File in Section:
Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

00 - General Information
12-00-89-008
October, 2012

INFORMATION
Subject:

High Voltage Battery Section Serviceability - Essential Tool EL-50332

Models:

2012-2013 Buick LaCrosse, Regal (eAssist Only)
2011-2013 Chevrolet Volt
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

Attention: This bulletin applies ONLY to the North American market. Volt battery sections will be
placed on parts restriction requiring a call to TAC to assist in the diagnosis prior to
repairs.
Revised Chevrolet Volt Battery Service Strategy
Beginning January 2013, the service strategy for the
Chevrolet Volt battery will now include battery section
replacement. EL-50332 – EV/HEV Battery Service Tool
will be shipped essential to Chevrolet Volt dealers. The
rollout will be staggered during the 4th quarter of 2012.
This tool is a key enabler for VOLTec battery section
serviceability and de-powering of all HV batteries,
including eAssist.
EL-50332 includes all required harnesses/adapters to
allow for energy transfer through the 14 Volt Power
Converter Harness, the Power Inverter Module
Harness, the Hybrid/EV Battery Contactor Assembly or
direct connection inside the battery pack. An optional
Pelican case is available to store/protect the EL-50332
and its associated cables and adapters. A wheeled cart
will also be available to facilitate movement of the tool
within the dealership. Contact 1-800-GM TOOLS.
EL-50332 Tool Functionality
This tool has the capability to:
• Communicate with the battery pack and display
critical data such as; pack/cell voltage levels,
maximum cell to cell voltage differentials, battery
temperature sensor values and battery
identification information with the battery pack in
or out of the vehicle.
• Capture and log event data on the provided USB
memory stick post event review.
• Add electrical energy to or remove electrical
energy from high voltage batteries.
• Self-establish voltage targets for both balancing
and de-powering events with automatic shutdown
when the operation is complete or a fault is
detected.
• Balance state of charge between battery sections
within the battery pack to facilitate battery section
replacement (for applicable products).
• Reduce the state of charge in a battery pack or
battery section(s).
Copyright 2012 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Battery pack voltage and current are monitored when
adding energy or removing energy from the battery
pack or battery sections. Supplied cables/adapters
provide the option to monitor battery data through the
vehicle harness or through direct connection to the
battery pack.
The tool features a versatile electrical harness, allowing
technicians to make connections between vehicle
batteries and communication systems via unique
adapters. Simple menu prompts guide verification that
the battery and communication systems are properly
connected and that energy transfer can safely begin.
This tool requires an external power source. Supply
power options include 12VDC, 120VAC or 240VAC.
The appropriate power cords/adapters are provided.

2921300

Page 2

October, 2012

Bulletin No.: 12-00-89-008

U.S. 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 tool.
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:

2921303

EL-50332 Parts List:
• EL-50332 – EV/HEV Battery Service Tool
• 12 Volt Auxiliary Power Cable
• 120V Power Cord
• 12 Volt Auxiliary to Clamps Adapter Cable
• Universal Fuse Box
• TPIM High Voltage Interface Cable
• APM High Voltage Interface Cable
• Sheathed High Voltage Banana Jack Cables
• Vehicle Interface Module (VIM)
• High Voltage Interface Cable
• VIM Low Voltage Cable
• BBDU Low Voltage Interface Cable
• High Voltage Alligator Clips

Tool Software Updates
The device utilizes a USB memory stick that will
support system upgrades for future vehicle battery
systems without a hardware upgrade. Software release
upgrades will be made available on the GM Dealer
Equipment website.

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.

GM Dealer Training
GM Service Technical College is supporting the release
of the EL-50332 and Voltec battery section replacement
with a Virtual Classroom Training course, #18420.10D.
The course demonstrates battery section replacement
and the voltage balance operation using the new tool in
a diagnostic scenario. This course will be available
October of 2012 with completion required by
December 2012.

Warranty Information
A Warranty Code is generated by the EL-50332
Midtronics Battery Load Leveling tool and is required
for claim processing on Labor Code N5785 - Cell,
Battery Replacement. The code is automatically
generated and shown on the display. The code must be
entered into the Labor Code Dependency Field
in GWM.
Important: The complete code 10 Characters
(11 characters with optional hyphen) must be entered
into the Labor Code Dependency Field in GWM.

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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