NUMBER:

08-049-20

GROUP:

08 - Electrical

DATE:

April 22, 2020

This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without written permission of FCA US LLC.

This bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin 08-073-17, dated August 11, 2017, which should be
removed from your files. This is a complete revision and no asterisks have been used to
highlight revisions.
SUBJECT:
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty
OVERVIEW:
This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and
charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
MODELS:
1996 - Current

(All)

All FCA Group Vehicles (EMEA only)

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles within the following markets/countries: EMEA
SPECIAL TOOLS/EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
Description & Part#
Mopar Battery Tester
2000037001

Midtronics GRX 3228
2000035900

CTEK MXS 10 FCA
2000036901

Usage
Charge state check of the
following batteries: Lead
(Pb) flooded, Pb Heavy
Duty, Pb AGM, Pb AGM
Spiral
Integrated instrument for
checking the charge state
of the following batteries:
Lead (Pb) flooded, Pb
Heavy Duty, Pb AGM, Pb
AGM Spiral
Battery charger for the following batteries:

Replaced
Midtronics EXP 813 FCA

Midtronics GR-1 240

•
•
•
•

CTEK MXS 25000 FCA
ISEAT CB-1
FCA UNIVERSAL BATTERY CHARGER
CTEK MXS 10 FCA

CAUTION! For further information, refer to the instruments’ instruction manuals. Other
equipment can only be used to recharge the battery, as an alternative to those
listed in the table, on condition that they comply with the minimum requirements
given in this document.

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CAUTION! Using instruments that do not meet the minimum requirements for recharging
batteries, does not allow nor guarantee recharging the battery correctly and could
seriously damage the car’s electrical/electronic components.
CAUTION! Using the incorrect battery charger, which does not meet the minimum
requirements for recharging batteries, may not recharge the battery correctly
and could damage the battery and/or the vehicles electrical components
DISCUSSION:
When testing batteries and charging systems, the correct battery tester and charger must be used.
Dealers must follow service information for the proper procedures when testing the charging
system and batteries. Also, the dealer must follow warranty policies and procedures for proper
reimbursement for battery replacement. Refer to the appropriate regional warranty manual to obtain
specific warranty reimbursement requirements. This may include specific data which must be
recorded and/or specific documentation which may be required to be attached to the work order. In
the event the warranty policies and procedures are not followed, warranty reimbursement could
be declined or charged back.
Knowing what type of battery that is in the vehicle will help determine which battery tester and
charger to use. The type of the battery is always listed on the battery label.
• A – Flooded - Free electrolyte
• A1 - Pb - For standard applications
• A2 - Pb Heavy Duty, for Start/Stop applications
• B – Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM) with absorbent material between the plates
• B1 - Pb AGM with flat plates, for standard and Start/Stop applications
• B2 - Pb AGM Spiral with spiral plates, for standard Start/Stop applications
Preliminary Verification Conditions
Before connecting the battery tester, make sure the following conditions are met:
1.
• The engine is turned off.
• Turn off all electrical devices, except for permanent key-off loads.
• Verify there are no charging system Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in any control
modules.
2. Check the battery tester for:
• The battery tester has the latest available software in it.
• The battery tester leads are in good condition.
3. Check the battery in the vehicle for:
• No external battery damage.
• No corrosion on the battery cables.

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08-049-20

Preliminary Verification Conditions on the Battery Tester
Before connecting the battery tester, make sure the following conditions are met:
Check the battery tester for:
• The battery tester has the latest available software in it.
• The battery tester leads are in good condition.
• The charge level of the buffer battery inside the equipment must be optimal and able to
perform the test in the event of a fully discharged vehicle battery.
NOTE: The new Mopar Battery Tester must be connected to the Internet. A W-iFi connection
to access and configure the instrument in the cloud where the results of the checks
are downloaded. This allows the control department to verify the test performed
directly in the cloud and the workshop no longer needs to issue a receipt having
interventions carried out under warranty recognized.
Mopar Battery Tester - W-iFi Activation
Verify condition of the following:
• The battery has no external damage.
• The battery terminals are clean (otherwise, clean them e.g. with a stiff brush).
NOTE: No refunds will be granted for operations with test result printouts containing
incorrect, incomplete or inaccurate data due to the use of equipment in sub-optimal
conditions or failure to comply with the conditions described above.
For all models in which the battery is easily accessible, check also that:
Before connecting the battery tester, make sure the following conditions are met:
Check the battery tester for:
• The battery tester has the latest available software in it.
• The battery tester leads are in good condition.
• The charge level of the buffer battery inside the equipment must be optimal and able to
perform the test in the event of a fully discharged vehicle battery.
NOTE: The new Mopar Battery Tester must be connected to the Internet. A W-iFi connection
to access and configure the instrument in the cloud where the results of the checks
are downloaded. This allows the control department to verify the test performed
directly in the cloud and the workshop no longer needs to issue a receipt having
interventions carried out under warranty recognized.
Instrument Power Supply
Check the battery tester for:
• Mopar Battery Tester: activates automatically after the correct connection of the clamps.
• GRX 3228 FCA: connect the equipment to a socket (220 V AC power) and turn the ignition
switch to ON.
Instrument Connection
For all models (except for Fiat Freemont), it is recommended to check the battery charge state by
connecting the instrument directly to the battery terminals, leaving it connected to the car’s electrical
system.
NOTE: At the end of the check procedure, make sure that the clamps are tightened properly
to the battery terminals.

