SST

MODEL
All

NUMBER

DATE

023 (REV 1, 04/10/2014)

February 2011

GROUP

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
sueJecT:

GR8- l 299 BATTERY TESTER I CHARGER AND NEW BATTERY
WARRANTY POLICY

*NOTICE
This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised
sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
Overview:
• The Midtronics GRB-1299 Diagnostic Battery Charger/Tester was launched in September 2010 as a
new Kia essential tool. The Kia Battery, Starter, and Alternator Warranty Policy requires the GRB-1299
be used for all related warranty claims. (Refer to Warranty Bulletin 2012-12 for warranty policy) posted
on Kdealer.net (Service> Warranty>Bulletins).
•

KMA continues to receive dealer calls regarding how to obtain a GRB-1299 warranty code (Battery,
Starter or Alternator Test Results), though the procedure is clearly outlined in the GR8 operations
manual. This bulletin is being issued to identify battery, alternator and starter diagnosis procedures
and provide reference sections in the GR8 operations manual which was included in the GR8 tool
shipment. KMA recommended that each dealer conduct an in dealership technician training session
showing correct diagnosis procedures outlined in the GR8 operation manual.

•

The GRB-1299 must be used as part of the diagnosis for battery, starter and alternator related
warranty repair work. The GRB-1299 is a state of the art tool that checks battery health and then
performs a reliable intelligent safe charge which can quickly restore most batteries to good condition.
Some dead batteries that have not been charged for a long period of time, may be fully revived within
1.5 hours.

Basic Operation and Battery Warranty Policy using GRS-1299:
1. The instruction Manual for the Midtronics GRB-1299 can be found at the following location:
www.kiatechinfo.com >Tools & Equipment> Tool Information.
2. Perform a quick test in the Battery Test mode (see Page 2) . If the Battery Test mode provides a
"Replace Battery" result, with a replace code, the battery can be replaced without further steps.
3. If the Battery Test produces a "Charge and Retest" result, you are then required to conduct a
Diagnostic Charge that will determine if the battery can be brought to a "Good Battery" condition. If the
initial diagnostic charge test finds that the charge will not revive the battery, it will usually indicate
"Replace Battery" within 20 to 30 minutes, on average (refer to page 25 of the GR8 Instruction
Manual).
4. Should the battery pass the "Diagnostic Charge" test, it will continue charging (in Top Off Mode) to a
full charge condition (which can take up to 1.5 hours), and indicate "Good Battery" when completed
successfully.
5. The GR8 produces printouts of the results in both the Battery Test and Diagnostic Charge modes as
well as for the starter and alternator. The printouts must be attached to the warranty repair order with
proper VIN and RO number entered via GR8's keyboard.
Note: The GRS diagnosis procedure requires that the technician always performs a Diagnostic
Charge after a Battery Test result of "Charge and Retest".

File Under: SST
Circulate To:

IXI General Manager

Iii Service Advisors

Iii Technicians

IXI Service Manager

IXI

Iii Body Shop Manager Iii

Parts Manager
Fleet Repair

GRB-1299 Battery, Starting, and Charging Systems Test Unit:
Performs Battery, Starting Charging Systems testing and diagnostic charging. The GRB Control
Module can be used independently of the Charge Engine after a battery charge session is in
process. The Quick Disconnect Serial Cable from the Charge Engine to the Control Module may be
disconnected and maintain wireless communication between the Control Module and Charge
Engine. The Quick Disconnect Serial Cable should be reconnected when docked on the Charge
Engine.

Control Module
Charge Engine

& CAUTION
Never connect both the Control Module Clamps and Charge Engine Clamps to a
battery at the same time. Damage to the Control Module may occur.
Service Procedure:
The battery inspection is a two step process, Battery Test and if required, Diagnostic Charge.
Battery Test, STEP ONE (Refer to page 25 in the GRB-1299 Instruction Manual):
Power on the GRB with the Control Module docked on the Charge Engine. You should hear the
fan come on and Control Module display will light up.
1.

Connect the Control Module's small
clamps to the vehicle's battery. Ensure
that the black clamp is connected to the
battery negative "-" terminal and the red
clamp is connected to the battery positive
"+" terminal. The GRB will display a
warning if the terminals are connected
backwards.

*NOTICE
Do not use jump start posts for battery
testing. Always use the battery posts.
TSB: SST 023 All Models February 2011

Page 3of11

-

~J]ERYTESTER I CHARGER AND NEW BATTERY
:,,. . WARRANTY
POLICY
....

:~.~SJ;;

2.

Select Battery Test. Fallow the tester
instructions to complete the battery test.

3.

Fallow these screen by screen instructions from left to right of each row. This example
shows screens that will occur for battery condition of "Charge & Retest" :
Enter last 6 digits of VIN

LAST 6 OF VIN

USE KEYPAD TO ENTER

Select battery IN/OUT of vehicle*

Select CUSTOMER CAR

LOCATION

VEHICLE TYPE
1 C!l CUSTOMER CAR

1 ®IN VEHICLE
2 0 OUT OF VEHICLE

2 DPDI
3 0 DEALER INVENTORY

+•+

+•+

1---------------------------------------------------~
Make sure to hold the tester 2" above the battery, as described in the step below, in order to I
I ensure maximum accuracy when reading the battery temperature.

:

lr-------_______ _

L--------------------------------------~
Select FLOODED battery type
Enter CCA rating of battery
~! !c.!. ~e!t__ J
1

ATTERV TYPE
AGM
AGM/ SPIRAL

I

USE KEYPAD TO ENTER

+

+!

