Classification:

Reference:

EL09-004L

Date:

NTB09-022L

December 3, 2021

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 healthy state of 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:


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/.

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.
1/10

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 must be performed with the DSS-5000 or CPX-900.



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:
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 next page.

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NTB09-022L

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 or
CPX-900 to perform
CHECK-IN test

CHECK-IN
test result

Good
battery

Replace
battery

Charge and
retest

Good
battery

Keep test strip
with vehicle
records and
include with PDI
information

Good recharge
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

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 the test
strip to the repair order

Perform battery check using Inventory
Test with DSS-5000 or CPX-900
every 30 days

Perform System Test with
DSS-5000, CPX-900, or DCA-8000 to
confirm charging and starting systems are
operating correctly

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

Keep test strip with vehicle records and
include with PDI information

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NTB09-022L

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 extended storage switch in inventorycondition (storage-mode) to reduce battery drain.



If a vehicle is being stored on the dealer lot, routinely check the battery State Of
Charge (SOC) with the DSS-5000 or the CPX-900 and charge the battery as needed
using DCA-8000 or other approved charging methods every 30 days.

NOTE:
o 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, 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 2021 and newer Rogue (T33) and 2022 and newer Pathfinder (R53), 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. Please allow the battery sufficient time for resting before attempting
retest from this condition, preferably once the battery has risen above
32°F (0°C).

4/10

NTB09-022L

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 DSS5000 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 Nissan Assurance Products Resource Manual (APRM) and the latest
warranty policy bulletins for battery claims procedures.

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NTB09-022L

Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB)
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.
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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NTB09-022L

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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NTB09-022L

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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NTB09-022L

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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NTB09-022L

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

December 10, 2012

NTB09-022C

January 18, 2013

NTB09-022D

Pages 1-4 revised
Publication date updated to include the latest
models and model years
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

March 13, 2018

NTB09-022I

August 7, 2020

NTB09-022J

Changes made throughout
Publication date updated to include the latest
models and model years
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

NTB09-022K

Changes made throughout

December 3, 2021

NTB09-022L

Changes made throughout

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NTB09-022L