Warranty Administration – Battery Testing and Warranty Replacement Requirements (North America ONLY) – GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks

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Service Bulletin Bulletin No.: 20-NA-132
Date: August, 2021
WARRANTYADMINISTRATION
Subject: Warranty Administration – Battery Testing and Warranty Replacement Requirements
(North America ONLY)
Attention: This bulletin applies ONLY to the North American market. Reference the Applicable
Warranties section of Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) for Coverage Information.
Brand: Model:
Model Year: Breakpoint:
Engine: Transmission:
from to from to
Buick GM
Passenger
Cars and
Trucks
(including
Medium
Duty)
2010 2022 — — — —
Cadillac
Chevrolet
GMC
Involved Region or Country North America Only
Page 2 August, 2021 Bulletin No.: 20-NA-132
The EL-50313 Midtronics GR8 Battery Tester/Charger
or EL-52800 Diagnostic Charge Battery Station (DCBS)
must be used in diagnosing battery replacements and
maintaining batteries on new vehicles in dealer
inventory. A 15-digit (GR8) or 20-digit (DCBS) Warranty
Code on the printed test result slip captures critical
information on batteries that require replacement. This
code must be entered on the warranty transaction (see
below for details).
GR8 Example: English Version
4866552
Legend
(1) Printout must reflect “Diagnostic Mode”
and “Out of Vehicle” Test Info.
(2) Do not enter MID Info number.
(3) The “Warranty Code” is the correct code
to enter on the transaction. This code is
unique to each test performed and is
decodable by GM.
GR8 Example: French Canadian Version
4866557
Legend
(1) Printout must reflect “Diagnostic Mode”
and “Out of Vehicle” Test Info.
(2) Do not enter MID Info number.
(3) The “Warranty Code” is the correct code
to enter on the transaction. This code is
unique to each test performed and is
decodable by GM.
Bulletin No.: 20-NA-132 August, 2021 Page 3
DCBS Example:
5479711
The “Warranty Code” is the correct code to enter on the
transaction (1). This code is unique to each test
performed and is decodable by GM.
Important: Only Warranty Codes generated by a GR8
or DCBS using current software are valid for batteries
replaced under warranty. Warranty Codes generated by
past versions of software or the old hand-held tester
are not valid.
12V Battery Testing
When testing 12V batteries, always follow current
Service Information (SI) procedures for Battery
Inspection/Test, including:
• Ensure that the GR8 or DCBS is programmed with
the dealerships correct 6-digit BAC code. This
code will then appear at the top of all battery test
result printouts.
• Disconnect the battery from the vehicle. When
using the GR8, select the “Out of Vehicle” test.
• Enter the correct VIN and Job Card Number.
• Select the proper battery type (Flooded, AGM,
AUX12, Start/Stop) and CCA rating. If you are
unable to determine battery type and CCA through
visual inspection, refer to Service Information to
identify 2019 and newer model year OEM battery
types and CCA ratings. After entering the VIN or
Year/Make/Model, locate the 12V Battery Usage
table under General Information/General
Information/Specifications. Battery information is
also included in Techlink (https://gm-techlink.com)
in the “Reference Charts” section and includes
2016-2018 model years.
Important: Selecting the correct battery type and CCA
rating during setup will ensure correct test results and
prevent damage to the battery. If using a DCBS, it is
recommended to use the VIN scan feature which will
automatically populate the battery type. Battery
replacements performed as a result of a failure to
properly set up the GR8/DCBS will be subject to
chargeback.
• On vehicles with two batteries, including Stop/
Start vehicles with Auxiliary batteries, each battery
must be electrically isolated and charged
individually. The Auxiliary battery may not be
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.
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 to
above 4°C (40°F) prior to testing & charging.
When a 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. Therefore, warm the
battery prior to testing. Longer warming times will be
needed depending on how cold the battery is. External
surface temperatures are not reliable for determining
actual battery temperature; measure at multiple points
for best results.
Note: If you suspect that a battery may be frozen,
inspect the case for cracks prior to charging. Do not
charge a frozen battery.
Tool Software Updates
Dealers are responsible for having the latest software
installed prior to tool use.
