ITB09015G

Classification:
Reference:
Date:
EL09-005g
ITB09-015g
November 20, 2015
12 VOLT BATTERY STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE
FOR NEW VEHICLES IN DEALER INVENTORY
This bulletin has been amended to include a statement on page 3 for an Infrared (IR) sensor on the back of the
GR8 head unit. Please discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
APPLIED VEHICLES: All new (unsold) Infiniti vehicles in dealer inventory
SERVICE INFORMATION
Design and process changes have been made to improve battery voltage at dealer receipt. Our goal is to
deliver vehicles to customers with a 12 volt battery in excellent condition. Proper dealership storage and
maintenance of vehicle 12 volt batteries is essential to insuring good battery operating life and customer
satisfaction.
Dealers are responsible for maintaining vehicles in their inventory. 12 volt batteries in vehicle inventory should
always be kept at a full charge to prevent excessive discharge during storage and so they are ready for delivery
to customers at any time.
If 12 volt batteries in new vehicles are allowed to discharge for a prolonged period of time, battery life may be
drastically reduced which can lead to premature replacement and customer dissatisfaction.
It is expected that each dealer will have a process to monitor and maintain battery State Of Charge (SOC) for
vehicles in dealer inventory. NNA field representatives may request dealers to demonstrate their battery
maintenance process and confirm its effectiveness.
Infiniti Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained
individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that
a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO NOT assume that it does. See your Infiniti dealer to determine if this
applies to your vehicle.
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Required 12 Volt Battery Maintenance for Dealer’s New Vehicle Inventory
NOTE: See page 4 for additional information regarding Enhanced Flooded Batteries.
For unsold vehicles:
 Maintain vehicles with transit mode and storage switch in inventory condition (storage-mode) to reduce
battery drain.
 Have a process in place to test and maintain battery SOC for vehicles in dealer inventory.
 Have in place a robust pre-delivery inspection process to ensure the vehicle is not sold or delivered in
storage-mode.
 Test each vehicle’s 12 volt battery during vehicle Check-In (within 72 hours if delivered from NNA or
upon receipt if dealer trade) and retain the Check-In battery tester printout in the vehicle folder. This is
the PDI battery test.
Perform PDI battery test
within 72 hrs of delivery
from NNA
or when received
through dealer trade
Vehicle IGN OFF for at
least 4 hrs with all doors
closed
Battery temperature
is above freezing (above
0°C/32°F)
No
Bring vehicle/battery above
freezing temp
Use Midtronics GR8 (only)
and perform Diagnostic
Charge
Remove battery
from vehicle
No
Is vehicle equipped with
Enhanced Flooded
Battery?
(See page 4)
Direction Time – Eleven
(11) minutes into test
session you will have
Customer Override option
Yes
Customer Override is NOT
an acceptable option for
PDI -> Continue charging
until session is complete
Yes
Battery posts & terminals
are clean, secure, and
No
have
no corrosion
Clean/secure
posts/terminals
Replace terminal(s)
as necessary
Use Recharge Battery
Code for PDI Recharge
warranty claim
Yes
Good
Diagnostic charge test
result
Replace
EXP800 or GR8: Perform
Check-In Mode (select
model and model year)
Check-In
test result
Good
Record test result and
battery voltage on PDI
form and attach test strip
print to PDI folder
Recharge
Replace battery
Use Replace Battery Code
for warranty claim and
attach test strip print to
repair order
Replace
Record test result
and battery voltage on PDI
form and attach test strip
print to PDI folder
Perform battery check
using Inventory Mode with
EXP800 or GR8 every 30
days
Replace battery
Use Replace Battery Code
for warranty claim and
attach test strip print to
repair order
Charge battery with GR8 if
required.
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Perform OK Verify test to
confirm good voltage
Record test result
and battery voltage on PDI
form and attach test strip
print to PDI folder
ITB09-015g
Battery Testing
NOTE: See page 4 for additional information regarding Enhanced Flooded Batteries.

The Midtronics EXP-800 or Midtronics GR8 must be used to obtain the Check-In printout. Refer
to page 9 (EXP-800) or page 13 (GR8) for Check-In Test procedure.

Effective 11/16/2015, GR8 diagnostic charge testing will incorporate use of the Infrared (IR) sensor on
the back of the head unit to help insure the battery is not too cold to obtain accurate test results.