+
Testing is in process

I
:

TEMPERATURE

TEMP SENSOR ON BACK.
HOLD TESTER 2 ABOUE
BATTERY CASE
11

7Z °F

:
1
I

1
I

I
I

:
I

L------------------'

Enter Repair Order number

Test Result. Print for the R.O.

RO NUMBER

TESTING

I

I

~ CCA

!~FLOODED

2
3

81§8ATTERV RATING~

RESULTS P1/3
CHARGE & RETEST

lt4L'L1!!11

USE KEYPAD TO ENTER
TESTING AT:

bDDCCA

+•+

RATED:
MEASURED:
VOLTAGE:
TEMPARATURE:

+
++

600 CCA
13 CCA
9 .52V
65°F

*Battery policy is to test all batteries "in vehicle".

*NOTICE
All Kia replacement batteries for warranty claims are supplied by Interstate as per
the Battery Application Guide located at www.kiatechinfo.com > Publication > POI &
Eval Docs. This application guide can be referenced for the proper CCA rating per
model for test purposes. KMA provides warranty coverage only for Genuine Kia
Batteries purchased from KMA. Refer to section 7.21 of the Kia Service Policy &
Procedures Manual.

*NOTICE
Always print out the Battery Test result to attach to the Repair Order or retailed
vehicles . During POI the battery test strip must be attached to the POI delivery form.
TSB: SST 023 All Models February 2011

Page 4 of 11

•llli-j~~.~t.

-~~~~~ERY TESTER I CHARGER AND NEW BATTERY

4.

t., W;.XRRANTY POLICY

Follow directions provided in the following table based on result of Battery Test (fi rst
column). PRINT results at Battery Test and then after Diagnostic Charge:
GRS BATTERY DIAGNOSTIC TEST/CHARGE REPAIR PROCEDURE
AND WARRANTY POLICY
8
4 Step
1 Step
2" Step
3 Step
Always begin with battery
test first:

Perform diagnostic charge
as applicable :
BATTERY NEE DS
CHARGING
DO YOU WANT TO
US E THE CHAR GE R?

+:

Press YES or select
Diagnostic at Main Menu:

Battery Test Result

Diag. Charge Result

Repair Action

Warranty Claim Type

None

None

Good Battery
8ERES ULT S P1 /3§
GOODBATIERY
RATED:
MEASURED:
VOLTAGE:
TEMPARATURE: +

++

600CCA
666CCA
12.85V
72"F

.

Charge is not
applicab le

Good Recharge
8ERES ULT S P1/3s
GOOD-RECHARGE
RATED:
600CCA
MEASURED:
511 CCA
VOLTAGE:
12.30V
70"F
TEMPARATURE: +

Dealer optional cha rge
method as per ----7

Charge using GR8 or,
run engine at idle for 20

None

minutes

++

Replace battery/bad cell
~RES UL TS P1/3s
REPLACE BATIERY
RATED:
600CCA
MEASURED:
496CCA
VOLTAGE:
12.89V
66' F
TEMPARATURE: +

Replace 3711 OROO only
Charge is not applicable

Replace Battery

Ticket #A)

++

Charge & Retest
~RE SU L T S P1/3s
CHARGE & RETEST
RATED:
600CCA
MEASURED:
13CCA
VOLTAGE:
9 .52V
65' F
TEMPARATURE: +

~lVl'lt"Lt.lt.======

"-'OLTS:
~MP HOURS:

15 . 69

57.b

TOP OFF MODE

++

CharQe & Retest
~ RE S U LT S P1/ 3s
CHARGE & RETEST
RATED:
660CCA
MEASURED:
3CCA
VOLTAGE:
12 .53V
66' F
TEMPARATURE: +

++

(Add to R.O. Print

GR8 CHARGE ONLY
OEM Batteries
2 years/unlimited miles

CHARGE 371 10AOA I
37 11 0AOO on ly
(Add to R.O. Print
Ticket #B)
CHARGE 371 1OAOA I

i!ERESULTS P1 / 3s
REPLACE BATIERY
RATED:
600CCA
MEASURED:
496CCA
VOLTAGE:
12.89V
66' F
TEMPARATURE: +

TSB: SST 023 All Models February 2011

++

GR8 CHARGE
ATTEMPT
NO-GOOD ----7
REPLACE BATTERY

37110AOO
+
REPLACE 3711 OROO
(Add to R.O. Print
T icket #C)

Page 5 of 11

Diagnostic Charge STEP TWO, if instructed by GR8 (Refer to page 21 in the GRS-1299
Instruction Manual):
5.

Connect only the Charger Engine's large clamp
set to the vehicle's battery making sure that the
black clamp is connected to the battery
negative "-" terminal and the red clamp is
connected to the battery positive "+" terminal.
NOTE: The GR8 will display a warning if the
terminals are connected backwards.

6.

Perform following instructions showing the GR8 screens (as shown from left to right of each
row) that will occur when a "Good Battery" is reached after charging:
Press YES to start Charging

Diagnostic Charge is in Process:

TESTING

BATTERY NEEDS
CHARGING
DO YOU WANT TO
USE THE CHARGER?
++
+

ADVAN~STING

DISCONNECT SMALL
TESTER CLAMPS
ATTACH LARGE
CHARGER
CLAMPS TO BATTERY

~~lAGNOSTIC

MODE

Good Battery condition reached
15-69
16°0
0.1
101-125 MIN

CHARGING
GOOD BATTERY

*NOTICE
When the Diagnostic Charge results in "Good Battery" you must attach print tickets
of the results from both Battery Test with the "Charge & Retest" result and the
Diagnostic Charge "Good Battery" result per example of "Print Ticket #B" on the "
page 7.

TSB: SST 023 All Models February 2011