Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section.
Important: 
   •  The battery test using the 
J 42000 
 Battery Tester requires correct connections to the battery terminals. A failure to obtain the correct connections during the test may result in a failed test
on a good battery.    •  Use the Out of Vehicle test for each battery when testing a vehicle with dual batteries. 
Follow these instructions in order to avoid an incorrect diagnosis because of connections:
| • | If testing the vehicle with the battery cables still connected, wiggle the J 42000 clips on the terminal bolt. This may cut through any coating or through any oxidation that may be present on the bolt. | 
| Even new bolts contain a protective coating that may insulate or cause a resistance in the test circuit. | 
| • | If correct connections to the battery terminal bolts in the vehicle are in doubt, perform the following steps: | 
| 1. | Disconnect the negative battery cable. | 
| 2. | Disconnect the positive battery cable. | 
| 3. | Install the test adapters on the terminals. | 
| 4. | Follow the instructions for testing a removed battery. | 
| • | If the tester displays a REPLACE BATTERY or BAD CELL-REPLACE result for a battery tested in the vehicle with the battery cables connected, perform the following steps: | 
| 1. | Disconnect the negative battery cable. | 
| 2. | Disconnect the positive battery cable. | 
| 3. | Install the tester adapters. | 
| Important: Always write the test code displayed by the tester on the repair order for any warranty purposes. The number is a unique code that describes the test data for a particular battery at a particular time. The test code may occasionally repeat when you retest the same battery. More often, each test will result in a different code. Use the test code from the second, or Out of Vehicle test. | 
| 4. | Follow the instructions for testing a removed battery. | 
| 5. | Replace the battery only if the second test shows a REPLACE BATTERY or BAD CELL-REPLACE result. | 
Use the test code from the second test for any warranty purposes.
| • | Use the correct terminal adapters. | 
| Do not use any common bolts or a combination of bolts, of nuts, and of washers as adapters when testing the battery. | 
| Use the test adapters that are provided with the J 42000 or GM P/N 12303040 terminal adapters. If the adapters that are provided with the J 42000 require replacement, use GM P/N 12303040. Any other adapter may not contact the correct areas of the battery terminal, causing a resistance that may result in an invalid battery test result. | 
| Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section. | ||||||||||
| 1 | Inspect the battery for a cracked, broken, or damaged case, which may be indicated by battery acid leakage. Is the battery OK? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 19 | ||||||
| 2 | Compare the cold cranking amperage (CCA) and reserve capacity (RC) of the battery to the original battery or original equipment (OE) specification. Refer to Battery Usage . Does the battery meet or exceed the specifications? | -- | Go to Step 3 | Go to Step 19 | ||||||
| 3 | Does the hydrometer display a yellow dot? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 5 | ||||||
| 4 | Tap the hydrometer lightly on top with the handle of a small screwdriver in order to dislodge any air bubbles inside the battery. Does the hydrometer still display a yellow dot? | -- | Go to Step 19 | Go to Step 5 | ||||||
| 5 | 
 Does the negative connector rotate? | -- | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 7 | ||||||
| 6 | Use a torque wrench in order to verify the torque to loosen the negative battery terminal bolt. Is the torque above the specified value? | 10 N·m (88 lb in) | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 7 | ||||||
| 7 | Disconnect the negative battery cable. Is the cable disconnected? | -- | Go to Step 9 | -- | ||||||
| 8 | 
 
 
 
 Is the repair complete? | -- | Go to Step 9 | -- | ||||||
| 9 | Rotate the positive battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure. Does the positive connector rotate? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 11 | ||||||
| 10 | Use a torque wrench in order to verify the torque to loosen the positive battery terminal bolt. Is the torque above the specified value? | 10 N·m (88 lb in) | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 11 | ||||||
| 11 | Disconnect the positive battery cable. Is the cable disconnected? | -- | Go to Step 13 | -- | ||||||
| 12 | 
 
 
 
 Is the repair complete? | -- | Go to Step 13 | -- | ||||||
| 13 | 
 Are the metal connecting parts clean and in good condition? | -- | Go to Step 14 | -- | ||||||
| 14 | 
 Is the cable bolt properly tightened? | 15 N·m (11 lb ft) | Go to Step 15 | -- | ||||||
| 15 | 
 Is the cable bolt properly tightened? | 15 N·m (11 lb ft) | Go to Step 16 | -- | ||||||
| 16 | Important: Ensure that all of the electrical loads are turned OFF. 
 Did the tester pass the battery? | -- | Go to Step 17 | Go to Step 18 | ||||||
| 17 | 
 Did you complete this action? | -- | Battery OK | -- | ||||||
| 18 | 
 Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Battery OK | -- | ||||||
| 19 | Replace the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Battery OK | -- | ||||||