Effective 4/1/2015, testers must have SD cards installed to perform battery tests. Prior to this date, SD
cards were not needed. After this date, testers will not perform without a SD card installed. For this
reason, standard 4GB SD cards have been distributed to all dealers.

Make sure the ignition is OFF, all doors closed, and then wait at least four (4) hours before starting
battery testing.

Make sure both tester cable clamps are securely attached to clean exposed battery terminals or
connectors, ensuring a good electrical connection.
NOTE: In some instances when the tester cables do not have a good connection, or there is
interference from the vehicle electrical systems, the testers can give a result showing good voltage
(greater than 12.5V) and 0 CCA. If this result is observed and there are no signs of a weak battery
when starting the vehicle, reattach the tester leads making sure they have a good connection, and
recheck the battery. If subsequent testing provides the same result, replace the battery as directed.

Testing a “cold” battery (below freezing) may result in incorrect test decisions. If a “REPLACE” decision
is reached yet the vehicle starts without hesitation, perform a re-test after the vehicle (or battery only)
has been in the shop overnight (to ensure battery is warm enough [above freezing]).

The EXP-800 is the first tool of choice for checking battery SOC due to its portability and ease of use.
The GR8 may also be used.

Charge as directed by the battery tester.
 Make sure both tester cable clamps are securely attached to clean exposed battery terminals or
connectors, ensuring a good electrical connection.
 If the tester indicates that the battery requires a charge, use the GR8 and allow the tester to
complete the charging process.
 A “REPLACE” decision after a long charging session may indicate the battery did not reach the
SOC threshold (typically 80%) within the allocated time, not that it is a failed battery. Retesting the
battery is likely to provide a more accurate result the second time.
 The use of the “customer override” function in Midtronics’ diagnostic test mode is not permitted for
batteries that are identified as needing a recharge during Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI) nor an
option for PDI battery claims.

The time allowance for the Check-In battery check is included in the total PDI flat rate time and will be
reimbursed as part of the current PDI payment, even though the remainder of PDI activities may take
place at a later time.
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Enhanced Flooded Batteries

A Midtronics battery testing software update, released 2/12/2015, contains new charging software for
Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB). EFBs require an equalization charge to address electrolyte
stratification that can occur in this type of battery.

The Q50 with Direct Adaptive Steering (DAST) is, up to this bulletin’s publication date, the only
Infiniti model using the “Q-85” Enhanced Flooded Battery.

EFBs also come in ranges other than Q-85 for example, Q-95.

Charging requirements for EFBs are different from standard flooded batteries:
 The equalization charge for EFBs may take up to 5 hours.
 The EFB must be removed from the vehicle during the charge to eliminate the risk of leakage or
venting that can occur during the extended charge.
 Failure to properly identify an EFB could result in inaccurate test results (for example, calling a
good battery bad). Also, if a non-EFB is subjected to an EFB diagnostic charge, it will be
damaged beyond repair.
EFB
Identification number and label unique only to EFBs
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Battery Maintenance
NOTE: See page 4 for additional information regarding Enhanced Flooded Batteries.
Proper storage and maintenance of vehicle batteries is essential to ensuring good 12 volt battery operating life.
If a vehicle is being stored on the dealer lot, routinely check the battery SOC and charge the battery as needed.
Recommended checking intervals are:

Both battery cables connected: every 30 days.

Negative battery cable disconnected: every 90 days.
NOTE:
 If a vehicle is moved, it will affect the battery SOC (very short drives reduce the battery SOC while
long drives increase it).
 Anytime an engine is started, test the battery to confirm the SOC. If needed, charge the battery to
replenish the power consumed when starting.
 Dealers should discontinue the practice of starting an engine to see if the battery is “good.”
Batteries may still start an engine even with a low SOC and the battery may be further damaged if
the battery is not recharged after starting. Battery checks should always be performed with one of
the approved testers.
 Disconnecting the negative battery cable reduces the chance of battery damage due to low SOC.
IMPORTANT: The battery must be fully charged before disconnecting the negative cable.
 For display vehicles, be sure to check and charge daily to avoid low voltage conditions.
 For accurate battery testing use the EXP-800 or the GR8. Refer to page 10 (EXP-800) or page 14
(GR8) for battery inventory testing.
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Battery Charging
NOTE: See page 4 for additional information regarding Enhanced Flooded Batteries.
Battery charging should be done with an appropriate battery charger:

The GR8 is recommended for charging Infiniti batteries.
 The GR8 Diagnostic Charging program provides the best charging results for Infiniti batteries.

