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Service Bulletin

File in Section: 06 - Engine

Bulletin No.: 03-06-03-004R

Date: August, 2016

WARRANTYADMINISTRATION

Subject: Battery Testing and Warranty Replacement Requirements (North America ONLY)

Models: 2017 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks

Attention: This Bulletin applies ONLY to the North American market.

This Bulletin has been revised to update the Tool Software Updates/Canadian Dealerssection and add information to Select the Proper Battery Type bullet. Please discard

Corporate Bulletin Number 03-06-03-004Q.

The EL-50313 Midtronics GR8 Battery Tester/Chargermust be used in diagnosing battery replacements andmaintaining batteries on new vehicles in dealerinventory. A 15 digit (17 if includes the 2 hyphens)Warranty Code on the printed slip captures criticalinformation on batteries that require replacement. Thiscode must be entered on the warranty transaction (seebelow for details).

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English Version

4491721

Legend(1) Printout should reflect “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 isunique to each test performed and isde-codable by GM.

French Canadian Version

4498035

Legend(1) Printout should reflect “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 isunique to each test performed and isde-codable by GM.

Important: Warranty Codes are only generated whenthe test is set up as follows: select Diagnostic Mode,select Out of Vehicle. On the print out, the 19 digit (21including the 2 hyphens) code under MID INFO is NOTa valid warranty code. Only the 15 digit (17 if includesthe 2 hyphens) under Warranty Code on the printed slipis the valid warranty code that captures criticalinformation. Only warranty codes generated by the bythe EL-50313 Midtronics GR8 using current softwareare valid for batteries replaced under warranty.

Bulletin No.: 03-06-03-004R August, 2016 Page 3

Warranty codes generated by past versions of softwareor past versions of the old hand held tester are notvalid.When testing batteries, you must:• Disconnect battery from the vehicle.• Connect the EL-50313 tool cable clamps directly

to the battery terminal posts. There is no need toremove the battery from the vehicle.

• Select “Out of Vehicle” when setting up the test.• Select the proper battery type; Flooded, AGM,

Spiral AGM or Stop/Start AGM (Auxiliary Battery).It is important to select the correct battery typeto prevent battery damage and to ensurecorrect test results. Spiral AGM is not anacceptable battery type selection for warrantyclaims.

• Enter the CCA as shown on the battery label.Refer to the latest version of PI1098 for OEMbattery CCA ratings and battery types.

• See Bulletin 15-06-03-001 for cold weather andlong stand time battery maintenance andtesting tips.

Note: Vehicles with Stop/Start Auxiliary batteries mustbe charged separately from the main battery duringtesting. The Auxiliary battery is not connected in amanner that will allow both batteries to be charged atthe same time and must be charged individually, whichwill result in two printouts.

Tool Software UpdatesThis tool requires periodic software updates. If aspecific issue is identified and resolved with a softwareupdate, the availability may be communicated directlyto you. The latest software release is available throughGlobalConnect by clicking on “Essential Tools –Software Updates” in the Application section on theService page. This link will take you to the DealerEquipment website applicable to your location:• U.S. Dealers — To access downloads on the GM

Dealer Equipment Website this website you mustfirst register and establish a user name andpassword. A link is provided below the sign-inarea to “Apply for Access.” Contact GMDE at1-800-GM-TOOLS if assistance is needed. Foryour convenience, here is the direct link to theGMDE software update Webpage: http://www.gmdesolutions.com/downloads.

• Canadian Dealers — Global Connect provides aQuick Link titled “Essential Tools – SoftwareUpdates” available from the Service page.

New Vehicle InventoryIf a new vehicle arrives at your dealer fromtransportation that will not start due to a discharged ordefective battery, the claim must be submitted withinone week of the vehicle arrival at the dealer. Onlywarranty codes generated in the “Diagnostic Mode” and“Out Of Vehicle” are valid for warranty replacements.Note: For vehicles in dealer stock - Battery recharging,swapping or replacement due to damage or lack ofmaintenance is not covered by the vehicle warrantyduring the period of dealer inventory storage. For

complete information on dealer responsibilities oninventory battery maintenance, refer to General MotorsService Policies and Procedures Transportation,Vehicle Storage and PDI Policy Manual, Article 2.1.2.

PDI Mode – The EL-50313 Midtronics GR8 has acharge algorithm identified on the tool as PDI Mode. Inthis mode, the battery condition is checked then a fastcharge is applied to the battery. This mode is designedto apply as much charge as safely possible in 20Minutes. PDI Mode replaces the previous requirementof battery voltage check & charge. This mode alsogenerates a print out. The print out must be kept withthe vehicle file as proof of maintenance. Use PDI Mode:• When a new vehicle is received at the dealer• At each subsequent 30 day interval while in dealer

inventory• At the Point Of Sale

On vehicles with two batteries, including Stop/Startvehicles, each battery must be electrically isolated andcharged individually, which will result in two printouts.Note: Vehicles with Stop/Start Auxiliary batteries mustbe charged separately from the main battery during theperiod of dealer inventory storage. The Auxiliary batteryis not connected in a manner that will allow bothbatteries to be charged at the same time and must becharged individually, which will result in two printouts.

Batteries Replaced Under Warranty -Required Warranty Code from GR8The Warranty Code generated by the EL-50313Midtronics GR8 is displayed on the printout and mustbe entered into the required Battery Tester Code fieldwhen submitting all transactions for batteryreplacement (labor operations 4041510 BatteryReplace or 4041520 Auxiliary Battery Replacement).The complete code 15 Characters (17 characters withoptional hyphen) must be entered. Do not enter thecode in the cause/correction/comments field. Itmust be entered into the system generatedmandatory field that appears when using laboroperations 4041510 or 4041520 (see GWM screenshotexample below).

