File in Section:

Service Bulletin

Bulletin No.:
Date:

06 - Engine
03-06-03-004Q
April, 2016

WARRANTY ADMINISTRATION
Subject:

Warranty Administration — Battery Testing and Warranty Replacement Requirements
(North America ONLY)

Models:

2017 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks

Attention: This Bulletin applies ONLY to the North American market.
This Bulletin has been revised to add and clarify battery test code requirements. Please
discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-06-03-004P.

The EL-50313 Midtronics GR8 Battery Tester/Charger
must be used in diagnosing battery replacements and
maintaining batteries on new vehicles in dealer
inventory. A 15 digit (17 if includes the 2 hyphens)
Warranty Code on the printed slip captures critical
information on batteries that require replacement. This
code must be entered on the warranty transaction (see
below for details).

Copyright 2016 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Page 2

April, 2016

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

English Version

French Canadian Version

4498035
4491721

Legend
(1)
(2)
(3)

Printout should reflect “Out of Vehicle”
Test Info.
Do not enter MID Info number.
The “Warranty Code” is the correct code
to enter on the transaction. This code is
unique to each test performed and is
de-codable by GM.

Legend
(1)
(2)
(3)

Printout should reflect “Out of Vehicle”
Test Info.
Do not enter MID Info number.
The “Warranty Code” is the correct code
to enter on the transaction. This code is
unique to each test performed and is
de-codable by GM.

Important: Warranty Codes are only generated when
the test is set up as follows: select Diagnostic Mode,
select Out of Vehicle. On the print out, the 19 digit (21
including the 2 hyphens) code under MID INFO is NOT
a valid warranty code. Only the 15 digit (17 if includes
the 2 hyphens) under Warranty Code on the printed slip
is the valid warranty code that captures critical
information. Only warranty codes generated by the by
the EL-50313 Midtronics GR8 using current software
are valid for batteries replaced under warranty.

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

April, 2016

Warranty codes generated by past versions of software
or past versions of the old hand held tester are not
valid.
When testing batteries, you must:
• Disconnect battery from the vehicle.
• Connect the EL-50313 tool cable clamps directly
to the battery terminal posts. There is no need to
remove the battery from the vehicle.
• Select “Out of Vehicle” when setting up the test.
• Select the proper battery type; Flooded, AGM,
Spiral AGM or Stop/Start AGM (Auxiliary Battery).
It is important to select the correct battery type
to prevent battery damaged and to ensure
correct test results.
• Enter the CCA as shown on the battery label.
Refer to the latest version of PI1098 for OEM
battery CCA ratings and battery types.
• See Bulletin 15-06-03-001 for cold weather and
long stand time battery maintenance and
testing tips.
Note: Vehicles with Stop/Start Auxiliary batteries must
be charged separately from the main battery during
testing. The Auxiliary battery is not connected in a
manner that will allow both batteries to be charged at
the same time and must be charged individually, which
will result in two printouts.

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 through
GlobalConnect by clicking on “Essential Tools –
Software Updates” in the Application section on the
Service page. This link will take you to the Dealer
Equipment website applicable to your location:
• U.S. Dealers — To access downloads on the GM
Dealer Equipment Website 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 — To access downloads on
the Dealer Equipment & Services (DES) Canada
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.

Page 3

New Vehicle Inventory
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.
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. For
complete information on dealer responsibilities on
inventory battery maintenance, refer to General Motors
Service Policies and Procedures Transportation,
Vehicle Storage and PDI Policy Manual, Article 2.1.2.
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. Use PDI Mode:
• When a new vehicle is received at the dealer
• At each subsequent 30 day interval while in dealer
inventory
• At the Point Of Sale
On vehicles with two batteries, including Stop/Start
vehicles, each battery must be electrically isolated and
charged individually, which will result in two printouts.
Note: Vehicles with Stop/Start Auxiliary batteries must
be charged separately from the main battery during the
period of dealer inventory storage. The Auxiliary battery
is not connected in a manner that will allow both
batteries to be charged at the same time and must be
charged individually, which will result in two printouts.

Batteries Replaced Under Warranty Required Warranty Code from GR8
The Warranty Code generated by the EL-50313
Midtronics GR8 is displayed on the printout and must
be entered into the required Battery Tester Code field
when submitting all transactions for battery
replacement (labor operations 4041510 Battery
Replace or 4041520 Auxiliary Battery Replacement).
The complete code 15 Characters (17 characters with
optional hyphen) must be entered. Do not enter the
code in the cause/correction/comments field. It
must be entered into the system generated
mandatory field that appears when using labor
operations 4041510 or 4041520 (see GWM screenshot
example below).