With exception to EFB equipped vehicles (see page 4), any automotive battery charger set to a low
charge rate can be used.
 Intelligent chargers with low charge rate and “pulsing” technology are preferred. Any charger used
should have an automatic shut-off to prevent overcharging.

Make sure both cable clamps are securely attached to clean exposed battery terminals/clamps,
ensuring a good electrical connection.

Idling the engine to charge the battery is NOT recommended since effectiveness is highly
dependent on vehicle storage conditions such as temperature, vehicle type, and initial SOC.
NOTE:
o After any of the above charging methods, test the battery, using the EXP-800 or the GR8 “OK
Verify” function, to confirm it is fully charged.
o Any time a battery is recharged or replaced; the EXP-800 or the GR8 “OK Verify” function
should be run to confirm that the battery is returned to specification and that there are no other
underlying vehicle issues. Retain the printout of these test results in the vehicle folder for future
reference.
o A “REPLACE” decision after a long charging session may indicate the battery did not reach the
SOC threshold (typically 80%) within the allocated time, not that it is a failed battery. Retesting
the battery is likely to provide a more accurate result the second time.
o Make sure the ignition is OFF (dash lights are out) before exiting the vehicle.
Midtronics GR8 and EXP-800 Information
IMPORTANT:
 A feature was added to the Midtronics GR8 and EXP-800 testers to ensure the latest software is
installed.
 Throughout the year, the testers will inform the user if an update is due and a warning countdown will
be displayed (approximately a 5 day period).
 If updates are not performed within the countdown timeframe, the battery service functions will stop
working until the update is installed.
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ITB09-015g
Record Keeping
NOTE: See page 4 for additional information regarding Enhanced Flooded Batteries.
As batteries are maintained through testing and charging, Infiniti recommends keeping a detailed maintenance
record in the vehicle folder.
In the case where a battery warranty claim is submitted for a battery condition found during vehicle Check-In
(within 72 hours if delivered from NNA or upon receipt if dealer trade) the dealer may be asked in an audit to
show the following battery records:
Test battery using the GR8 or EXP-800
Good Battery
Charge or Replace Battery
Record the test result and
battery voltage on PDI form
and attach test strip print
to PDI folder
Charge or replace battery
as directed by tester
Use Charge or Replace
Battery code for
Warranty Claim and
attach to Repair Order
Perform OK Verify
test using either GR8 or
EXP-800
Record OK Verify test result and
battery voltage on PDI form and
attach test strip to PDI folder
NOTE:
 "Good Battery" codes and test strips from "Check-In" and "OK” verification tests should be kept in
the vehicle folder.
 "Replace" or "Recharge" codes should be submitted with warranty claims.
 DO NOT submit "Good Battery" test codes with warranty claims.
 Refer to Claims Policy Bulletin IWPB/11-016 for additional information on battery claim
policy/procedures.
CLAIMS INFORMATION
Reference the current Infiniti Assurance Products Resource Manual and the latest claims bulletins for battery
claims procedures.
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SERVICE PROCEDURE
USING THE EXP-800
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CHECK-IN MODE
NOTE: See page 4 for additional information regarding Enhanced Flooded Batteries.
The Check-In function enables you to quickly check-in new vehicles as they arrive at your
dealership for the first time.
A unique test code is generated showing that the vehicle was properly tested before being
placed in dealer inventory. On average this test will take approximately 10 to 15 seconds to complete.
Performing a Check-In Test
1. Select the CHECK-IN icon in the Main Menu.
2. Enter the last 8 alphanumeric digits of the VIN for the
vehicle being tested and press NEXT to continue.
NOTE: You must enter the VIN before a Check-In test
can be performed.
3. Follow the on-screen directions. The results are printed out and displayed on the screen once the test has
been completed.
Battery Decisions: Check-In
Decision
Recommended Action
GOOD BATTERY
Return the battery to service.
USE GR8 & RETEST
Charge the battery with your Midtronics diagnostic charger and retest the
battery. Failure to do so may cause a false test result.
REPLACE
The battery has tested bad and should be removed from your inventory.
4. If the decision is “GOOD BATTERY”, the vehicle is ready for delivery to the customer.
5. For a “USE GR8 & RETEST” decision, remove the small test clamps from the battery and fully charge the
battery. Charging with the GR8 is recommended. Idling the engine to charge the battery is NOT
recommended.

