Technical
Service Bulletin

Mazda North American Operations
Irvine, CA 92618-2922

Subject:
BATTERY TEST PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS USING THE GR81291

Bulletin No.: 01-002/19

Last Issued: 01/02/2019

BULLETIN NOTES
This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted below in Red.

Previously Issued TSBs: Date(s) issued
01-009/18
03/2618
01-005/16
02/15/16
01-018/12
05/23/12
01-054/10
12/13/10
01-013/10
02/15/10
01-032/07
08/01/07
01-025/04
07/21/04
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS

1995-2009 B-Series 1997-2002 626
2004-2019 Mazda3 2007-2012 CX-7 2016-2019 CX-3
1997-2003 Protege 1997-2006 MPV 2006-2014 Mazda5 2007-2019 CX-9
1997-2005 Miata 2001-2011 Tribute 2003-2019 Mazda6 2006-2019 MX-5
1997-2002 Millenia 2011-2014 Mazda2 2013-2019 CX-5 2004-2011 RX-8

DESCRIPTION
The Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda GR8-1291 is not used,
incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures
in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
NOTE: A Warranty Code is required for warranty claim submission
Battery Identification (Mazda batteries have 2 rating types)
1. JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard):
JIS codes are six-digit alpha-numeric markings molded into the top of the battery to identify a battery by the
capacity (amps), dimensions, and battery terminal type. Vehicles manufactured in Japan come from the
factory with a JIS rated battery.
NOTE: Replacement batteries may use a CCA rating. If so, use the CCA rating listed on the battery.

Page 1 of 5
CONSUMER NOTICE: The information and instructions in this bulletin are intended for use by skilled technicians. Mazda technicians utilize the proper tools/
equipment and take training to correctly and safely maintain Mazda vehicles. These instructions should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers.” Customers
should not assume this bulletin applies to their vehicle or that their vehicle will develop the described concern. To determine if the information applies,
customers should contact their nearest authorized Mazda dealership. Mazda North American Operations reserves the right to alter the specifications and
contents of this bulletin without obligation or advance notice. All rights reserved. No part of this bulletin may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical---including photocopying and recording and the use of any kind of information storage and retrieval system ---without permission in
writing.

© 2019 Mazda North American Operations, U.S.A.

Bulletin No.: 01-002/19

Last Issued: 01/02/2019

2. CCA (Cold Cranking Amps):
CCA ratings are normally located on a sticker affixed to the top of the battery to indicate a battery’s Cold
Cranking Amps. CCA rated batteries are supplied with domestically produced vehicles.
NOTE: If an incorrect CCA rating is entered into the Mazda GR8-1291, it will result in a false result and
invalid Warranty Code from the tester. This will also result in unnecessary replacement of batteries.

TEST PROCEDURE
Mazda GR8-1291 Control Module:

1. Attach the small red clamp to the positive battery terminal and the small black clamp to the negative
terminal.
2. Select the Battery Test icon in the Main Menu, then press NEXT.

Page 2 of 5
CONSUMER NOTICE: The information and instructions in this bulletin are intended for use by skilled technicians. Mazda technicians utilize the proper tools/
equipment and take training to correctly and safely maintain Mazda vehicles. These instructions should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers.” Customers
should not assume this bulletin applies to their vehicle or that their vehicle will develop the described concern. To determine if the information applies,
customers should contact their nearest authorized Mazda dealership. Mazda North American Operations reserves the right to alter the specifications and
contents of this bulletin without obligation or advance notice. All rights reserved. No part of this bulletin may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical---including photocopying and recording and the use of any kind of information storage and retrieval system ---without permission in
writing.

© 2019 Mazda North American Operations, U.S.A.

Bulletin No.: 01-002/19

Last Issued: 01/02/2019

3. Test the battery by following the on-screen instructions for entering the appropriate information. Refer
to the Mazda GR8-1291 Instruction Manual for more information.
NOTE:




Select the correct rating system for the battery by identifying the correct JIS code (A)
stamped onto the batter top or CCA code (B) printed on the battery label.
The battery hold down may need to be removed in order to read the JIS code.