• For the DCBS, refer to owner manual instructions
for software update instruction.
• GR8 must be equipped with software version
192-675P_July_2017 or newer.
Battery replacement transactions involving of batteries
tested with outdated software are subject to debit.
Proactive Alerts
On connected vehicles, GM is able to evaluate the
condition of the battery and report the state of health to
the customer through the Vehicle Diagnostics Report
and/or to the dealer through the Multi-Point Inspection
screen on Service Workbench. Technicians may also
validate alerts by using the Scan Tool through Vehicle
Diagnostics/Vehicle Proactive Alerts.
Page 4 August, 2021 Bulletin No.: 20-NA-132
Level of testing based on Indicator:
• Green – No issues are detected with the battery
and it is unlikely the component will require
replacement at this time. For customer concerns,
follow standard diagnostic procedures. A battery
test and “replace battery” test result IS
REQUIRED prior to battery replacement.
• Yellow – Verify proactive alert SAC002 – SAC005
and follow the diagnostic service procedure for the
applicable code. A battery test and “replace
battery” test result IS REQUIRED prior to battery
replacement.
• Red – Verify proactive alert SAC001 and follow
the service procedure for this code. If proactive
alert SAC001 is present, replace battery. A battery
test IS NOT REQUIRED. Transactions involving
battery replacement due to SAC001 are not
eligible for Diagnostic Add Time and dealers must
enter “SAC001” in the Battery Tester Code field.
• No Indicator/Blank – Either the battery condition
is not available on the vehicle, or there is not
enough information to make a determination on
the condition of the battery. For customer
concerns, follow standard diagnostic procedures.
A battery test and “replace battery” test result IS
REQUIRED prior to battery replacement.
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.
Once a vehicle is in dealer inventory, dealers are
responsible for battery maintenance up to the point of
delivery to the customer. Refer to Service Bulletin#
21-NA-043 for requirements on properly
maintaining vehicles in dealer inventory.
Dealers in the U.S. Only
• U.S. dealers are to utilize the Battery Maintenance
Report located in the GlobalConnect Dealer Maxis
app to identify vehicles in dealer inventory that
require charging or moving. Dealers should
perform required actions within 7 days of the
report using the process identified in Service
Bulletin# 21-NA-043.
• If a vehicle requiring charging per the Battery
Maintenance Report fails the initial test, retain the
test printout and RETEST, again using the
required “Diagnostic Charge” (GR8) or “Diagnostic
– Trolley” (DCBS) process. The retest is covered
as follows:
– If upon retest the battery PASSES, the vehicle
can be returned to inventory. Dealers may claim
a ZREG Transaction Type for performing the
retest using Labor Code 0600284 (Pre-Sale
Charge and Test). The allowable allowance
mirrors the vehicle’s applicable published Base
Labor Time for Labor Code 4041512 (Battery
Charging and Testing). Published Add Times are
ineligible. The transaction must be routed to the
Warranty Support Center with a copy of both the
initial test and the retest result printouts attached
to the transaction.
– If the battery FAILS the retest, replace the
battery and submit a ZREG warranty claim using
the applicable labor operation and published
allowance per the Labor Time Guide (labor for
testing is included in the published allowance for
battery replacement). Attach both copies of the
test result to the transaction. Enter the 2nd code
(obtained after retest) in the Battery Tester Code
field of the warranty transaction.
• Warranty Coverage is ineligible for batteries that
fail because the dealership did not take the
recommended action per the Battery Maintenance
Report within a timely manner.
• Note: The Battery Maintenance Report is only
applicable to OnStar-equipped vehicles, excluding
Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans. For
Express, Savana, and vehicles not equipped with
OnStar, a PDI Mode charge is required every
30-days while in dealer inventory. See process
applicable to Canada in Service Bulletin#
21-NA-043 for details.
Dealers in Canada Only
Using the GR-8 Tool (EL-50313) or EL-52800
Diagnostic Charge Battery Station (DCBS) in the PDI
mode, check condition and charge of the battery at
vehicle delivery to the dealership (PDI), every 30 days
thereafter and again at point of sale. Refer to Service
Bulletin# 21-NA-043.