EFB equipped vehicles: The EFB must be removed from the vehicle before charging (see page 4).

Make sure both cable clamps are securely attached to clean exposed battery terminals/clamps,
ensuring a good electrical connection.

For a “REPLACE” decision, remove the battery and replace it with a good battery before delivering the
vehicle to the customer.
NOTE: A “REPLACE” decision after a long charging session may indicate the battery did not reach the
SOC threshold (typically 80%) within the allocated time, not that it is a failed battery. Retesting the
battery is likely to provide a more accurate result the second time.
9/15
ITB09-015g
INVENTORY TEST MODE
NOTE: See page 4 for additional information regarding Enhanced Flooded Batteries.
The Inventory Test in the Main Menu enables you to quickly check vehicles that have been in
your inventory for an extended period of time.
You can test the batteries in up to 100 vehicles in succession without re-entering the battery
information each time. It differs from the Battery Test in that the decision is either pass or fail. Neither decision
will tell you if a battery is bad, but rather that the measured voltage and CCA fall in or out of specification.
Selecting Test Parameters
1. Select the Inventory Test icon in the Main Menu. The INVENTORY STATS screen is displayed on the
Control Module screen.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to monitor the number of tests performed and be ready to print the test result totals
as the number approaches 100. When the limit is reached you will no longer be able to test until you clear
all results from memory.
2. Enter the last 8 alphanumeric digits of the VIN for the
vehicle being tested and press NEXT to continue.
NOTE: Entering the VIN is optional when performing
an Inventory Test.
3. The Inventory Test now begins. On average this test will take approximately 5 to 10 seconds to complete.
The results are printed out and displayed on the screen once the test has been completed.
Use ▲ or ▼ to view previous battery results.
Battery Decisions: Inventory Test
Decision
Recommended Action
GOOD BATTERY
Return the battery to service.
USE GR8 & RETEST
Charge the battery before testing. Failure to do so may cause a false test
result.
REPLACE
The battery has tested bad and should be removed from your inventory.
4. Connect the clamps to the next battery to continue testing identical battery types. The analyzer will begin
automatically using the same parameters. To test another type of battery press END, and then follow steps
1 and 2.
 Make sure both cable clamps are securely attached to clean exposed battery terminals/clamps,
ensuring a good electrical connection.
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Printing Additional Test Results
You can print additional results for individual tested batteries or a summary of the last 100 batteries tested
using the Inventory Test.
1. For individual battery test results, use ▲ or ▼ to scroll to the specific Inventory Test result screen you
want to print.
2. Select PRINT.
3. Use ▲ or ▼ to select INVENTORY PRINT.
1
2


INVENTORY BATTERY
INVENTORY SUMMARY
4. Use ▲ or ▼ to select the LANGUAGE of the printout.
1
2
3



ENGLISH
ESPAÑOL
FRANÇAIS
The Inventory Test results are now printed out.
5. To print additional copies press PRINT. Press END to return to the Main Menu.
Clearing Test Tools
1. Select the Inventory Test icon in the Main Menu. The INVENTORY STATS screen is displayed on the
Control Module screen.
2. Press ◄ and ► at the same time to erase the Inventory Test totals from the tool’s memory.
Please refer to the EXP-800 instruction manual for descriptions of other functions.
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USING THE GR8
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CHECK-IN MODE
NOTE: See page 4 for additional information regarding Enhanced Flooded Batteries.
The Check-In function enables you to quickly check-in new vehicles as they arrive at your
dealership for the first time.
A unique test code is generated showing that the vehicle was properly tested before being
placed in dealer inventory.
CAUTION: Never connect both sets of clamps to the same battery at the same time. Connecting both sets
of clamps to the same battery at the same time may damage the GR8. Only use the small clamps from the
Control Module when performing a Check-In Test.
Performing a Check-In Test
1. Select the CHECK-IN icon in the Main Menu.
2. Enter the last 8 alphanumeric digits of the VIN for the
vehicle being tested and press NEXT to continue.
NOTE: You must enter the VIN before a Check-In test
can be performed.
3. Follow the on-screen directions. The results are printed out and displayed on the Control Module screen
once the test has been completed.
Battery Decisions: Check-In
Decision
Recommended Action
GOOD BATTERY
Return the battery to service.
USE GR8 & RETEST
Fully charge the battery before testing. Failure to do so may
cause a false test result. Follow the procedures described in Chapter 4 of
the GR8 instruction manual – Diagnostic Charging.
REPLACE
The battery has tested bad and should be removed from your inventory.
4. If the decision is “GOOD BATTERY”, the vehicle is ready for delivery to the customer.
5. For a “USE GR8 & RETEST” decision, remove the small test clamps from the battery and fully charge the
battery. Charging with the GR8 is recommended. Idling the engine to charge the battery is NOT
recommended.

