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Service Bulletin

June 6, 2015

88-016
52219-01224 Version 5

Battery Testing and Replacement
Supersedes 88-016, dated January 13, 2015, to revise the information highlighted in yellow.
REVISON SUMMARY

•
•

Under BACKGROUND, a note was added giving instructions on how to charge a AGM battery.
Under USING THE ED-18 BATTERY TESTER, and USING THE GR-8 DIAGNOSTIC MODE Step 8 was updated to
add more detail to the note.

BACKGROUND

Maintaining batteries in vehicles is an important part of ensuring a battery's operating life. American Honda
recommends using the ED-18 tester and GR8 battery diagnostic station to check and maintain batteries. This bulletin
covers these topics:
• Information on when to use the ED-18 and the GR8.
• Instructions on how to use the ED-18 and the GR8.
• Instructions on how to properly submit a battery warranty claim.
NOTE: If charging is required for an absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery, you must use the GR8 or a commercially
available battery charger that has a AGM setting. Failure to do so will damage the AGM battery and the warranty claim
may be rejected.
REQUIRED TOOLS
Tool Name

Tool Number

GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station

MTRGR811 DOPA

ED-18 Battery Tester Version 2

INB17191845

ED-18 Battery Tester Version 3

INBED18V3A

NOTE:
• The ED-18 Battery Tester Version 2 is no longer available for purchase.
• As of June 1, 2015, the ED18 Version 2 may no longer be used for warranty claims.
TOOL REQUIREMENTS

The GR8 and ED-18 software must be updated within 3 days of a new software update release. Refer to the applicable
service bulletins for more information:
• 09-034, GRB Battery Diagnostic Station Update Information.
• 09-027, ED-18 Battery Tester Update Information.
WARRANTY REQUIREMENTS

The 10-digit code must be included on a battery replacement claim. Refer to WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION.

CLIENT INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment, and
training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by "do-it-yourselfers," and you should not assume
this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an
authorized Acura automobile dealer.

© 2015 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved

Page 1 of 17

ORDERING INFORMATION

To order the GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station or the ED-18 Version 3 Battery Tester, go to the Acura Tool and
Equipment catalog on the iN (select Service> Service Bay> Tool and Equipment Program > Online Catalog), or
call 888-424-6857.
ED-18 AND GR8 USES

NOTE: For more information about documenting the scheduled battery checks, refer to Service Bulletin 89-006, Battery
Maintenance at Dealers.
ED-18 Battery Tester

• Check the condition of the battery and its state-of-charge:
- When the vehicle arrives at your dealership.
- During the TQI.
- During scheduled battery maintenance (every 30 days when the back-up fuse is installed and 60 days with the back
up fuse removed or battery disconnected).
- Before final delivery to the customer.
NOTE: Keep a printout of every battery test. Your warranty claim may be rejected unless you show that the battery was
properly maintained.
GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station

• Properly charge and diagnose the battery when indicated by the ED-18.
• Smart, fast, and optimized battery charging via a temperature sensor within the battery clamp.
• Power supply mode maintains proper voltage during extended vehicle service, such as updating the PCM.
• Jump start mode supplies up to 250 amps.
CLIENT SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
ED-18 Battery Tester

• Check the condition of the battery and its state-of-charge when a vehicle comes in for scheduled maintenance or any
other service visits.
GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station

• Properly charge and diagnose the battery when indicated by the ED-18.
• Smart, fast, and battery charging via a temperature sensor within the battery clamp.
• Power supply mode maintains proper voltage during extended vehicle service, such as updating the PCM.
ED-18 Battery Tester and GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station

• When the ED-18 or GR8 displays Replace Battery or Bad Cell Replace, it provides a 10-digit code that must be
included with the warranty claim. See WARRANTY COVERAGE on page 15 for more information.
USED VEHICLE SALE
ED-18 Battery Tester

• Check the condition of the battery and its state-of-charge:
- During vehicle inspection.
- During scheduled battery maintenance when the vehicle is in storage.
- Before final delivery to the customer.

