Service Bulletin

Bulletin No.:

20-NA-132

Date:

June, 2020

WARRANTY ADMINISTRATION
Subject:

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

Attention: This bulletin applies ONLY to the North American market. Reference the Applicable
Warranties section of Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) for Coverage Information.

Brand:

Model:

Buick

GM
Passenger
Cars and
Trucks
(including
Medium
Duty)

Cadillac
Chevrolet
GMC

Model Year:

Breakpoint:

from

to

from

to

2010

2020

—

—

Involved Region or Country

North America

The EL-50313 Midtronics GR8 Battery Tester/Charger
or EL-52800 Diagnostic Charge Battery Station (DCBS)
must be used in diagnosing battery replacements and
maintaining batteries on new vehicles in dealer
inventory. A 15-digit (GR8) or 20-digit (DCBS) Warranty
Code on the printed test result slip captures critical
information on batteries that require replacement. This
code must be entered on the warranty transaction (see
below for details).

Copyright 2020 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Engine:

Transmission:

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—

Page 2

June, 2020
GR8 Example: English Version

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-132

GR8 Example: French Canadian Version

4866552

Legend
(1)
(2)
(3)

Printout must reflect “Diagnostic Mode”
and “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
decodable by GM.

4866557

Legend
(1)
(2)
(3)

Printout must reflect “Diagnostic Mode”
and “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
decodable by GM.

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-132

June, 2020

Page 3

When a 12 Volt battery is cold (below freezing), its
capacity starts to reduce. This can be observed in the
voltage level of the battery, as well as measured cold
cranking amps. A cold battery is also resistant to
charging. The colder the battery, the more these
characteristics are affected. Therefore, warm the
battery prior to testing. Longer warming times will be
needed depending on how cold the battery is. External
surface temperatures are not reliable for determining
actual battery temperature; measure at multiple points
for best results.
Note: If you suspect that a battery may be frozen,
inspect the case for cracks prior to charging. Do not
charge a frozen battery.

DCBS Example:

Tool Software Updates

5479711

The “Warranty Code” is the correct code to enter on the
transaction (1). This code is unique to each test
performed and is decodable by GM.
Important: Only Warranty Codes generated by a GR8
or DCBS using current software are valid for batteries
replaced under warranty. Warranty Codes generated by
past versions of software or the old hand-held tester
are not valid.

12V Battery Testing
When testing 12V batteries, always follow current
Service Information (SI) procedures for Battery
Inspection/Test, including:
• Disconnect the battery from the vehicle. When
using the GR8, select the “Out of Vehicle” test.
• Select the proper battery type; Flooded, AGM,
AUX12. It is important to select the correct
battery type to prevent battery damage and to
ensure correct test results. If using the DCBS, it
is recommended to use the VIN scan feature
which will automatically populate the battery type.
• On vehicles with two batteries, including Stop/
Start vehicles with Auxiliary batteries, each battery
must be electrically isolated and charged
individually. The Auxiliary battery may not be
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.
• Verify that the CCA value on the tool matches the
value shown on the battery label.
Cold Battery Testing – Battery Temperature at Less
Than 0°C (32°F)
Notice: Batteries that are deeply discharged will take
an extended time to recharge. Batteries that are cold
(below freezing) can falsely fail testing. Batteries that
are cold and deeply discharged must first be warmed to
above 4°C (40°F) prior to testing & charging.

Dealers are responsible for having the latest software
installed prior to tool use.
• For the DCBS, refer to owner manual instructions
for software update instruction.
• GR8 must be equipped with software version
192-675P_July_2017.
Battery replacement transactions involving of batteries
tested with outdated software are subject to debit.

Proactive Alerts
On connected vehicles, GM is able to evaluate the
condition of the battery and report the state of health to
the customer through the Vehicle Diagnostics Report
and/or to the dealer through the Multi-Point Inspection
screen on Service Workbench. Technicians may also
validate alerts by using the Scan Tool through Vehicle
Diagnostics/Vehicle Proactive Alerts.
Level of testing based on Indicator:
• Green – No issues are detected with the battery
and it is unlikely the component will require
replacement at this time. For customer concerns,
follow standard diagnostic procedures. A battery
test and “replace battery” test result IS
REQUIRED prior to battery replacement.
• Yellow – Verify proactive alert SAC002 – SAC005
and follow the diagnostic service procedure for the
applicable code. A battery test and “replace
battery” test result IS REQUIRED prior to battery
replacement.
• Red – Verify proactive alert SAC001 and follow
the service procedure for this code. If proactive
alert SAC001 is present, replace battery. A battery
test IS NOT REQUIRED. Transactions involving
battery replacement due to SAC001 are not
eligible for Diagnostic Add Time and dealers must
enter “SAC001” in the Battery Tester Code field.
• No Indicator/Blank – Either the battery condition
is not available on the vehicle, or there is not
enough information to make a determination on
the condition of the battery. For customer
concerns, follow standard diagnostic procedures.
A battery test and “replace battery” test result IS
REQUIRED prior to battery replacement.

