Battery Testing And Replacement (B88-016)

BATTERY TESTING AND REPLACEMENT

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

REVISION SUMMARY

This service bulletin has been extensively revised. American Honda recommends reviewing the entire bulletin.

BACKGROUND

Maintaining batteries in vehicles is an important part of ensuring a battery's operating life. American Honda recommends using the ED-18/CPX-900 and GR8/DCA-8000 to check and maintain batteries. Refer to this bulletin for:

• Information on when to use the ED-18/CPX-900 and GR8/DCA-8000.
• Instructions on how to use the ED-18/CPX-900 and GR8/DCA-8000.
• How to properly submit a battery warranty claim.

REQUIRED TOOLS

Tool Name	Tool Number
GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station with AST/CVGM	MTRGR8ASTCVA
ED-18 Version 3 Battery Tester	INBED18V3A
CPX-900 Battery and Electrical System Analyzer	MTRCPX900PBARA
DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System	MTRDCA8000PA

TOOL REQUIREMENTS

The GR8, ED-18, DCA-8000, and CPX-900 software must be updated within three days of a new software update release. Refer to the applicable service bulletins for more information:

• 09-034 GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station Update Information.
• 09-027 ED-18 Battery Tester Update Information.
• 23-007 CPX-900 Battery Tester Update Information.
• 23-006 DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System Information.

WARRANTY REQUIREMENTS

The 10-digit  test code must be included on a battery replacement claim. Refer to WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION.

ORDERING INFORMATION

To order the DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System or the CPX-900 Battery and Electrical System Analyzer, go to the Acura Tool and Equipment catalog on the iN (select Service >Service Bay >Tool and Equipment Program >Online Catalog  ), or call 888-424-6857  .

ED-18, CPX-900, GR8, AND DCA-8000 USES

New and Used Vehicle Inventory: 

ED-18 Battery Tester and CPX-900 Battery and System Analyzer: 

Check the condition of the battery and its state of charge:

• Use In Vehicle Test for the vehicle status when a new vehicle arrives at your dealership, when doing a PDI, or when conducting a used vehicle inspection.
• During scheduled battery maintenance (every 30 days  when the back up fuse is installed, and 60 days  with the back up fuse removed or battery disconnected) or as directed by the Battery Management Information System (BMIS) inventory management report, use In-Vehicle Test for the vehicle status when prompted by the tool.
• Before final delivery to the client, use In-Vehicle Test for the vehicle status.

GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station and DCA-8000 Diagnostic Battery Charging System: 

• Diagnose any battery showing symptoms of reduced output or capacity.
• Properly charge and diagnose the battery when indicated by the CPX-900.
• Charging is optimized through the use if a temperature sensor within the battery clamp.
• Power supply mode maintains proper voltage during extended vehicle service, such as updating system software.
• The Jump start mode supplies up to 250 amps  .

USING THE ED-18 BATTERY TESTER

1. Connect the leads to the battery's positive and negative terminals.
2. Use the arrow keys to select ENGLISH  , then press NEXT  .
3. Use the arrow keys to select BATTERY  , then press SELECT  .
4. Select your TECHNICIAN ID  , then press Enter  . After the Summary of your technician ID appears, press NEXT  again.
5. Use the arrow or number keys to select the type of vehicle you are testing, then press NEXT. 
   NOTE: It is very important to use the correct vehicle status.

   • Use "New Vehicle Arrival" when the vehicle is delivered to the dealership, or at PDI.
   • Use "Dealer Inventory" for periodic checks prior to sale.
   • Use "Customer Delivery" for testing when a vehicle is sold.
   • Use "Customer Owned" for all vehicles after sale.
6. If prompted, enter the vehicle stock number and VIN.
7. Use the arrow or number beys to select the location of the battery, either OUT OF VEHICLE  or IN VEHICLE,  then press NEXT. 
8. Use the arrow or number keys to select BATTERY TYPE,  then press NEXT. 
   NOTE: Depending on the trim level, some models use an absorbed glass mat (AGM) instead of flooded lead acid (FLA) battery type. Some models my also have the battery housed inside a box and will have a label on top of the box that identifies the type of battery it is. Select the appropriate battery type according to the label. If you select the wrong battery type, the ED-18 battery tester result may be wrong and the warranty claim may be rejected.
9. Use the arrow or number keys to select the battery CCA value, then press NEXT.  You can find the CCA on the battery label on the top of the battery. If the battery hold-down plate is covering the label, loosen the plate and shift it out of the way to read the CCA.
   NOTE: If you enter the incorrect CCA, the ED-18 tester result may be wrong and the warranty claim may be rejected.
10. Measure the battery temperature by placing the tester's IR temperature sensor within 1 to 2 inches of the top or side of the battery then follow the on screen instructions.
11. The tester displays the battery's current condition under RESULTS. The screen below shows one of three possible battery conditions, the battery's measured voltage, and the CCA. The screen includes a curved, two-section bar graph that represents the battery's condition.
12. Here are three possible battery conditions:

