File in Section:
Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

06 - Engine
03-06-03-004H
May, 2013

INFORMATION
Subject:

Warranty Code Generated By EL-50313 Midtronics GR8 Battery Tester/Charger
Required for Claim Processing on Labor Operation 4041510 and Battery Part
Restriction (North America ONLY)

Models:

2014 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks

Attention: This bulletin applies ONLY to the North American market.
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2014 model year and update the Labor Operation.
Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-06-03-004G
(Section 06 – Engine/Propulsion System).

The EL-50313 is a new Essential Tool designed to
provide leading edge battery diagnostic capabilities
coupled with an intelligent battery charger. This tool is
to be used in the diagnosis of all battery replacements
under the terms of the General Motors Warranty and
replaces the previous J-42000/J-42000 EU. The
EL-50313 will also be a required tool for maintenance
of batteries on new vehicles in dealer inventory.
Important: This new tool provides the Warranty Code
which is required for all batteries replaced under
warranty. Only codes generated in Diagnostic Mode are
valid for warranty submission. When testing batteries
you must follow the tool on screen instructions and only
be connected directly to the battery posts, with the
battery disconnected from the vehicle. Select “Out Of
Vehicle” when setting up the test. Do not connect to
battery cable terminal nuts, bolts, or clamping
mechanisms. Long charge times and false test results
are possible. The battery terminal posts are the only
reliable connection points.
Tool Software Updates
This tool requires periodic software updates. If a
specific issue is identified and resolved with a software
update, the availability may be communicated directly
to you. The latest software release is available on the
GM Dealer Equipment Website.

US Dealers:
GM Dealer Equipment Website Access
This site can be accessed through GM Global Connect,
Service Workbench, "GM Essential Tools - Software
Updates". Follow the on-line instructions for updating
the GR8.

Copyright 2013 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Important: To access downloads on this website you
must first register and establish a user name and
password. A link is provided below the sign-in area to
“Apply for Access.” Contact GMDE at
1-800-GM-TOOLS if assistance is needed.
For your convenience, here is the direct link
to the GMDE software update Webpage:
http:// www.gmdesolutions.com/downloads.

Canadian Dealers:
Dealer Equipment & Services (DES) Canada
Website Access
This site can be accessed through GM Global Connect,
Service Library, Tools and Processes and Equipment
and then select "Dealer Equipment & Services (DES)
Canada.”
Important: To access downloads on this website you
must first register and establish a user name and
password. A link is provided at bottom of page to
“Create an account” or Contact DES at 1-866-868-3372
if assistance is needed.
For your convenience, here is the direct link to the DES
Canada website where you can select the software
update page: http://www.des-canada.ca.

New Vehicle Inventory
Note: For vehicles in dealer stock - Battery recharging,
swapping or replacement due to damage or lack of
maintenance is not covered by the vehicle warranty
during the period of dealer inventory storage as stated
in the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual. For
customer owned vehicles with 250 miles (400 km) or
less, contact the Product Quality Center (PQC). See
Battery Part Restriction section below.

Page 2

May, 2013

Note: If a defective battery is identified when the
vehicle is first delivered to the dealer from the assembly
plant, the claim must be processed through the PQC
within one week of the vehicle receipt. See note below.
PDI Mode – The EL-50313 (Midtronics GR8) has a
charge algorithm identified on the tool as PDI Mode. In
this mode, the battery condition is checked then a fast
charge is applied to the battery. This mode is designed
to apply as much charge as safely possible in
20 Minutes. PDI Mode replaces the previous
requirement of battery voltage check & charge. This
mode also generates a print out. The print out must be
kept with the vehicle file as proof of maintenance. See
Battery Part Restriction below.
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. Only
warranty codes generated in the “Diagnostic Mode” and
“Out Of Vehicle” are valid for warranty replacements.
They must also be approved by the PQC – See Battery
Part Restriction below.
On vehicles with two batteries, each battery must be
electrically isolated and charged individually, which will
result in two printouts.
PDI Mode Is To Be Used:
• When a new vehicle is received at the dealer
• At each subsequent 30 day interval while in dealer
inventory
• At the Point Of Sale
For complete information on dealer responsibilities on
inventory battery maintenance, refer to General Motors
Service Policies and Procedures Manual Article 2.2.2.

Batteries Replaced Under Warranty
The Warranty Code is generated by the EL-50313
Midtronics Battery Tester/Charger is required for claim
processing on labor operation 4041510,
Battery-Replace. The code is automatically generated
when the tool is operated in Diagnostic Mode after the
tool charges a battery for greater than 20 minutes or
identifies a battery that requires replacement. It is
included on the print out. The code must be entered
into the Labor Code Dependency Field in GWM. The
complete print out should be kept with the warranty
claim.
Important: The complete code 10 Characters
(11 characters with optional hyphen) must be entered
into the Labor Code Dependency Field in GWM.
On vehicles with two batteries, each battery must be
electrically isolated and tested individually, which will
result in two printouts.

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

Special Cases
•

Damaged or leaking batteries - It is not necessary
to test leaking batteries with the EL-50313. Enter
LEAKS into the Labor Operation Dependency
Field. For batteries with side terminal stripped
threads, refer to the latest version of Corporate
Bulletin Number 02-06-04-015.
• 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.
• Approved GM Fleet and Commercial in-shop
warranty stations- If the Warranty Code is
available, enter it into the Labor Operation
Dependency Field. If the Warranty Code is not
available, enter FLEET into the Labor Operation
Dependency Field.
Note: Customer reimbursement cases - Existing
policies on customer reimbursement apply. If the
customer's battery is available, enter the Midtronics
code into the Labor Operation Dependency Field.
If the customer's battery is not available, enter
REIMBURSEMENT into the Labor Operation
Dependency Field.

Battery Part Restriction
The restriction continues on battery Labor Operation
4041510 for the first 250 miles (400 km). PQC
Authorization is required on all vehicles with 250 miles
(400 km) or less – including delivered vehicles.
Prior to replacing any batteries or contacting the PQC,
have technicians perform the proper diagnosis using
the EL50313 Tester / Charger. Technicians should
attach the print out with a Battery Replace Decision,
that includes the Warranty Code, to the repair order. If
the vehicle had been in dealer inventory for greater
than 30 days the PQC may also request copies of the
PDI print outs for the vehicle in question.
Requests for battery replacements with invalid test
codes will not be authorized. The cold cranking amps
(CCA) that was used during the test procedure will be
compared with the proper CCA to insure a valid test
was completed. The Last eight digits of the VIN and
Repair Order number must also be provided.
Once approved – When submitting the warranty claim,
the warranty code must be entered in the Labor Code
Dependency Field in Global Warranty.
The PQC phone number is 1-866-654-7654.

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

May, 2013

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

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