SB-10044666-1232

Early Failure of 8A31 AGM Primary Batteries
FLA COE
FLB COE
FLD Conventional
Business Class
FLC 112 Conventional

> Century Class Conventional
Argosy COE
Cargo
Columbia

Coronado
Business Class M2
> Cascadia
108SD/114SD

54-271
Freightliner
Service Bulletin

General Information
On Century Class S/T and Cascadia sleeper cabs with under-cab battery boxes built prior to February 13, 2012,
8A31 AGM batteries used for starting are failing with loss of electrolyte. While electrolyte loss is a function of
normal battery use, high temperatures under the cab can accelerate electrolyte loss in 8A31 AGM batteries,
which may result in early failure of the batteries. Batteries experiencing this condition frequently have bulged
cases caused by outgassing (electrolyte loss), and measure well below the normal CCA (cold cranking amps).
These symptoms can result in a no-start condition. See Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

A
A

05/16/2012

f545900

A. An outgassed battery is identified by deposits
around the battery vents.

05/16/2012

f545899

A. A ruler, or other flat surface, can be used to
identify the slight bulging caused by outgassing.

Fig. 1, Battery Outgassing

Fig. 2, Bulged 8A31 Battery Case

NOTICE
The following replacement strategy applies only to failed factory-installed 8A31 batteries in under-cab
battery box installations. 8A31 batteries will remain in use at other box locations on these models, on
ParkSmart applications, and in various other battery box locations on other vehicle models.
The manufacturer’s battery part number is shown on the top left-hand side of the battery label. See Fig. 3. The
full part number of the 8A31 is shown as EPM AE8A31. The Alliance part number (A06-30097-011) can also be
used if the manufacturer’s part number is worn away or obscured.
Beginning February 13, 2012, under-cab battery boxes are equipped in production with either 7T31 (flooded, p/n
EPM AE7T31) or 9A31 (AGM, p/n EPM AE9A31) starting batteries. The default battery is the 7T31, except on
vehicles equipped with ParkSmart, an APU or an inverter, or if a different battery is requested by the customer.
On affected vehicles not equipped with ParkSmart, an APU, or an inverter, the recommended replacement for
the 8A31 is a 7T31, or equivalent flooded cell battery. On vehicles equipped with ParkSmart, an APU, or an inverter, the recommended replacement for the 8A31 is an AGM 9A31, or equivalent AGM battery.

Freightliner Service Bulletin, June 2012

Page 1

54-271

Early Failure of 8A31 AGM Primary Batteries

Freightliner
Service Bulletin

FLA COE
FLB COE
FLD Conventional
Business Class
FLC 112 Conventional

> Century Class Conventional
Argosy COE
Cargo
Columbia

Coronado
Business Class M2
> Cascadia
108SD/114SD

1

REP. PART NO.

EPMAE8A31

EPMAE8A31

O.E. PART NO.

A06−30097−011

2
f545902

05/21/2012

1. Manufacturer’s Part Number

2. Alliance Part Number
Fig. 3, Battery Label

See Fig. 4 for a guide on selecting the correct battery.
When converting from 8A31 to 7T31 batteries, vehicles not equipped with a cold weather starting aid (block
heater, coolant pre-heater, etc.) may be slower to start under freezing conditions. Ask the customer if they would
like the engine idle shutdown settings changed to allow the unit to remain idling, as needed.

IMPORTANT: When replacing primary batteries, all four (4) batteries must be replaced at the same
time, and they must all be the same battery type. Do not combine 7T31 (flooded) and 9A31 (AGM)
batteries in the same system. The difference in charge and discharge rates between different types of
batteries can shorten battery life.
Refer to the applicable workshop manual for battery replacement instructions. Make a note of the Midtronics
test code of the failed battery for warranty claim purposes.

Warranty
This procedure is warrantable only if at least one factory-installed battery in the system is outgassed, all 4 batteries in the system are disabled in accordance with the process outlined below, and the repair is performed
within the applicable base or extended coverage warranty period. Aftermarket and non-factory installed 8A31
batteries are excluded from this bulletin. If a failure is not found, this procedure is considered preventive and
warranty does not apply.