    Good battery  - This battery has at least 60% state of charge (SOC) and is in good condition, requires no action.

    GR8 Diagnostic Needed  - The battery is below 60% state of charge (SOC), and the condition of the battery is unknown. Use the GR8 to charge the battery and properly diagnose it.

    Replace Battery  - The battery condition is poor. Replace it.

    NOTE:

    • If you need to submit a warranty claim, enter the 10-digit test code into the Test Code field on the warranty claim.
    • If you enter the wrong CCA, or do not use the most current software version, your claim may be rejected.
    • The test results must state Replace Battery  for a warranty battery replacement claim to be approved.

USING THE GR8 DIAGNOSTIC MODE

1. Plug in the GR8.
2. Connect the leads to the battery's positive and negative terminals.
3. Use the arrow keys to select ENGLISH,  then press NEXT. 
4. Use the arrow keys to select DIAGNOSTIC,  then press SELECT. 
5. Select your TECHNICIAN ID,  then press Enter.  After your technician ID appears, press Enter  again.
6. Use the arrow keys to select a status, then press NEXT. 
   NOTE:

   • Use "New Vehicle Arrival" when the vehicle is delivered to the dealership, or at PDI.
   • Use "Dealer Inventory" for periodic checks prior to sale.
   • Use "Customer Delivery" for testing when a vehicle is sold.
   • Use "Customer Owned" for all vehicles after sale.
7. If prompted, enter the vehicle stock number.
8. Use the arrow or number keys to select the location of the battery, either OUT OF VEHICLE or IN VEHICLE, then press NEXT. 
9. Use the arrow or number keys to select BATTERY TYPE, then press NEXT. 
   NOTE: Depending on the trim level. some models use an absorbed class mat (AGM) battery instead of a flooded lead acid (FLA) battery type. Some models may also have the battery housed inside a box and will have a label on the top of the box that identifies the type of battery it is. Select the appropriate battery type according to the label. If you select the wrong battery type, the ED-18 battery tester result may be wrong and the warranty claim may be rejected.
10. Use the arrow or number keys to select the CCA value, then press NEXT.  You can find the CCA on the battery label on the top of the battery. If the battery hold-down plate is covering the label, loosen the plate and shift it out of the way to read the CCA.
    NOTE: If you enter the incorrect CCA, the GR8 tester result may be wrong and the warranty claim may be rejected.
11. The screen changes to a progress bar while the GR8 tests the battery.
12. If the battery is below 60% state of charge (SOC),  or the condition of the battery is unknown, the GR8 automatically starts charging the battery and diagnosing it.
    NOTE:

    • The GR8 shows a conservative estimated charge time. Most actual charging and diagnostic times range between 15-25 minutes. 
    • Battery charging times are affected by how the battery is discharged. If the battery discharged quickly (for example, the headlights were left on), the battery will recharge quickly. However, if the battery discharged slowly (for example, the battery was not charged for a very long time), it will take a lot longer to recharge.
    • The target state of charge is 60% for client owned vehicles, and 80% for all other vehicles.
    • After reaching the target state of charge, the GR8 prompts the user to enter an optional top-off mode to continue charging to 100%.
13. If prompted, enter the VIN using the included convergence module (CVGM) connected to the DLC or manually enter it with the keypad.
14. After the GR8 completes its diagnosis, it displays the battery's current condition. The screen shows one of three possible battery conditions, the battery's measured voltage, and the CCA. The screen includes a curved, two-section bar graph that represents the battery's condition.
15. Here are the three possible battery conditions:
    • Good Battery  - This battery has at least 60% of its charge and is in good condition, and requires no action.
    • Replace Battery  - The battery condition is poor. Replace it.
    • Bad Cell Replace  - There is an internal problem with the battery. Replace it.

