Service Bulletin
December 04, 2014

89-003
ATB 13114-01109 REV3(1412)

Battery Maintenance at Dealers
(Supersedes 89-003, dated March 7, 2008; see Revision Summary)
REVISION SUMMARY
All sections were revised extensively: American Honda recommends that you review the entire bulletin
BACKGROUND
Maintaining batteries in unsold vehicles is the dealership’s responsibility and is an important part of ensuring a
battery’s operating life. If a new battery is not properly maintained and is allowed to go dead, it greatly affects the
battery’s long-term life, which can lead to unnecessary battery replacement and customer complaints. If a battery sits
in a discharged state in hot weather (above 80°F), the electrolyte is closer to water. This water permanently sulfates
the internal plates similar to oxidation and prevents charging and discharging. In cold temperatures, a discharged
battery’s electrolyte may freeze which can cause damage to the internal plates and prevent starting. Therefore, if you
do not properly maintain a battery according to the scheduled inspection and charging intervals, the customer may
receive a damaged battery or a battery with a low state-of-charge.
To determine when charging is needed, American Honda recommends using the ED-18 battery tester to quickly and
accurately measure the battery state-of-charge. Refer to Service Bulletin 88-016, Battery Testing and Replacement,
for more information.
To ensure that batteries are tested on a regular schedule, the battery maintenance responsibility should be assigned
to one person in the dealership as recommended by the Perfect Delivery program.

INSPECTION INTERVALS
How a vehicle is stored determines the time intervals for checking the battery state-of-charge. These time intervals
assume that the vehicle is not moved. If a vehicle is moved during this time, it affects the battery state-of-charge.
Very short drives reduce a battery’s charge, while long drives increase it. This affects the amount of time needed to
charge the battery. If a vehicle is being stored on the dealership lot, you need to properly maintain the battery by
routinely checking its state-of-charge and charging as needed. Check the battery with the ED-18 at the intervals noted
below.
If you need to charge the battery, use the GR8 battery diagnostic station.
When a vehicle first arrives at the dealership, it must be decided where the vehicle is going:
• Showroom floor
• Front line display
• Storage
• Sold to a client
NOTE:
• American Honda recommends pulling the backup fuse while the vehicle is in inventory. The chart on the following
page shows the effects of increased storage time, and also the importance of checking the battery at its scheduled
interval to make sure the customer receives a good battery.
• Always leave the ignition OFF whenever possible, especially when installing accessories. The battery will quickly
discharge and will be damaged if left in a discharged state

CUSTOMER 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 Honda automobile dealer.

© 2014 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

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Once it is decided where the vehicle is going, its battery maintenance schedule can be planned.
• Vehicle arrival at dealer – Check every battery on every vehicle on arrival at your dealership. This ensures
that you know when to check the battery next. It is also a good practice in case something happened during
storage or transportation (for example, a door was left ajar or a light was left on), and the battery state-ofcharge fell below the recommended level, you can charge it and make sure the next battery check is properly
timed.
• Showroom floor – Disconnect the battery negative cable and check the battery every 60 days.
• Front line display – Install all of the fuses and check the battery every 30 days.
• Storage –Disconnect the negative battery cable or remove the back-up fuse and check the battery every
60 days.
• PDI – The PDI may not be done when the vehicle arrives at your dealership, which is why it is important that
you check every battery when the vehicle arrives. When you do the PDI, follow the Pre-Delivery Inspection
checklist in the PDI and Final Delivery Checklist and enter the Good Battery 10-digit code in the “Under
Hood - Engine Cold” section.
• Final inspection (part of the PDI) – Follow the Pre-Delivery Inspection checklist in the PDI and Final
Delivery Checklist and enter the Good Battery 10-digit code in the “Final Inspection (At Delivery)” section.

RECORD KEEPING
As you maintain the stored batteries (checking battery state-of-charge and charging them as needed), American
Honda recommends keeping a detailed maintenance record. In case there is a warranty claim, you may be asked to
show records about the battery maintenance. Records should include these items:
• A battery test done when the vehicle arrives and/or during PDI
• Scheduled battery inspections (and recharging when needed). The battery inspection schedule depends on how the
vehicle was stored and how long the vehicle was stored on the lot. See INSPECTION INTERVALS for more
information.
• A battery test done at final delivery. Print out and write the VIN on the Good Battery results from the battery tester
and add it to the vehicle’s file.

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There are two places to record the 10-digit code for the Good Battery results in the PDI and Final Delivery Checklist
under the Pre-Delivery Inspection checklist:
• Under Hood – Engine Cold

• Final Inspection (At Delivery)

Fill in the information. Remove one copy of the Pre-Delivery Inspection checklist from the PDI and Final Delivery
Checklist, and put it in the customer/vehicle file. The other copy stays in the maintenance journal.
REQUIRED TOOLS
Part Name

Tool Number

Quantity

GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station

MTRGR81100P

1

ED-18 Battery Tester Version 2

INB17191845

1

ED-18 Battery Tester Version 3

INBED18V3H

1

These tools are available through the Honda Tool and Equipment Program at 888-424-6857.
NOTE: The ED-18 Battery Tester Version 2 is no longer available for purchase and will not be supported for warranty
claims after April 30, 2015.

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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 bulletin for more information:
09-060, GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station Update Information
09-045, 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.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The dealer is responsible for testing and charging batteries when a vehicle first arrives at the dealership and while it is
in dealer inventory. Testing and maintenance charging of a battery in a new, unsold vehicle cannot be claimed under
warranty. If you let a good battery sit discharged and it is damaged from poor maintenance, this is not a defect and
the replacement is not covered by warranty.
For more information, refer to the Honda Dealer Operations Manual and to Service Bulletin 88-023, Battery Testing
and Replacement.

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