Classification:

Reference:

Date:

EL09-005L

ITB09-015L

December 3, 2021

12 VOLT BATTERY STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE
FOR NEW VEHICLES IN RETAILER 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) Infiniti vehicles in retailer inventory

SERVICE INFORMATION
Design and process changes have been made to improve battery voltage at retailer receipt. Our goal is to
deliver vehicles to clients with a 12 volt battery in excellent condition. Proper retailer storage and maintenance
of vehicle 12 volt batteries is essential for good battery operating life and client satisfaction.
Retailers are responsible for maintaining vehicles in their inventory. The 12 volt battery in new vehicles in
retailer inventory should always be kept at a healthy state of charge. This will prevent excessive discharge
during storage and keep vehicles ready for delivery to clients 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 client dissatisfaction.

IMPORTANT:


CPX-900 is now an accepted testing tool to use along with or in place of the DSS-5000.

 CPX-900 operating instructions are found at: https://www.midtronics.com/testers/cpx-900/.


DSS-5000 operating instructions are found at: https://www.midtronics.com/testers/dss-5000/.



DCA-8000 is now a required testing tool to be used for all warranty replacement decisions. The
DCA-8000 is also a more efficient charger than previously available and will charge any available
12 volt lead acid battery safely and accurately as long as all precautions and inputs are made correctly.
The DCA-8000 operating instructions are found at:
https://www.midtronics.com/diagnostic-chargers/dca-8000/.

Infiniti 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 Infiniti retailer to determine if this
applies to your vehicle.

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

A CHECK-IN test must be performed with the DSS-5000 or CPX-900.



The retailer is responsible for keeping detailed records of battery maintenance, including the
CHECK-IN test results, with the PDI information.



Prior to beginning the CHECK-IN test, please ensure the following conditions are met:
o The battery is above 32°F (0°C).
o The vehicle's engine has been off for the last 4 hours.
o The battery posts are clean and secure.
o The battery has not been charged within the last 4 hours.
 If a battery is discharged, or rapidly charged within a close time to battery testing, it can cause
a polarization/stratification of the battery electrolyte. This will cause inaccurate testing of the
battery and could result in an improper replace decision from the testing tools. In the case of
the DCA-8000, it will likely generate a warning, delaying testing due to stratification of the
electrolyte.

Process Flow Overview continued on the next page.

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ITB09-015L

Required PDI Check-in (PDI Battery Test) Process Flow Overview (continued)
Start
Use a DCA-8000 diagnostic charge to correctly
understand the state of charge and state of health
of the battery and charge if appropriate

Use DSS-5000 to
perform
CHECK-IN test

CHECK-IN
test result

Good
battery

Good recharge
battery

Replace
battery

Charge and
retest

Good
battery

If a Good - Recharge is
the result after a
diagnostic charge, the
charge was likely aborted
before charging completed.
This is not the suggested
method of battery
maintenance

Replace the battery

Keep test strip with
vehicle records and
include with PDI
information

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

 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, CPX-900, or DCA-8000 to confirm
charging and starting
systems are operating correctly

Perform battery check using Inventory Test with
DSS-5000 or CPX-900 every 30 days
Charge battery using DCA-8000 or other
approved charging method. Once testing and
charging is complete, confirm the vehicle is
returned to storage condition with the extended
storage switch pulled out and the negative battery
cable disconnected from the battery post

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Keep test strip with the vehicle records and
include with the PDI information

ITB09-015L

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 Retailer’s New Vehicle Inventory
For unsold vehicles:


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



If a vehicle is being stored on the retailer lot, routinely check the battery State Of Charge (SOC) and
charge the battery as needed using DCA-8000 or other approved charging methods every 30 days.

NOTE:
o Retailers 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, CPX-900, or DCA-8000.
o For display vehicles, be sure to check daily and charge as needed to avoid low SOC conditions.
o Idling the engine to charge the battery is NOT recommended for most vehicles since the
effectiveness is highly dependent on the vehicle storage conditions such as temperature, vehicle
type, initial SOC, and alternator type.
 For 2022 QX60, idle charging can be used when properly prepared.
■

Ensure the vehicle IS in shipping mode by confirming position of the extended storage
switch. The position of the extended storage switch should not be changed while the
ignition is ON.

o Prior to charging any battery, determine if it is a standard flooded battery, an enhanced flooded
battery (EFB), or an absorbent glass mat battery (AGM). Refer to pages 6-9.
o 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 diagnostic charge with
DCA-8000. The DCA-8000 can more accurately determine the battery temperature and will
generate a warning if the battery is too cold to accurately test. It can warm the battery directly
through a discharge/charge micro-cycle to more quickly test a battery too cold for normal testing.
Allow the battery sufficient time for resting before attempting retest from this condition, preferably
once the battery has risen above 32°F (0°C).

