030603004W

File in Section:
Service Bulletin
06 - Engine
Bulletin No.:
03-06-03-004W
Date:
February, 2018
WARRANTY ADMINISTRATION
Subject:
Battery Testing and Warranty Replacement Requirements (North America ONLY)
Models:
2018 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Trucks
Attention: This Bulletin applies ONLY to the North American market.
This Bulletin has been revised to update information under Battery Testing. Please discard
Corporate Bulletin Number 03-06-03-004V.
The EL-50313 Midtronics GR8 Battery Tester/Charger
must be used in diagnosing battery replacements and
maintaining batteries on new vehicles in dealer
inventory. A 15 digit (17 if includes the 2 hyphens)
Warranty Code on the printed slip captures critical
information on batteries that require replacement. This
code must be entered on the warranty transaction (see
below for details).
Copyright 2018 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Page 2
February, 2018
Bulletin No.: 03-06-03-004W
English Version
French Canadian Version
4866552
Legend
(1)
(2)
(3)
Printout should reflect “Out of Vehicle”
Test Info.
Do not enter MID Info number.
The “Warranty Code” is the correct code
to enter on the transaction. This code is
unique to each test performed and is
de-codable by GM.
4866557
Legend
(1)
(2)
(3)
Printout should reflect “Out of Vehicle”
Test Info.
Do not enter MID Info number.
The “Warranty Code” is the correct code
to enter on the transaction. This code is
unique to each test performed and is
de-codable by GM.
Bulletin No.: 03-06-03-004W
February, 2018
Important: Warranty Codes are only generated when
the test is set up as follows: select Diagnostic Mode,
select Out of Vehicle. On the print out, the 19 digit (21
including the 2 hyphens) code under MID INFO is NOT
a valid warranty code. Only the 15 digit (17 if includes
the 2 hyphens) under Warranty Code on the printed
slip is the valid warranty code that captures critical
information.
Important: Only warranty codes generated by the by
the EL-50313 Midtronics GR8 using current software
are valid for batteries replaced under warranty.
Warranty codes generated by past versions of software
or past versions of the old hand held tester are not
valid.
Battery Testing
When testing batteries, you must:
• Disconnect battery from the vehicle.
• Connect the EL-50313 tool cable clamps directly
to the battery terminal posts. There is no need to
remove the battery from the vehicle.
• Select “Out of Vehicle” when setting up the test.
• Select the proper battery type; Flooded, AGM,
AUX12. It is important to select the correct
battery type to prevent battery damage and to
ensure correct test results.
• On vehicles with two batteries, including Stop/
Start vehicles with Auxiliary batteries, each battery
must be electrically isolated and charged
individually, which will result in two printouts.
Note: Vehicles with Stop/Start Auxiliary batteries must
be charged separately from the main battery during
testing. The Auxiliary battery is not connected in a
manner that will allow both batteries to be charged at
the same time and must be charged individually, which
will result in two printouts.
•
•
Enter the CCA as shown on the battery label.
Refer to the latest version of 15-06-03-002 for
OEM battery CCA ratings and battery types.
Refer to latest version of Bulletin 15-06-03-001 for
cold weather and long stand time battery
maintenance and testing tips.
Cold Battery Testing – Battery Temperature at Less
Than 0°C (32°F)
Notice: Batteries that are deeply discharged will take
an extended time to recharge. Batteries that are cold
(below freezing) can falsely fail testing. Batteries that
are cold and deeply discharged must first be warmed
prior to testing & charging.
When an automotive 12 Volt battery is cold, (below
freezing) its capacity starts to reduce. This can be
observed in the voltage level of the battery, as well as
measured cold cranking amps. A cold battery is also
resistant to charging. The colder the battery, the more
these characteristics are affected.
Depending how cold a battery is, it can fail testing using
any type of battery test equipment, including the
EL-50313 (GR8).
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Important: It is impossible to calculate the core
temperature of a battery, so using external surface
temperature is not reliable. Warm the battery a
minimum of 12 hours prior to testing. Longer warming
times will be needed depending how cold the battery is.
Note: Cold batteries are resistant to charging even
when in use on the vehicle. They will not recover
quickly in subfreezing temperatures. Releasing a new
vehicle with a battery in a low state of charge puts the
customer at risk to a no crank event.
