normal operating
temperature before testing. If not, hold the engine
speed at 3,000 rpm in Park (P) or Neutral (N) until
the radiator fan comes on twice, then let it idle.
• The alternator claim will be returned to your
dealership unpaid with an error code of 2020 if any of
the DTC fields are incomplete.
• The alternator test printout that states REPLACE
ALTERNATOR must be attached to the repair order
or the warranty claim will be subject to debit.
• The alternator claim will be returned to the
dealership unpaid with an error code if the tester
print-out does not state REPLACE ALTERNATOR.
• Any alternator replaced must have a warranty claim
tag attached to it.
© 2012 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved
BTB 47401 (1201)
1 of 4
CLIENT INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment, and
training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this
bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized
Acura automobile dealer.
4. With the engine OFF, turn the GR8 ON, and
connect it to the vehicle:
• Connect the negative (–) lead to the negative
battery terminal.
• Connect the positive (+) lead to the positive
battery terminal.
9. Scroll up or down to select the model year of the
vehicle being tested, and press NEXT to continue.
5. In the main menu, scroll over to the SYSTEM icon,
and press the SELECT key.
10. Select Acura for the vehicle being tested, and press
NEXT to continue.
6. Use the arrow or numerical keys to select
TECHNICIAN ID, and press NEXT to continue.
11. Scroll through the list and select the Acura MODEL/
ENGINE you are testing, and press NEXT to
continue.
7. Select the type of vehicle being tested.
12. Enter the battery’s CCA, and press NEXT to begin
the battery testing.
8. When prompted, verify that the test cables and
clamps are in good working order, and press NEXT
to continue.
2 of 4
12-001
13. Wait until the initial battery testing is complete.
16 Remove the control module from the top of the
GR8, and take it into the vehicle. Press NEXT to
continue.
14. Zero the amp clamp following the on-screen
instructions, making sure the clamp jaws are
completely closed during the procedure.
15. Place the clamp around the positive (+) alternator
cable within 3” of the alternator. This will be simple
on most models, but on some it may be necessary
to be further than 3" away due to obstructions or
tight spaces.
NOTE:
• Testing is done at the B+ cable to help rule out
other factors in the vehicle’s charging system
and to increase testing accuracy.
• Make sure the amp clamp is clear of any moving
engine parts.
17 When prompted, turn the ignition switch to ON (I).
Make sure all electrical loads are off at this time.
18. Start the engine, and follow the prompts on the next
few screens.
12-001
3 of 4
19. When prompted, rev the engine to 3,000–3,500
rpm until the tester tells you to HOLD the rpm level.
23. Press PRINT to print the results.
NOTE: If you do not rev the vehicle within the first
10 seconds, or the tool cannot detect the engine
speed, you will have to rev the engine to 3,000–
3,500 rpm, hold at that rpm level, and hit NEXT to
continue.
20. While holding the rpm level, the tester will acquire
data. Continue to closely follow the prompts until
the test is complete.
21. Turn the ignititon switch to LOCK (0), and press
NEXT to continue.
15-DIGIT TEST CODE
22. Place the GR8 control module back on the GR8,
and press NEXT to display the results.
4 of 4
12-001