Page 2 of 17

GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station

• Properly charge and diagnose the battery when indicated by the ED-18.
• Smart, fast, and optimized battery charging via a temperature sensor within the battery clamp.
• Power supply mode maintains proper voltage during extended vehicle service.
• Jump start mode supplies up to 250 amps.
USING THE ED-18 BATTERY TESTER

NOTE:
For setup, customizing, and other available features, refer to the ED-18 instruction manual. The instruction manual
is also available online. Select General Publications, select Tool Information then select ED-18 Version 3
Honda Battery Tester (Early Detection Analyzer) Instruction Manual.
Make sure the setup has been completed, and the ED-18 updated to the most current software. The date and
software version is very important for the proper result. Your warranty claim may not be paid if this information is
wrong. See Tool Requirement under REQUIRED TOOLS for more information.
1.

Connect the leads to the battery's positive and negative terminals.

2.

Use the arrow keys to select ENGLISH, then press Enter.

I+ +
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SELECT TESTER
LANGUAGE
1@ENGLISH
2OESPAN0L
3OFRANQAIS

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3.

Use the arrow keys to select Battery, then press Enter.

9

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Battery

Options

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View

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Version

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Page 3 of 17

4.

Select your TECHNICIAN ID, then press Enter. After the summary of your technician ID appears, press Enter
again.

++

**

-c::::::i+

SELECT TECHNICIAN ID
1 RICK
2 JOE ALBRIGHT
3 JOE KNIGHT
4 SAM
5 KENNY
6 TIM
7 CARL
8 JULIE
1 OF 16

1~181
5.

Use the arrow or number keys to select the type of vehicle you are testing, then press Enter.

I++

**

I-c::::::i+

SELECT
VEHICLE STATUS
1 @ NEW VEH ARRIVAL
2 QDEALER INVENTORY
3 OSOLO TO CUSTOMER
4 OCUSTOMER VEHICLE

6.

If prompted, enter the vehicle stock number and VIN.

7.

Use the arrow or number keys to select the location of the battery, either OUT OF VEHICLE or IN VEHICLE, then
press Enter.

I++

**

I-c::::::i+

SELECT BATTERY
LOCATION
1 @OUT OF VEHICLE
2 QDEALER INVENTORY

Page 4 of 17

8.

Use the arrow or number keys to select BATTERY TYPE, then Press Enter.
NOTE: Some models depending on the trim level use an absorbed glass mat (AGM) or flooded lead acid (FLA)
battery. Some models may also have the battery housed inside a box and will have a label on top of the box that
identifies the type of battery it is. Select the appropriate battery type according to the label. If you select the wrong
battery type, the ED-18 tester result may be wrong and the warranty claim may be rejected.

I+ +

**

I - t:::::::1 +

SELECT
BATTERY TYPE

1 @ FLOODED (FLA)
2OAGM
3 OAGM SPIRAL

9.

Use the arrow or number keys to select the CCA value, then press Enter. You can find the CCA on the battery label
on the top of the battery. If the battery hold-down plate is covering the label, loosen the plate and shift it out of the
way to read the CCA.

I+ + +

**

I - t:::::::1 +

ENTER BATTERY RATING
USING KEYPAD

~~

~~·

CCA

USE KEYPAD TO ENTER
VALUE OR++TO SCROLL

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Page 5 of 17

10. Measure the battery temperature by placing the tester's IR temperature sensor within 1 to 2 inches of the top or side
or the battery then follow the screen instructions .

....._ 1+
**
1-i::::::::::J+
PRESS & HOLD+
TO ACTIVATE LASER.
RELEASE+ TO RECORD
THE TEMPERATURE

AIM TESTER AT
BATTERY 2" FROM CASE
WHILE MEASURING.

76°F
11. The ED-18 displays the battery's current condition under BATTERY RESULTS. The screen below shows one of
four possible battery conditions, the battery's measured voltage, and the CCA. The screen includes a curved, twosection bar graph that represents the battery's condition.

