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  | --  | ||||||