EFB equipped vehicles: The EFB must be removed from the vehicle before charging (see page 4).

Make sure both cable clamps are securely attached to clean exposed battery terminals/clamps,
ensuring a good electrical connection.

For a “REPLACE” decision, remove the battery and replace it with a good battery before delivering the
vehicle to the customer.
NOTE: A “REPLACE” decision after a long charging session may indicate the battery did not reach the
SOC threshold (typically 80%) within the allocated time, not that it is a failed battery. Retesting the
battery is likely to provide a more accurate result the second time.
13/15
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INVENTORY TEST MODE
NOTE: See page 4 for additional information regarding Enhanced Flooded Batteries.
The Inventory Test in the Main Menu enables you to quickly check vehicles that have been in
your inventory for an extended period of time.
You can test the batteries in up to 100 vehicles in succession without re-entering the battery
information each time. It differs from the Battery Test in that the decision is either pass or fail. Neither decision
will tell you if a battery is bad, but rather that the measured voltage and CCA fall in or out of specification.
CAUTION: Never connect both sets of clamps to the same battery at the same time. Connecting both sets
of clamps to the same battery at the same time may damage the GR8. Only use the small clamps from the
Control Module when performing an Inventory Test.
Selecting Test Parameters
1. Select the Inventory Test icon in the Main Menu. The INVENTORY STATS screen is displayed on the
Control Module screen.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to monitor the number of tests performed and be ready to print the test result totals
as the number approaches 100. When the limit is reached you will no longer be able to test until you clear
all results from memory.
2. Enter the last 8 alphanumeric digits of the VIN for the
vehicle being tested and press NEXT to continue.
NOTE: Entering the VIN is optional when performing
an Inventory Test.
3. The Inventory Test now begins. On average this test will take approximately 5 to 10 seconds to complete.
The results are printed out and displayed on the Control Module screen once the test has been completed.
Use ▲ or ▼ to view previous battery results.
Battery Decisions: Inventory Test
Decision
Recommended Action
GOOD BATTERY
Return the battery to service.
USE GR8 RETEST
Fully charge the battery before testing. Failure to do so may
cause a false test result. Follow the procedures described in Chapter 4 of
the GR8 instruction manual – Diagnostic Charging.
REPLACE
The battery has tested bad and should be removed from your inventory.
4. Connect the clamps to the next battery to continue testing identical battery types. The analyzer will begin
automatically using the same parameters. To test another type of battery press END, then follow steps 1
and 2.

Make sure both tester cable clamps are securely attached to clean exposed battery terminals or
connectors, ensuring a good electrical connection.
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Printing Additional Test Results
You can print additional results for individual tested batteries or a summary of the last 100 batteries tested
using the Inventory Test.
1. For individual battery test results, use ▲ or ▼ or the keypad to scroll to the specific Inventory Test result
screen you want to print.
2. Select PRINT.
3. Use ▲ or ▼ or the keypad to select INVENTORY PRINT.
1
2


INVENTORY BATTERY
INVENTORY SUMMARY
4. Use ▲ or ▼ or the keypad to select the LANGUAGE of the printout.
1
2
3



ENGLISH
ESPAÑOL
FRANÇAIS
The Inventory Test results are now printed out.
5. To print additional copies press PRINT. Press END to return to the Main Menu.
Clearing Test Totals
1. Select the Inventory Test icon in the Main Menu. The INVENTORY STATS screen is displayed on the
Control Module screen.
2. Press ◄ and ► at the same time to erase the Inventory Test totals from the tool’s memory.
Please refer to the GR8 instruction manual for descriptions of other functions.
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