      Use the up and down keys to see the complete results. Press the END key to return to the main menu.

      NOTE:

      • If you need to submit a warranty claim, enter the 10-digit  test code into the Test Code field on the warranty claim.
      • If you enter the wrong CCA, or do not use the most current software version, your claim may be rejected.
      • The test results must state Replace Battery  or Bad Cell Replace  for a warranty battery replacement claim to be approved.

USING THE CPX-900 BATTERY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ANALYZER

1. Connect leads to the battery's positive and negative terminals.
2. At the Main Menu select In Vehicle Test. 
3. Scan the VIN of the vehicle via the built-in barcode scanner or manually enter the VIN number via the keypad.
4. Vehicle confirmation  - If the vehicle is in the tool's database, it will display the year, make, and model as well as the captured VIN.
5. Battery Test Setup  - This information will be pre-populated for Honda or Acura vehicles if the information is known, but can be manually edited or selected.
   NOTE: Make sure the proper battery CCA and type are correct or your claim will be denied.
6. Temperature  - Hold sensor 6 to 12 inches  over the battery and select capture to record the battery's temperature.
7. Battery Test  - The CPX-900 will start with a voltage check. If the tool senses an elevated voltage, it will begin to apply a load to bring the voltage down into an expected range. If after 30 seconds  it cannot be brought down, it will recommend using the DCA-8000 diagnostic charger for analysis. If there is not an elevated voltage or once the elevated voltage is brought down, the test starts with a conductance test, followed by a 10A load  applied for 60 seconds  to check for reserve capacity via Midtronics' Conductance Profiling™ technology.
8. Results  - You will see the overall result displayed on the first page. Scrolling right on the keypad by pressing the right button takes you to the cranking decision, followed by the reserve health result. The last screen will provide the battery code. From the first screen, you may choose to print to the on-board printer or send an email of the result, proceed to a system test, or selecting done will return you to the home screen.
   NOTE: A test code will be provided only if the battery fails.

   DCA Testing Needed  - The battery is below 60% State of Charge (SOC),  and/or the condition of the battery is unknown. Use the DCA-8000 to charge the battery and properly diagnose it.

   Replace Battery  - The battery condition is poor. Replace it

   Good Battery  - This battery has at least 60% State of Charge (SOC)  and is in good condition; requires no action

USING THE DCA-8000 DYNAMIC DIAGNOSTIC CHARGING SYSTEM

Use In Vehicle Charge  to diagnose and charge a battery installed and connected in a vehicle using test parameters determined by vehicle VIN or year, make, and model of the vehicle being tested.

At any time during the test, tap to return to the previous screen: or to return to the Main Menu.

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

UNSOLD NEW VEHICLES

The dealer is responsible for testing and charging batteries when the vehicle first arrives at the dealer shop and while in dealer inventory. Testing and charging to maintain the battery in a new and unsold vehicle cannot be claimed under warranty. If you let a good battery sit discharged, and it is damaged from poor maintenance, this is not a defect, and the replacement is not covered by warranty.

If your dealership receives a new vehicle (less than 2 weeks since delivery) with a defective battery (your CPX-900/ED-18 and DCA-8000/GR8 states Replace Battery or Bad Cell, plus the 10-digit  code), you can file a warranty claim. You must show the printout from CPX-900/ED-18 and DCA-8000/GR8 and the vehicle delivery document (bill of lading) to your DPSM and request their approval of claim error 3050, No Warranty-In Stock Battery.

You are required to test the battery during the PDI and at final delivery.

• PDI - Before starting the PDI, Check the battery charge with the tester, and attach the test strip to the Repair Order.
• Final Delivery - Check the battery charge with the tester and attach the test strip to the PDI Checklist. Also provide a copy of the test strip to the client.

See RECORD KEEPING in Service Bulletin 89-006, Battery Maintenance at Dealers,  for more information.

Acceptable printouts must have this information:

• A test date matching the PDI or final delivery date
• The correct CCA value for the battery tested
• A Good Battery  test result
• VIN