Page 4

April, 2016

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

4489025

Technicians should attach the GR8 test print out with a
Battery Replace decision, that includes the Warranty
Code, to the repair order. A copy of this printout must
be returned with the paperwork for each battery
returned to the WPC.
Reminder: The Warranty Code is ONLY generated
under Diagnostic Mode when the test is set up as Out
Of Vehicle and when a Replace decision is the test
result.
Note: To warranty administrators, the following
characters are not used in the Warranty Code: The
letters I, O, Y, & Z.
Special Cases
• Damaged or leaking batteries - It is not necessary
to test leaking batteries with the EL-50313. Enter
LEAKS into the Battery Tester Code Field. For
AGM batteries, LEAKS is not a valid entry unless
the battery case is damaged and the cause of the
damage must be documented in the Cause field.
Note: Any other parts damaged and replaced due
to leaking battery acid (ie: cables) must also be
claimed on the same line, not a separate line. Use
appropriate authorizations for additional parts and
OLH claimed.
• GM Fleet and Commercial in-shop warranty
stations- If the Warranty Code is available, enter it
into the Battery Tester Code Field. If the Warranty
Code is not available, enter FLEET into the
Battery Tester Code Field. Valid only for approved
GM Fleet and Commercial in-shop warranty
stations.
• Customer reimbursement cases - Existing policies
on customer reimbursement apply. If the
customer's battery is available, enter the
Midtronics code into the Battery Tester Code
Field. If the customer's battery is not available,
enter REIMBURSEMENT into the Battery Tester
Code Field.

•

•

•

•

•

•

GR8 test equipment not working/not available –
The EL-50313 Midtronics GR8 is a required GM
Tool. Any non-functional or missing GR8 must be
repaired/replaced within 30 days. On a temporary
basis (within those 30 days) the dealership should
enter GR8 INOP in the Battery Tester Code field.
Contact 1-800-GMTOOLS for GR8 repair
assistance.
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.
Subsequent failure of batteries replaced under the
New Vehicle Bumper to Bumper Warranty – These
transactions still require proper testing to validate
battery replacement. A valid Warranty Code is still
required in the Battery Tester Code field. Refer to
Service Policies and Procedures Manual Article
2.8 for further policies related to battery
replacement parts warranties.
Batteries replaced under the GM Replacement
Parts Warranty (Canada only) – These
transactions still require proper testing to validate
battery replacement. A valid Warranty Code is still
required in the Battery Tester Code field.
Battery damaged or stolen in transit – This is to be
properly noted on the Delivery Receipt.
Transaction is to be submitted as a ZTPT
(Transportation) Transaction Type. Enter
DAMAGED or STOLEN as applicable in Battery
Tester Code Field. Valid only for ZTPT transaction
types.
New Vehicle arrives from transportation with
defective battery – Battery must still be properly
tested using GR8 tester and valid test codes must
be entered on transaction. The transaction must
be submitted within one week of vehicle arrival at
dealership.

Bulletin No.: 03-06-03-004Q
•
•

April, 2016

Battery “too low” is NOT a valid entry – The battery
must be charged to a level which will support the
test to be completed.
Battery replaced for customer enthusiasm - The
battery still must be tested with the required GR8
tool. If the GR8 test results do not support battery
replacement and the dealership decides to
replace the battery anyway for customer
enthusiasm, the transaction must be marked
“Customer Enthusiasm”, enter CUS in the Battery
Tester Code field, and provide comments in the
Authorization section of the transaction to support
the decision.

Transactions Requiring GM
Authorization (Warranty Support
Center)

Page 5

The Warranty Support Center will validate all Warranty
Codes entered in the Battery Tester Code field for these
transactions. Warranty Claims for battery replacements
with invalid test codes, incorrect test set-up, or wrong
battery type 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. Warranty Codes generated by past
versions of GR8 software or past versions of the old
hand-held tester will be rejected.
It is a best practice to attach a copy of the GR8 test
printout to the warranty transaction. This aids in
product quality improvements.
Questions can be directed to the WSC at
1-866-446-2900.

The GR8 Warranty Code provides important
information to General Motors in analyzing battery
failures in efforts to improve product quality. Each test
code is unique and decodable. In review of recently
submitted battery replacement transactions it has been
found that a large number are being submitted with an
invalid Warranty Code. To improve the quality of
transaction data received, the following transactions for
battery replacement labor operation 4041510 or
4041520 require GM Authorization from the Warranty
Support Center (WSC):
• Transactions on any model year vehicles with
250 miles (400 km) or less – including both
in-stock and delivered vehicles. Dealers must
include supporting documentation indicating that
the battery was maintained while in dealer
inventory. If the vehicle had been in dealer
inventory for greater than 30 days, the WSC may
also request copies of the PDI print outs for the
claim in question.
• Effective with Job Cards dated on/after April 11,
2016 - Transactions on all current 2016 and 2017
model year vehicles.

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.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY
TECHNICIAN
CERTIFICATION