Classification:

Reference:

EL09-004j

Date:

NTB09-022j

August 7, 2020

12 VOLT BATTERY STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE
FOR NEW VEHICLES IN DEALER INVENTORY
This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page.
Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

APPLIED VEHICLES: All new (unsold) Nissan vehicles in dealer inventory
SERVICE INFORMATION
Design and process changes have been made to improve battery voltage at dealer receipt.
Our goal is to deliver vehicles to customers with a 12 volt battery in excellent condition.
Proper dealership storage and maintenance of vehicle 12 volt batteries is essential for good
battery operating life and customer satisfaction.
Dealers are responsible for maintaining vehicles in their inventory. The 12 volt battery in
new vehicles in dealer inventory should always be kept at a full charge. This will prevent
excessive discharge during storage and keep vehicles ready for delivery to customers at
any time.
If 12 volt batteries in new vehicles are allowed to discharge for a prolonged period of time,
battery life may be drastically reduced. This condition may lead to premature battery
replacement and customer dissatisfaction.
IMPORTANT:


The EXP800 has been replaced by the Midtronics DSS-5000. Each dealer has been
shipped one DSS-5000.



The DSS-5000 contains operating instructions accessed using its touch screen.



DSS-5000 operating instructions are also found at: http://nissan.dss5000.com



EXP800 is no longer supported and cannot be used for warranty battery claims.



The GR8 is available for warranty battery claims, and required in some cases.



Operating instructions for the GR8 are in ASIST: Tech-Mate > Tech-Mate Tools &
Equipment > Midtronics GR8-1200-NI User Guide

Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.
1/7

Required PDI Check-in (PDI Battery Test) Process Flow Overview
Upon receipt of new vehicles, dealers are responsible for performing a CHECK-IN test on
the 12 volt battery within 72 hours of delivery, or upon receipt from a dealer trade.


A CHECK-IN test may be performed with the DSS-5000 or the GR8.



The dealer is responsible for keeping detailed records of battery maintenance,
including the CHECK-IN test results, in the vehicle folder.



Prior to beginning the CHECK-IN test, please ensure the following conditions are
met:
 The battery is above 32°F (0°C).
 The vehicle’s ignition has been off for four (4) hours.
 The battery posts are clean and secure.
Start

Use Midtronics GR8 (only) and
perform Diagnostic Charge

Use DSS-5000 or
GR8 to perform
CHECK-IN test

Customer Override is NOT an
acceptable option for PDI
Continue charging until session
is complete

CHECK-IN
test result

Charge and
Retest
Good

Good

Diagnostic Charge
test result
Replace

For PDI Recharge warranty
claim, use Recharge Battery
code obtained from the
CHECK-IN test result

Record test results on PDI
form and attach test strip to
PDI folder

Record test
results on PDI
form and attach
test strip
to PDI folder

Perform battery check
using Inventory Test with
DSS-5000 or GR8 every
30 days
Charge battery with
GR8 if required

2/7

Replace the battery
 Refer to the ESM for
proper torque specification
when reconnecting the
battery cables
 Use Replace Battery Code
for warranty claim and
attach test strip to repair
order
Perform System Test with
DSS-5000 to confirm charging
and starting systems are
operating correctly.
Record test results
on PDI form and attach
test strip to PDI folder

NTB09-022j

NOTE: The time allowance for the battery CHECK-IN test is included in the total PDI flat
rate time and will be reimbursed as part of the current PDI payment, even though the
remainder of PDI activities may take place at a later time.

Required 12 Volt Battery Maintenance for Dealer’s New Vehicle Inventory
For unsold vehicles:


Maintain vehicles with transit mode and storage switch in inventory-condition
(storage-mode) to reduce battery drain.



If a vehicle is being stored on the dealer lot, routinely check the battery State Of
Charge (SOC) and charge the battery as needed. Recommended checking intervals
are:
 Both battery cables connected: every 30 days.
 Negative battery cable disconnected: every 90 days. (The battery must be fully
charged before disconnecting the negative cable. Disconnecting the negative
cable reduces the chance of battery damage due to low SOC.)
NOTE: Refer to the ESM for proper torque specification when reconnecting the
battery cables.



Use DSS-5000 or GR8 Inventory Test for routine SOC checks.