Page 2

Freightliner Service Bulletin, June 2012

54-271

Early Failure of 8A31 AGM Primary Batteries
FLA COE
FLB COE
FLD Conventional
Business Class
FLC 112 Conventional

> Century Class Conventional
Argosy COE
Cargo
Columbia

Freightliner
Service Bulletin

Coronado
Business Class M2
> Cascadia
108SD/114SD

Failed 8A31
Primary Battery

Replace with 7T31,
or equivalent flooded
cell battery

Replace with 9A31,
or equivalent
AGM battery

ParkSmart, APU
or Inverter?

YES

NO

NO

Is the Customer
asking for AGM?

YES

05/21/2012

f040822

NOTE: This illustration is only applicable to batteries in the under-cab position that fail due to outgassing. 8A31 AGM
batteries that need to be replaced for any other reason can be replaced with new 8A31 AGM batteries, if requested by
the customer.
Fig. 4, Battery Selection Decision Tree

Photo identification of the battery failure must be provided to warranty, and all 4 batteries disabled in accordance with the process outlined below, before claims will be processed. The battery can be disabled by cutting
off the negative battery stud. See Fig. 5.

IMPORTANT: To ensure safe removal of the negative battery stud, be sure to cap the positive stud, or
wrap it in electrical tape, to avoid shorting the battery.
Provide a single photo of each battery in the four-battery system that shows the disabled negative stud, evidence of outgassing, and the battery serial number. Serial numbers must be legible in the photos. See Fig. 6.
Submit an inquiry via WSC to obtain battery failure codes for non-failed batteries that have been disabled. Include photos and serial numbers in the inquiry. Go to AccessFreightliner.com> Support> My Tickets And Submit
An Inquiry> Claims> All Claim Inquiries> select drop down choice, "I have an issue with a BATTERY claim."
See Table 1 for QuickClaim damage code and labor allowance information. Refer to this service bulletin by
number at the beginning of the claim comments. See Table 2 for OWL VMRS codes and labor allowance
information. Enter this service bulletin number in the Service Bulletin #: field.

Freightliner Service Bulletin, June 2012

Page 3

54-271

Early Failure of 8A31 AGM Primary Batteries

Freightliner
Service Bulletin

FLA COE
FLB COE
FLD Conventional
Business Class
FLC 112 Conventional

> Century Class Conventional
Argosy COE
Cargo
Columbia

1

Coronado
Business Class M2
> Cascadia
108SD/114SD

2

3
06/06/2012

f545906

NOTE: Visual evidence of outgassing is only necessary
on one of the four batteries in the system.
1. Battery Vent (showing outgassing)
2. Destroyed Negative Battery Stud
3. Serial Number
06/06/2012

f545907

Fig. 6, Example of Photo Evidence for Warranty
Fig. 5, Battery Disabling

Damage Code
292-101A08609

QuickClaim Damage Code and Labor Allowance
Description
Batteries, Qty. 4, 8A31 AGM, Removal, Disabling, and
292-5010A
Replacement
939-6030A Photo of disabled battery, 4 batteries
SRT Code

Time: Hours
1.2
0.2

Table 1, QuickClaim Damage Code and Labor Allowance

Primary Failed Part
8A31 AGM Batteries

OWL VMRS Codes and Labor Allowance
Component
Cause Code SRT Code
Description
Code
Batteries, Qty. 4, 8A31 AGM, Removal,
292-5010A
Disabling, and Replacement
032-001-001
8
939-6030A Photo of disabled battery, 4 batteries

Time: Hours
1.2
0.2

Table 2, OWL VMRS Codes and Labor Allowance

Digital Photo Submission
QuickClaim Users
Submit digital photos via WSC. Go to AccessFreightliner.com> Support> My Tickets And Submit An Inquiry>
Claims> Claim Documentation> select drop down choice, "I need to submit Claim Documentation." Attach the
photos to the ticket, and list the ticket number in the beginning of the claim comments.

OWL Users
Attach digital photos directly to the claim on the Attachments tab.

Page 4

Freightliner Service Bulletin, June 2012