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Technicians should attach the GR8 test print out with aBattery Replace decision, that includes the WarrantyCode, to the repair order. A copy of this printout mustbe returned with the paperwork for each batteryreturned to the WPC.Reminder: The Warranty Code is ONLY generatedunder Diagnostic Mode when the test is set up as OutOf Vehicle and when a Replace decision is the testresult.Note: To warranty administrators, the followingcharacters are not used in the Warranty Code: Theletters I, O, Y, & Z.

Special Cases• Damaged or leaking batteries - It is not necessary

to test leaking batteries with the EL-50313. EnterLEAKS into the Battery Tester Code Field. ForAGM batteries, LEAKS is not a valid entry unlessthe battery case is damaged and the cause of thedamage must be documented in the Cause field.Note: Any other parts damaged and replaced dueto leaking battery acid (ie: cables) must also beclaimed on the same line, not a separate line. Useappropriate authorizations for additional parts andOLH claimed.

• GM Fleet and Commercial in-shop warrantystations- If the Warranty Code is available, enter itinto the Battery Tester Code Field. If the WarrantyCode is not available, enter FLEET into theBattery Tester Code Field. Valid only for approvedGM Fleet and Commercial in-shop warrantystations.

• Customer reimbursement cases - Existing policieson customer reimbursement apply. If thecustomer's battery is available, enter theMidtronics code into the Battery Tester CodeField. If the customer's battery is not available,enter REIMBURSEMENT into the Battery TesterCode Field.

• GR8 test equipment not working/not available –The EL-50313 Midtronics GR8 is a required GMTool. Any non-functional or missing GR8 must be

repaired/replaced within 30 days. On a temporarybasis (within those 30 days) the dealership shouldenter GR8 INOP in the Battery Tester Code field.Contact 1-800-GMTOOLS for GR8 repairassistance.

• Cadillac Roadside service claims (U.S.) - Batteriesreplaced under the Cadillac Roadside program donot fall under the 4041510 Labor Operation. Theyshould be submitted under Labor Operation0600102 as defined by that program.

• Subsequent failure of batteries replaced under theNew Vehicle Bumper to Bumper Warranty – Thesetransactions still require proper testing to validatebattery replacement. A valid Warranty Code is stillrequired in the Battery Tester Code field. Refer toService Policies and Procedures Manual Article2.8 for further policies related to batteryreplacement parts warranties.

• Batteries replaced under the GM ReplacementParts Warranty (Canada only) – Thesetransactions still require proper testing to validatebattery replacement. A valid Warranty Code is stillrequired in the Battery Tester Code field.

• Battery damaged or stolen in transit – This is to beproperly noted on the Delivery Receipt.Transaction is to be submitted as a ZTPT(Transportation) Transaction Type. EnterDAMAGED or STOLEN as applicable in BatteryTester Code Field. Valid only for ZTPT transactiontypes.

• New Vehicle arrives from transportation withdefective battery – Battery must still be properlytested using GR8 tester and valid test codes mustbe entered on transaction. The transaction mustbe submitted within one week of vehicle arrival atdealership.

Bulletin No.: 03-06-03-004R August, 2016 Page 5

• Battery “too low” is NOTa valid entry – The batterymust be charged to a level which will support thetest to be completed.

• Battery replaced for customer enthusiasm - Thebattery still must be tested with the required GR8tool. If the GR8 test results do not support batteryreplacement and the dealership decides toreplace the battery anyway for customerenthusiasm, the transaction must be marked“Customer Enthusiasm”, enter CUS in the BatteryTester Code field, and provide comments in theAuthorization section of the transaction to supportthe decision.

Transactions Requiring GMAuthorization (Warranty SupportCenter)The GR8 Warranty Code provides importantinformation to General Motors in analyzing batteryfailures in efforts to improve product quality. Each testcode is unique and decodable. In review of recentlysubmitted battery replacement transactions it has beenfound that a large number are being submitted with aninvalidWarranty Code. To improve the quality oftransaction data received, the following transactions forbattery replacement labor operation 4041510 or4041520 require GM Authorization from the WarrantySupport Center (WSC):• Transactions on any model year vehicles with

250♦miles (400♦km) or less – including bothin-stock and delivered vehicles. Dealers mustinclude supporting documentation indicating thatthe battery was maintained while in dealerinventory. If the vehicle had been in dealerinventory for greater than 30 days, the WSC mayalso request copies of the PDI print outs for theclaim in question.

• Effective with Job Cards dated on/after April 11,2016 - Transactions on all current 2016 and 2017model year vehicles.

The Warranty Support Center will validate all WarrantyCodes entered in the Battery Tester Code field for thesetransactions. Warranty Claims for battery replacementswith invalid test codes, incorrect test set-up, or wrongbattery type will not be authorized. The cold crankingamps (CCA) that was used during the test procedurewill be compared with the proper CCA to insure a validtest was completed. Warranty Codes generated by pastversions of GR8 software or past versions of the oldhand-held tester will be rejected.It is a best practice to attach a copy of the GR8 testprintout to the warranty transaction. This aids inproduct quality improvements.Questions can be directed to the WSC at1-866-446-2900.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform thesetechnicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the properservice of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do ajob properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that yourvehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from theinformation.

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