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Use the leads in the kit to connect the instruments as follows:
• Red clip connected to the positive battery terminal (or to the positive dummy pole).
• Black clip connected to the negative battery terminal (or to the negative dummy pole).
For vehicles equipped with Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) the connection on the negative pole
must be made exclusively on the nut NEVER on the terminal (Fig. 1) .

Fig. 1
Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) Connection
1 - Nut
2 - Terminal
3 - Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS)

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08-049-20

The lead clips must be connected correctly; an incorrect connection could cause the following
messages:
• On the Mopar Battery Tester - CHECK CLAMP.
• On the GRX 3228 FCA – CHECK TERMINAL CONNECTIONS If the leads are connected with
the wrong polarity, the following message will appear on the display of the GRX 3228 FCA:
REVERSED TERMINALS, accompanied by an alarm signal.
Check Charge
The following is the procedures for checking the state of charge of the battery using the following
tools Refer to the appropriate section of this bulletin:
• Mopar Battery Tester.
• Midtronics GRX 3228 FCA.
Mopar Battery Tester
The instruments must be configured correctly, setting the battery rated values and test standards,
as given on its label.
Vehicles with Start and Stop system:
1. In the main menu, use the LEFT and RIGHT arrows to select “BATTERY START /
“DIAGNOSIS” (battery icon with letter A on the display).
2. Press Enter to confirm; the request to scan the barcode corresponding to the VIN will appear
on the display of the instrument (Fig. 4) .
Vehicles WITHOUT Start and Stop system:
1. In the main menu, use the LEFT and RIGHT arrows to select “BATTERY TEST” (battery icon
on the display).
2. Press Enter to confirm; the request to scan the barcode corresponding to the VIN will appear
on the display of the instrument (Fig. 4) . VIN acquisition via scanner (for all vehicles with and
without Start and Stop system) According to whether the barcode corresponds to the VIN is
present or absent, follow the instructions in the following paragraphs.
NOTE: For almost all models, the barcode corresponding to the VIN is shown on the C.O.C.
(Order Delivery Certificate) (A) on a side window of new cars, before hand over to the
customer (Fig. 3) .

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Fig. 2
VIN (Order Delivery Certificate)

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08-049-20

Fig. 3
Mopar Battery Tester
1 - Display Screen
2 - Mopar Battery Tester
3 - VIN acquisition request
4- Bar Code Scanner
5 - Temperature sensor

A - Vehicles with barcode corresponding to the VIN:
• When the request to scan the barcode corresponding to the VIN is displayed, use the “UP” and
“DOWN” arrows to select “YES” (Fig. 4) .
• Aim the scanner on the back of the instrument towards the barcode (Fig. 4) .
• Press Enter to acquire the code.
• After acquiring the barcode; the display of the instrument shows the request to specify the type
of battery to be checked; proceed to Step 1(Fig. 4) .
• When the request to scan the barcode corresponding to the VIN is displayed, use the “UP” and
“DOWN” arrows to select “NO”(Fig. 4) .
• Press Enter to confirm. The display of the instrument (2) shows the request to specify the type
of battery to be checked (Fig. 4) ; proceed to Step 1.
• After checking the battery, manually enter the VIN as specified in step Step 10.

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Vehicles with Start and Stop system
1. With the “UP” and “DOWN” arrows select the battery type:
• AGM FLAT PLATE - (Pb AGM).
• EFB – (Enhanced Flooded Battery).
2. Press the Enter button to continue.Vehicles WITHOUT Start and Stop system
1. With the “UP” and “DOWN” arrows select the battery type:
• FLOODED (free acid for standard applications).
• AGM FLAT PLATE.
• AGM SPIRAL.
• VRLA/GEL (normally not used).
2. Press the Enter button to continue.
For all vehicles with and without Start and Stop system
1. After pressing Enter (from Step 2 for vehicles with and without Start and Stop), the display of
the instrument shows the request to specify the type of battery to be checked. Use the UP and
DOWN buttons to select the TEST STANDARD (RATING) following the indications given on
the battery label, according to the following table:
STANDARD GIVEN ON
THE BATTERY
IEC
EN
EN2
JIS
SAE
EN - SAE
EN2 - SAE (with the same
current value)
EN2 - IEC

STANDARD TO SELECT ON THE INSTRUMENT
IEC
EN
EN2
JIS
SAE
EN
EN2
(*)

(*) If both standards are present, select one of the two standards (EN2 or IEC), taking care when
entering the corresponding current value (A).
2. Press the Enter button to continue.
3. Use the “UP” and “DOWN” arrows to select (or key in) the current value (A) for the test
standard according to the battery label.
4. Press the Enter button to continue.
5. Use the “UP” and “DOWN” arrows to select whether the battery is on the vehicle (YES or NO).
6. Press the Enter button to continue.
7. If 9Battery on vehicle9 is selected, use the UP and DOWN arrows to select the connection type:
battery terminals (Direct Connect) or dummy terminals (Jump Start Post).
8.
a. If battery terminals (Direct Connect) was selected, measure the temperature by placing the
sensor about 2.5 cm from the battery (Fig. 5) , continue with Step 9.
b. If dummy terminal (Jump Start Post) was selected, use the UP and DOWN arrows to select
and confirm the make, model and version of the vehicle being tested, then continue with
Step 9.