Note: If you suspect that a battery may be frozen,
inspect the case for cracks prior to charging. Do not
charge a frozen battery.
Always warm a cold battery temperature to above 4°C
(40°F) prior to testing.
Tool Software Updates
This tool requires periodic software updates. If a
specific issue is identified and resolved with a software
update, the availability may be communicated directly
to you. The latest software release is available through
GlobalConnect by clicking on “Essential Tools –
Software Updates” on the Service page.
As of 08/17/17, the latest GR8 software version is
192-675P. Warranty replacement of batteries tested
with outdated GR8 software are subject to debit.
New Vehicle Inventory
If a new vehicle arrives at your dealer from
transportation that will not start due to a discharged or
defective battery, the claim must be submitted within
one week of the vehicle arrival at the dealer. Only
warranty codes generated in the “Diagnostic Mode” and
“Out Of Vehicle” are valid for warranty replacements.
Note: For vehicles in dealer stock - Battery recharging,
swapping or replacement due to damage or lack of
maintenance is not covered by the vehicle warranty
during the period of dealer inventory storage. For
complete information on dealer responsibilities on
inventory battery maintenance, refer to General Motors
Service Policies and Procedures Transportation,
Vehicle Storage and PDI Policy Manual, Article 2.1.2.
PDI Mode – The EL-50313 Midtronics GR8 has a
charge algorithm identified on the tool as PDI Mode. In
this mode, the battery condition is checked then a fast
charge is applied to the battery. This mode is designed
to apply as much charge as safely possible in 20
Minutes. PDI Mode replaces the previous requirement
of battery voltage check & charge. This mode also
generates a print out. The print out must be kept with
the vehicle file as proof of maintenance. Use PDI Mode:
• When a new vehicle is received at the dealer
• At each subsequent 30-day interval while in dealer
inventory
• At the Point of Sale
Important: To get a complete charge, it is
recommended to also continue the battery charge in
“Top Off” mode.
On vehicles with two batteries, including Stop/Start
vehicles, each battery must be electrically isolated and
charged individually, which will result in two printouts.
Page 4
February, 2018
Bulletin No.: 03-06-03-004W
Note: Vehicles with Stop/Start Auxiliary batteries (AUX
12) must be charged separately from the main battery
during the period of dealer inventory storage. The
Auxiliary battery is not connected in a manner that will
allow both batteries to be charged at the same time and
must be charged individually, which will result in two
printouts.
Batteries Replaced Under Warranty Required Warranty Code from GR8
The Warranty Code generated by the EL-50313
Midtronics GR8 is displayed on the printout and must
be entered into the required Battery Tester Code field
when submitting all transactions for battery
replacement (labor operations 4041510 Battery
Replace or 4041520 Auxiliary Battery Replacement).
The complete code 15 Characters ONLY (No Dashes
or Spaces) must be entered. Do not enter the code in
the cause/correction/comments field. It must be
entered into the system generated mandatory field
that appears when using labor operations 4041510 or
4041520 (see GWM screenshot example below).
4489025
Technicians must attach the GR8 test print out with a
Battery Replace decision, that includes the Warranty
Code, to the repair order.
Important: A copy of this printout must be returned
with the paperwork for each battery returned to the
Warranty Parts Center (WPC).
Reminder: The Warranty Code is ONLY generated by
the GR8 under Diagnostic Mode when the test is set up
as Out Of Vehicle and when a “Replace Battery”
decision is the test result.
Note: To warranty administrators, the following
characters are not used in the Warranty Code: The
letters I, O, Y, & Z.
Special Cases
• Damaged or leaking batteries - It is not necessary
to test leaking batteries with the EL-50313. Enter
LEAKS into the Battery Tester Code Field. For
AGM batteries, LEAKS is not a valid entry unless
the battery case is damaged and the cause of the
damage must be documented in the Cause field.
Note: Any other parts damaged and replaced due
to leaking battery acid (ie: cables) must also be
claimed on the same line, not a separate line. Use
appropriate authorizations for additional parts and
OLH claimed.