9

B

-i::::::::::J+

BATTERY RESULTS
VOLTAGE:
12.42V
MEASURED:
527 CCA
RATED:
550 CCA
TEMPERATURE:
70°F
BATTERY RESULTS

•:till

12345-67890

Page 6 of 17

12. Here are the four possible battery conditions:
GOOD BATTERY - This battery has at least 70% of its charge, 85% of its capacity, and requires no action.

ACURA
VERSION

XXX-XXXX

Test Report
HONDA-A
1919 TORRANCE BL
TORRANCE
90501
USA
800 824 6632
08/13/2009
3:21 PM
BATTERY TEST
Rating:550 CCA

BATTERY GOOD

Test Code
50J3E-4HX34

GR8 DIAGNOSTIC NEEDED - The battery voltage is below 60% of its state-of-charge (SOC), and the condition of
the battery is unknown. Use the GR8 to charge the battery and properly diagnose it.

ACURA
VERSION

XXX-XXXX

Test Report
HONDA--A
1919 TORRANCE BL
TORRANCE
90501
USA
8008246632
08/13/2009
3:21 PM
BATTERY TEST
Rating:550 CCA

GR8 DIAGNOSTIC NEEDED

Test Code
50J3E-4HX34

Page 7 of 17

REPLACE BATTERY - The battery condition is poor. Replace it.

ACURA
VERSION

XXX-XXXX

Test Report
HONDA--A
1919 TORRANCE BL
TORRANCE
90501
USA
800 824 6632
08/13/2009
3:21 PM
BATTERY TEST
Rating:550 CCA
REPLACE BATTERY

Battery replacement is
highly recommended.
Test Code
3AA2Q-C1VJD

BAD CELL REPLACE - There is an internal problem with the battery. Replace it.

ACURA
VERSION

XXX-XXXX

Test Report
HONDA--A
1919 TORRANCE BL
TORRANCE
90501
USA
800 824 6632
08/13/2009
3:21 PM
BATTERY TEST
Rating:550 CCA

Battery replacement is
highly recommended.
Test Code
50J3E-4HX34

NOTE:
• If you need to submit a warranty claim, enter the 10-digit code into the first two Diagnostic Trouble Code fields on the
warranty claim.
• If you enter the wrong CCA, or do not use the most current software version, your claim may be rejected.
• The test results must state Replace Battery or Bad Cell Replace for a warranty battery replacement claim to be
approved.
Page 8 of 17

USING THE GR-8 DIAGNOSTIC MODE

NOTE:
• Use the GR8 diagnostic mode when the ED-18 indicates GR8 DIAGNOSTIC NEEDED.
• For setup, customizing, and other available features, refer to the GR8 instruction manual; besides the one that comes
with the GR8, the GR8 instruction manual is also available online. Select GENERAL PUBLICATIONS, select Tool
Information, then select GRS-11 00P Battery Diagnostic Station Instruction Manual from the list.
• Make sure the setup has been completed, and that the GR8 is updated to the most current software. The date and
software version is very important for the proper result. Your warranty claim may not be paid if this information is
wrong. See Tool Requirements under REQUIRED TOOLS for more information.
1. Plug in the GR8.
2. Connect the leads to the battery's positive and negative terminals.
3. Use the arrow keys to select ENGLISH, then press Enter.

[§~LANGUAGE~~§
1@ENGLISH
2OESPAN0L
3 0 FRAN(;AIS

+
+
4. Use the arrow keys to select DIAGNOSTIC, then press Enter.

MAIN MENU
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Diagnostic System Options

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SELECT

5. Select your TECHNICIAN ID, then press Enter. After the summary of your technician ID appears, press Enter again.

TECHNICIAN I D
@TECH 1
OTECH
OTECH 2
OTECH
OTECH 3
OTECH
OTECH 4 + OTECH

x

BACK

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