Battery Replacement Labor Operations
4041510 and 4041520 – Required
Warranty Code
The Warranty Code generated by the GR8 or DCBS 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 (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).
Bulletin No.: 20-NA-132 August, 2021 Page 5
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Technicians must attach the test result printout with a
“Replace Battery” (GR8) or “Battery is bad” (DCBS)
decision, that includes the Warranty Code, to the
job card.
Important: A copy of this printout must be returned
with the paperwork for each battery returned to the
Warranty Parts Center (WPC).
Note: To warranty administrators, the following
characters are not used in the Warranty Code: The
letters I, O, Y, & Z or any ‘Special’ characters like &, (, ),
$, % etc.
Special Cases
• Damaged or leaking batteries – It is not necessary
to test leaking batteries. 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.
• Batteries replaced due to SAC001/Red Proactive
Alert – As battery testing is not required in these
cases, enter SAC001 into the Battery Tester Code
field. Note: Diagnostic Add Time is ineligible in
these cases and must not be claimed on the
transaction.
• 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.
• Customer reimbursement cases – Existing policies
on customer reimbursement apply. If the
customer’s battery is available, enter the Warranty
Code into the Battery Tester Code Field. If the
customer’s battery is not available, enter
REIMBURSEMENT into the Battery Tester Code
Field.
• GR8 or DCBS test equipment not working/not
available. Any non-functional or missing test
equipment must be repaired/replaced within 30
days. Contact GM Dealer Equipment for
assistance. On a temporary basis (within those 30
days) the dealership should enter INOP in the
Battery Tester Code field.
• 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 for
further policies related to battery replacement
parts warranties. Transactions must be submitted
as a ZPTI Transaction Type and routed for GM
Authorization.
• Batteries purchased as a retail transaction (over
the counter or dealer-installed) and subsequently
replaced under the GM Replacement Parts
Warranty:
• Dealers in the U.S.: Replacement Parts
Warranty is handled through your local
ACDelco distributor. U.S. Dealers must not
submit claims in Global Warranty
Management.
• Dealers in Canada: Submit applicable ZPTI/
ZPTC parts warranty in Global Warranty
Management. These transactions still require
proper testing to validate battery replacement.
A valid Warranty Code is still required in the
Battery Tester Code field.
Page 6 August, 2021 Bulletin No.: 20-NA-132
• 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 and a valid Warranty Code must be entered
on transaction. The transaction must be submitted
within one week of vehicle arrival at dealership.
• Battery “too low” is NOTa valid entry – The test
equipment 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 initially enters the service
department with no voltage, the battery must be
charged to a level which will support the test to be
completed.
Transactions Requiring GM
Authorization
For battery replacement labor operations 4041510 and
4041520 that require any type of GM authorization, the
test result printout from the diagnosis performed prior to
battery replacement must be scanned and attached to
the transaction. (In Canada, vehicles with less than 400
kms will also require proof of inventory battery
maintenance attached to the transaction in addition to
the test printout).
• Paid battery replacement transactions with invalid
or missing Warranty Codes in the Battery Tester
Code field are subject to chargeback. If a
transaction is charged back due to a mis-typed
Warranty Code, it may be resubmitted within 30
days with the corrected Warranty Code and routed
for GM Authorization.
• In Canada, battery replacement transactions on
vehicles with less than 400 kms require GM
Authorization. Proof of inventory battery
maintenance must be attached to the transaction
in addition to a copy of the battery test result
printout.
Questions can be directed to the Warranty Support
Center (WSC) at 1-866-446-2900.
Version 4
Modified June 25, 2020 – Corporate Service Bulletin Number 03-06-03-004Z has now become
Global format Service Bulletin 20-NA-132. This update adds a Proactive Alerts section
and adds the second bullet under Special Cases.
March 09, 2021 – Added the 2021 Model Year and updated applicable information
throughout the bulletin.
June 07, 2021 – Added the 2022 Model Year and updated the Dealers in the U.S Only
under New Vehicle Inventory to reflect new requirements effective May 2, 2021.
August 06, 2021 – Updated information under 12V Battery Testing.

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