• GM Fleet and Commercial in-shop warranty
stations- If the Warranty Code is available, enter it
into the Battery Tester Code Field. If the Warranty
Code is not available, enter FLEET into the
Battery Tester Code Field. Valid only for approved
GM Fleet and Commercial in-shop warranty
stations.
Bulletin No.: 03-06-03-004W
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
February, 2018
Customer reimbursement cases - Existing policies
on customer reimbursement apply. If the
customer's battery is available, enter the
Midtronics code into the Battery Tester Code
Field. If the customer's battery is not available,
enter REIMBURSEMENT into the Battery Tester
Code Field.
GR8 test equipment not working/not available –
The EL-50313 Midtronics GR8 is a required GM
Tool. Any non-functional or missing GR8 must be
repaired/replaced within 30 days. On a temporary
basis (within those 30 days) the dealership should
enter INOP in the Battery Tester Code field.
Contact 1-800-GMTOOLS for GR8 repair
assistance.
Cadillac Roadside service claims (U.S.) - Batteries
replaced under the Cadillac Roadside program do
not fall under the 4041510 Labor Operation. They
should be submitted under Labor Operation
0600102 as defined by that program.
Subsequent failure of batteries replaced under the
New Vehicle Bumper to Bumper Warranty
(Canada Base Warranty) – These transactions still
require proper testing to validate battery
replacement. A valid Warranty Code is still
required in the Battery Tester Code field. Refer to
Service Policies and Procedures Manual Article
2.8 for further policies related to battery
replacement parts warranties.
Batteries replaced under the GM Replacement
Parts Warranty (Canada only) – These
transactions still require proper testing to validate
battery replacement. A valid Warranty Code is still
required in the Battery Tester Code field.
Battery damaged or stolen in transit – This is to be
properly noted on the Delivery Receipt.
Transaction is to be submitted as a ZTPT
(Transportation) Transaction Type. Enter
DAMAGED or STOLEN as applicable in Battery
Tester Code Field. Valid only for ZTPT transaction
types.
New Vehicle arrives from transportation with
defective battery – Battery must still be properly
tested using GR8 tester and valid test codes must
be entered on transaction. The transaction must
be submitted within one week of vehicle arrival at
dealership.
Battery “too low” is NOT a valid entry – The GR8 is
designed to test batteries and provide results,
including the printout and Warranty Code, at a
very low voltage (less than 3 volts). If a vehicle
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initially enters the service department with no
voltage, the battery must be charged to a level
which will support the test to be completed.
• Battery replaced for customer enthusiasm - The
battery still must be tested with the required GR8
tool. If the GR8 test results do not support battery
replacement and the dealership decides to
replace the battery anyway for customer
enthusiasm, the transaction must be marked
“Customer Enthusiasm”, enter CUS in the Battery
Tester Code field, and provide comments in the
Authorization section of the transaction to support
the decision.
Reminder: Batteries purchased as a retail transaction
(over the counter or dealer-installed) are covered under
the terms of the ACDelco battery warranty. ACDelco
battery warranty replacement expenses must not be
submitted to Global Warranty Management.
Transactions Requiring GM
Authorization (Warranty Support
Center)
Battery replacement labor operation 4041510 or
4041520 on any 2016 and newer model year vehicle
requires GM Authorization from the Warranty Support
Center (WSC).
• The GR8 Test Report must be scanned and
attached to the transaction.
• For battery replacement on a vehicle with less
than 250 miles, supporting documentation
indicating that the battery was maintained while in
dealer inventory must be attached to the
transaction. If the vehicle had been in dealer
inventory for greater than 30 days, the WSC may
also request copies of the PDI print outs for the
claim in question.
The Warranty Support Center will validate all Warranty
Codes entered in the Battery Tester Code field for these
transactions. Each test code is unique and decodable.
Warranty Claims for battery replacements with invalid
test codes, incorrect test set-up, or wrong battery type
will not be authorized. The cold cranking amps (CCA)
that was used during the test procedure will be
compared with the proper CCA to insure a valid test
was completed. Warranty Codes generated by past
versions of GR8 software or past versions of the old
hand-held tester will be rejected.
It is a best practice to attach a copy of the GR8 test
printout to the warranty transaction.
Questions can be directed to the WSC at
1-866-446-2900.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.
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