Page 4

June, 2020

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.
Dealers are responsible for maintaining the charge of
batteries on vehicles in dealer inventory. 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 the General
Motors Service Policies and Procedures, Manual,
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 without a warranty
code. 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

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-132

Important: To get a complete charge, it is
recommended to also continue the battery charge in
“Top Off” mode. If battery is not accepting charge, a full
diagnosis is required and if it is determined that the
battery is bad, a warranty code will be generated.
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 (AUX
12) 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.

Battery Replacement Labor Operations
4041510 and 4041520 – Required
Warranty Code
The Warranty Code generated by the GR8 or DCBS 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 (No Dashes or
Spaces) 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).

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-132

June, 2020

Page 5

4489025

Technicians must attach the test result print out with a
“Replace Battery” (GR8) or “Battery is bad” (DCBS)
decision, that includes the Warranty Code, to the
job card.
Important: A copy of this printout must be returned
with the paperwork for each battery returned to the
Warranty Parts Center (WPC).
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. 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.
• Batteries replaced due to SAC001/Red Proactive
Alert – As battery testing is not required in these
cases, enter SAC001 into the Battery Tester Code
field. Note: Diagnostic Add Time is ineligible in
these cases and must not be claimed on the
transaction.
• 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 Warranty
Code into the Battery Tester Code Field. If the

•

•

•

•

customer's battery is not available, enter
REIMBURSEMENT into the Battery Tester Code
Field.
GR8 or DCBS test equipment not working/not
available. Any non-functional or missing test
equipment must be repaired/replaced within 30
days. Contact GM Dealer Equipment for
assistance. On a temporary basis (within those 30
days) the dealership should enter INOP in the
Battery Tester Code field.
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
(Canada Base 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 for
further policies related to battery replacement
parts warranties. Transactions must be submitted
as a ZPTI Transaction Type and routed for GM
Authorization.
Batteries purchased as a retail transaction (over
the counter or dealer-installed) and subsequently
replaced under the GM Replacement Parts
Warranty:
• Dealers in the U.S.: Replacement Parts
Warranty is handled through your local
ACDelco distributor. U.S. Dealers must not
submit claims in Global Warranty
Management.
• Dealers in Canada: Submit applicable ZPTI/
ZPTC parts warranty in Global Warranty
Management. These transactions still require
proper testing to validate battery replacement.
A valid Warranty Code is still required in the
Battery Tester Code field.

Page 6
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June, 2020

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 and a valid Warranty Code must be entered
on transaction. The transaction must be submitted
within one week of vehicle arrival at dealership.
Battery “too low” is NOT a valid entry – The test
equipment is designed to test batteries and
provide results, including the printout and
Warranty Code, at a very low voltage (less than 3
volts). If a vehicle initially enters the service
department with no voltage, the battery must be
charged to a level which will support the test to be
completed.

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-132

Transactions Requiring GM
Authorization
For battery replacement labor operations 4041510 and
4041520 that require any type of GM authorization, the
test result printout from the diagnosis performed prior to
battery replacement must be scanned and attached to
the transaction.
• Paid battery replacement transactions with invalid
or missing Warranty Codes in the Battery Tester
Code field are subject to chargeback. If a
transaction is charged back due to a missing or
invalid Warranty Code, it may be resubmitted
within 30 days with a valid Warranty Code and
routed for GM Authorization.
Questions can be directed to the Warranty Support
Center (WSC) at 1-866-446-2900.

Version

1

Modified

June 25, 2020 – Corporate Service Bulletin Number 03-06-03-004Z has now become
Global format Service Bulletin 20-NA-132. This update adds a Proactive Alerts section
and adds the second bullet under Special Cases.

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.

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