NOTE:
 Dealers should discontinue the practice of starting an engine to see if the
battery is “good.” Batteries may still start an engine even with a low SOC and
the battery may be further damaged if the battery is not recharged after starting.
Battery checks should always be performed with the DSS-5000.
 For display vehicles, be sure to check daily and charge as needed to avoid low
SOC conditions.
 Idling the engine to charge the battery is NOT recommended since effectiveness
is highly dependent on vehicle storage conditions such as temperature, vehicle
type, and initial SOC.
 Prior to charging any battery, determine if it is a standard flooded battery or
an Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) – refer to page 5.
 Testing a “cold” battery (below freezing) may result in incorrect test decisions. If a
“REPLACE” decision is reached yet the vehicle starts without hesitation, perform
a re-test after the vehicle (or battery only) has been in the shop overnight (to
ensure the battery is warm enough [above freezing]).

3/7

NTB09-022j

Warranty Submission Requirements
A battery claim may be denied if the following processes are not followed:


PDI battery tests must be done using the tester “CHECK-IN” function.
 If a “charge and retest” result is given by the tester, a diagnostic charge using the
GR8 is required.
 A “battery test” is not acceptable for PDI battery claims.
 The customer override option in the diagnostic charge mode is not acceptable for
a PDI battery claim.



The correct VIN or model must be selected to ensure the correct battery rating for
the test.



The 15 digit battery test code generated by the GR8 must be submitted with every
PDI battery replacement claim.



The 15 digit battery test code generated by the “CHECK-IN” function (either with the
DSS-5000 or the GR8) must be submitted for all recharge claims.



“Good battery” codes and test strips from “CHECK-IN” or “Systems Test” should be
kept in the vehicle folder.



DO NOT SUBMIT “Good Battery” test codes with warranty claims.



Refer to claims policy bulletin WPB/11-023 for additional information on battery claim
policy procedures.

CLAIMS INFORMATION
Reference the current Nissan Assurance Products Resource Manual (APRM) and the latest
claims bulletins for battery claims procedures.

4/7

NTB09-022j

Enhanced Flooded Batteries
An increasing number of Nissan vehicles are being equipped with an Enhanced Flooded
Battery (EFB). It is important to verify battery type to ensure the correct tests are performed
and no damage occurs to the battery or other vehicle systems.


A Midtronics battery testing software update, released 2/12/2015 for the GR8,
contains new charging software for EFBs. EFBs require an equalization charge to
address electrolyte stratification that can occur in this type of battery.
 If a vehicle has the factory equipped 12 volt battery: The Midtronics battery
testing software will automatically perform the correct charge. The type of factory
equipped battery is determined by entering the vehicle information into the tester.
 If the vehicle 12 volt battery has been replaced: It is important to determine if
the battery is an EFB or not.
o Check the battery for a designation such as those shown in Figure 1 below
and Figure 2 on the next page.
o If an EFB battery type cannot be determined by markings on the battery,
contact the battery supplier.

Figure 1

5/7

NTB09-022j

Figure 2

CAUTION:


Charging requirements for EFBs are different from standard flooded batteries.



ONLY the GR8 will properly charge an EFB that has a low SOC.



The equalization charge for EFBs may take up to five (5) hours.



The EFB must be removed from the vehicle during the charge to eliminate the risk of
leakage or venting that can occur during the extended charge.



Failure to properly identify an EFB could result in inaccurate test results (for
example, calling a good battery bad).



If a non-EFB is subjected to an EFB diagnostic charge, it will be damaged
beyond repair.

6/7

NTB09-022j

AMENDMENT HISTORY
PUBLISHED DATE

REFERENCE

DESCRIPTION

March 23, 2009

NTB09-022

Original bulletin published

May 27, 2011

NTB09-022a

Changes made throughout

August 31, 2011

NTB09-022b

Pages 1-4 revised

December 10, 2012

NTB09-022c

Publication date updated to include the latest
models and model years

January 18, 2013

NTB09-022d

Changes made throughout

February 11, 2014

NTB09-022e

Pages 1-4 revised

April 29, 2015

NTB09-022f

Changes made throughout

November 20, 2015

NTB09-022g

Page 3 revised

July 7, 2017

NTB09-022h

Changes made throughout

March 13, 2018

NTB09-022i

Publication date updated to include the latest
models and model years

NTB09-022j

Publication date updated to include the latest
models and model years, and a statement to
reference the ESM for proper torque
specification when reconnecting battery cables
added to pages 2 and 3

August 7, 2020

7/7

NTB09-022j