4. After the test, the Control Module displays a battery test result and an analysis. The analysis includes
the battery state of health (SOH) and state of charge (SOC). Before the Battery Test results are
displayed, use the keypad on the Control Module to enter the last 5 digits of the vehicle’s VIN and press
NEXT to continue.

Page 3 of 5
CONSUMER NOTICE: The information and instructions in this bulletin are intended for use by skilled technicians. Mazda technicians utilize the proper tools/
equipment and take training to correctly and safely maintain Mazda vehicles. These instructions should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers.” Customers
should not assume this bulletin applies to their vehicle or that their vehicle will develop the described concern. To determine if the information applies,
customers should contact their nearest authorized Mazda dealership. Mazda North American Operations reserves the right to alter the specifications and
contents of this bulletin without obligation or advance notice. All rights reserved. No part of this bulletin may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical---including photocopying and recording and the use of any kind of information storage and retrieval system ---without permission in
writing.

© 2019 Mazda North American Operations, U.S.A.

Bulletin No.: 01-002/19

Last Issued: 01/02/2019

5. The Mazda GR8-1291 will display and print out one of the eight possible battery test results listed
below. Review the results and follow the Action for the displayed result.

Battery Tester
Display
“GOOD
BATTERY”
“GOOD RECHARGE”
“CHARGE AND
RETEST”

Action
Return the battery to service.
Fully charge the battery and return it to service.

Fully charge the battery and retest. Failure to fully charge the battery before retesting
may cause false readings. If CHARGE AND RETEST appears again after you fully charge the
battery, replace the battery.
“REPLACE A REPLACE BATTERY result may also mean a poor connection between the battery and the
BATTERY” vehicle. If you tested the battery using the System test, disconnect the battery cables and
retest using the Battery Test before replacing it.
“BAD CELL - Replace the battery.
REPLACE” WARNING: Do not charge the battery. Charging a battery with one or more bad cells could
cause an explosion and serious harm to the user.
“SIDE POST Test data was inconclusive using the side post. Retest using side post adapters.
TEST”
“JUMP START Data was inconclusive using the jump start post. Retest at the battery terminals.
POST”
“24 VOLT 24-volt battery detected. You are attempting to test in-vehicle both batteries in a 24-volt
BATTERY” system. Disconnect the batteries and test them individually.

REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Perform appropriate repair to vehicle. If needed, use the System Test of the Mazda GR8-1291 to test
the charging and starting systems by following the on-screen instructions for entering the appropriate
information. Refer to the Mazda GR8-1291 Instruction Manual for more information.

2. Verify repair.

Page 4 of 5
CONSUMER NOTICE: The information and instructions in this bulletin are intended for use by skilled technicians. Mazda technicians utilize the proper tools/
equipment and take training to correctly and safely maintain Mazda vehicles. These instructions should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers.” Customers
should not assume this bulletin applies to their vehicle or that their vehicle will develop the described concern. To determine if the information applies,
customers should contact their nearest authorized Mazda dealership. Mazda North American Operations reserves the right to alter the specifications and
contents of this bulletin without obligation or advance notice. All rights reserved. No part of this bulletin may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical---including photocopying and recording and the use of any kind of information storage and retrieval system ---without permission in
writing.

© 2019 Mazda North American Operations, U.S.A.

Bulletin No.: 01-002/19

Last Issued: 01/02/2019

WARRANTY INFORMATION
1. Write the Warranty Code on the RO and attach the printed results to the RO (do not attach with tape
due to reaction with the printer paper).
NOTE: A Warranty Code is required for warranty claim submission. Claims filed WITHOUT correct
codes will be subject to warranty claim denial.

Page 5 of 5
CONSUMER NOTICE: The information and instructions in this bulletin are intended for use by skilled technicians. Mazda technicians utilize the proper tools/
equipment and take training to correctly and safely maintain Mazda vehicles. These instructions should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers.” Customers
should not assume this bulletin applies to their vehicle or that their vehicle will develop the described concern. To determine if the information applies,
customers should contact their nearest authorized Mazda dealership. Mazda North American Operations reserves the right to alter the specifications and
contents of this bulletin without obligation or advance notice. All rights reserved. No part of this bulletin may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical---including photocopying and recording and the use of any kind of information storage and retrieval system ---without permission in
writing.

© 2019 Mazda North American Operations, U.S.A.