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ITB09-015L

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.



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 DCA-8000 must be submitted with every PDI battery
replacement claim.



The 15 digit battery test code generated by the “CHECK-IN” function (with the DSS-5000 or
the CPX-900) must be submitted for all recharge claims.



“Good battery” codes and test strips from “CHECK-IN” or “Systems Test” should be kept with the
vehicle records and included with the PDI information.



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



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

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

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ITB09-015L

Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB)
An increasing number of Infiniti 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.
To avoid the risk of death, severe personal injury or damage to the vehicle, do not use a battery charger that
does not have an EFB specific charging profile. Failure to do so may cause battery acid to leak onto the vehicle
and/or flammable gases to combust while charging.


EFBs require an equalization charge to address electrolyte stratification that can occur in this type of
battery.
o 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.
o If the vehicle’s 12 volt battery has been replaced: It is important to determine if the battery is an
EFB or not.
 Check the battery for a designation such as those shown in Figure 1 through Figure 3, below
and on the next page.
 If an EFB battery type cannot be determined by markings on the battery, contact the battery
supplier.

Figure 1


EFBs also come in ranges such as Q-85 and Q-95.

Figure 2

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ITB09-015L

Figure 3
NOTE:


Charging requirements for EFBs are different from standard flooded batteries.



ONLY testers with an EFB charging profile will properly charge an EFB that has a low SOC.



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



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

To avoid the risk of death, severe personal injury or property damage, do not charge the battery in the
vehicle. Failure to do so may cause battery acid to leak onto the vehicle and/or flammable gases to combust
while charging. Disconnect both battery cables and remove the battery from the vehicle before starting the
charging cycle.

To avoid the risk of damage to the battery, do not charge an EFB battery using a non-EFB diagnostic charge.

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ITB09-015L

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries
An increasing number of service batteries are now sourced as Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries. 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.
To avoid the risk of death, severe personal injury or damage to the vehicle, do not use a battery charger that
does not have an AGM specific charging profile. Failure to do so may cause battery acid to leak onto the
vehicle and/or flammable gases to combust while charging.


AGM batteries require a specialized slow charge for correct SOC recovery without battery damage.



It is important to determine if the battery is an AGM or not.
o Check the battery for a designation such as those shown in Figure 4 through Figure 6, below and
on the next page.
o If the correct battery type cannot be determined by markings on the battery, contact the battery
supplier.

Figure 4

Figure 5

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ITB09-015L

Figure 6

To avoid the risk of death, severe personal injury or property damage, do not charge the battery in the
vehicle. Failure to do so may cause battery acid to leak onto the vehicle and/or flammable gases to combust
while charging. Disconnect both battery cables and remove the battery from the vehicle before starting the
charging cycle.

To avoid the risk of damage to the battery, do not charge an AGM battery using a non-AGM diagnostic charge.

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ITB09-015L

AMENDMENT HISTORY
PUBLISHED DATE

REFERENCE

DESCRIPTION

March 23, 2009

ITB09-015

Original bulletin published

May 27, 2011

ITB09-015A

Changes made throughout

August 31, 2011

ITB09-015B

Pages 1-4 revised

December 10, 2012

ITB09-015C

Publication date updated to include the latest models and
model years

January 18, 2013

ITB09-015D

Changes made throughout

February 11, 2014

ITB09-015E

Pages 1-4 revised

April 29, 2015

ITB09-015F

Changes made throughout

November 20, 2015

ITB09-015G

Page 3 revised

July 7, 2017

ITB09-015H

Changes made throughout

March 13, 2018

ITB09-015I

Publication date updated to include the latest models and
model years

August 7, 2020

ITB09-015J

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

February 26, 2021

ITB09-015K

Changes made throughout

December 3, 2021

ITB09-015L

Changes made throughout

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ITB09-015L