NHTSA ID Number: 10192032
Manufacturer Communication Number: 21NA062
Summary
This informational bulletin directs dealers to the correct path needed to correct a vehicle with the condition of Add-On Equipment Inoperative, Sulfur/Acid Smell During Vehicle Operation based on the correct cause.
4 Affected Products
Vehicles
Condition
Some customers may comment on one or more of the following:
• Add-on equipment is inoperative
• A sulfur/acid smell is noticed during vehicle operation
Cause
This condition may be caused by the nature of the auxiliary battery application, the aux battery can be subject to excessive deep cycling or overcharging.
Correction
Warning: Due to the nature of some of the failure modes, it recommended not to use a load tester or the EL-50313 (GR8).
Test with handheld battery tester before using the EL-50313 (GR8) and replace any batteries that fail. It is recommended to perform this new Battery Inspection/Test procedure as part of a regular maintenance check at every oil change or maximum time of 6 months.
SEOCONTENT-START
Service Bulletin Bulletin No.: 21-NA-062
Date: March, 2021
INFORMATION
Subject: Add-On Equipment Inoperative, Sulfur/Acid Smell During Vehicle Operation
Brand: Model:
Model Year: VIN:
Engine: Additional
from to from to Options (RPOs)
Chevrolet Silverado HD
2500/3500 2020 2021 L8T
BATTERY-LN3,
FLA, 12V, 70AH,
730 SAE CCA,
AUX (RPO K4B)
GMC Sierra HD
2500/3500 2020 2021 L8T
BATTERY-LN3,
FLA, 12V, 70AH,
730 SAE CCA,
AUX (RPO K4B)
Involved Region or Country North America Only
Condition
Some customers may comment on one or more of the following:
• Add-on equipment is inoperative
• A sulfur/acid smell is noticed during vehicle operation
Cause This condition may be caused by the nature of the auxiliary battery application, the aux
battery can be subject to excessive deep cycling or overcharging.
Correction
Warning: Due to the nature of some of the failure modes, it recommended not to
use a load tester or the EL-50313 (GR8).
Test with handheld battery tester before using the EL-50313 (GR8) and replace any
batteries that fail. It is recommended to perform this new Battery Inspection/Test
procedure as part of a regular maintenance check at every oil change or maximum time
of 6 months.
Service Procedure
Danger: Any smoke, spray or smell should be
allowed to dissipate with the hood down before
repairs are attempted. The battery temperature
should be below 95°F (35°C) before repairs
are made.
Note: Do Not remove the batteries from the vehicle
unless replacement is required.
1. Verify the main battery or auxiliary battery (if
equipped) case is not cracked, broken, swelled
case, or damaged, which may be indicated by
battery acid leakage or a sulfur/acid smell during
vehicle operation.
• If there is any apparent damage or smell,
replace the main battery or auxiliary battery.
• If there is no signs of damage or leakage to the
other battery, continue with procedure.
• If there is no signs of damage or leakage to
either battery, continue with procedure.
2. Verify that the battery cables are clean and tight:
• If the battery cable clamps need to be cleaned
or found loose, clean as required and/or torque
the clamps to specifications. Refer to Fastener
Specifications in SI.
• If the battery cable clamps are clean and/or
found torqued to specifications, continue with
procedure.
3. Dis-connect the battery from the vehicle.
Note: GMDES-approved handheld testers can be
found at: (Access www.GMDEsolutions.com — follow
dealer login instructions to view under Battery and
Electrical System Service Equipment section.
4. Connect the handheld tester directly to the battery
terminal posts.
5. Select “Diagnostic” and “Out of Vehicle” when
setting up the test.
6. Select the proper battery type, Flooded, AGM or
Stop/Start AGM.
Page 2 March, 2021 Bulletin No.: 21-NA-062
7. Enter the CCA as shown on the battery label.
8. Verify the test result is not REPLACE BATTERY or
BAD CELL-REPLACE.
• If the test result is REPLACE BATTERY or BAD
CELL-REPLACE, replace the main battery or
auxiliary battery.
• If the test result is not REPLACE BATTERY or
BAD CELL-REPLACE, continue with
procedure.
If the handheld tester passes the battery as Good,
charge the battery using the EL-50313 (GR8).
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under the Bumper-to-Bumper
coverage (Canada Base Warranty coverage),
Reference the Applicable Warranties section of
Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) for coverage
information.
Version 1
Modified Released March 16, 2021
SEOCONTENT-END
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
Bulletin No.: 21-NA-062
Date: March, 2021
MC-10192032-9999.pdf 510.414KB
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