Service Bulletin

Bulletin No.:

23-NA-055

Date:

July, 2023

INFORMATION
Subject:
Brand:

EL-52800 – Diagnostic and Charge Battery Station (DCBS) – FAQs
Model:

Model Year:
from

VIN:
to

from

to

—

—

Engine:

Transmission:

All

All

BrightDrop
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet

All
Passenger
Cars and
Trucks

2024 and Prior

GMC

Involved Region or Country

North America

About the DCBS
Important: Service agents must comply with all
International, Federal, State, Provincial, and/or
Local laws applicable to the activities it performs
under this bulletin, including but not limited to
handling, deploying, preparing, classifying,
packaging, marking, labeling, and shipping
dangerous goods. In the event of a conflict between
the procedures set forth in this bulletin and the
laws that apply to your dealership, you must follow
those applicable laws.
Important: This technical service bulletin (TSB) can
only be completed by certified repair facilities who have
met all specific training, tool and equipment
requirements pertaining to the vehicle Brand and Model
serviced. Repairs must be performed by a technician
who has successfully completed the required training.
The EL-52800 Diagnostic & Charge Battery Station
(DCBS) support battery diagnostic tests including
functional true ½ CCA load tests and provides a true
reserve capacity test. DCBS has a built-in 12V/100A
charger/maintainer that provides in-depth features and
functions to stabilize battery voltage during ECU
reflashing and is capable of charging different
chemistry batteries.
The remote is a comprehensive battery analyzer with
intuitive features and functions enabling technicians to
manage diagnostics through every step of the process
and can be used simultaneously while the trolley is
running a test or charge.

Copyright 2023 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How is the DCBS better than other
diagnostic chargers?
The machine has many features that make it stand
out like:
• Wi-Fi communication between Handheld Remote
and Trolley.
• Physical Connection via Ethernet Cable for
communication between Handheld Remote and
Trolley.
• Infrared temperature laser pointer
• 1D or 2D Barcode/QR code VIN Scan
• Integrated vehicle & battery database

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July, 2023

Bulletin No.: 23-NA-055

Q4. What do the home screen icons stand for?

Li-Ion wakeup and Charge Capability
Half CCA Load Test
True Reserve Capacity Testing
Built-in battery charger/maintainer

Q2. What kind of tests does the DCBS do?
The DCBS will determine the battery’s state of health
by checking the IR (internal resistance) and performing
a true half cold cranking amps (CCA) Load Test. It also
features an integrated reserve capacity (RC) tester to
determine a true RC measurement, if needed.
Along with those three tests, it also performs a charge
acceptance on the battery which determines the
batteries’ ability to take charge. These are all actual
tests instead of calculations or estimations.

Q3. What does each icon in front of the
machine stand for?

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1. Diagnostic – For running a diagnostic charge on a
battery. Remote Diagnostic also under this icon.
2. Charge – Charging a battery without testing along
with Li-Ion Wake-Up procedure.
3. EDM – Enhanced Diagnostic Modes. Under the
EDM icon the user will find Stand Alone Load Test,
Stand Alone RC Test, and ECU Reflash modes.
Note: Will not produce a warranty code.
4. History – Displays a list of all the previous jobs
5. Settings – Allows user to change the settings of
the wi-fi, language, units, and more

Q5. Where can I find battery testing history?
Makes sure you have the latest software and go to the
following screens: Main Menu / History / History
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1. Charge – The Charge LED will blink during
diagnostic and charge operations.
2. wi-fi Connection (Remote to Trolley only) – The
wi-fi connection LED will turn GREEN once
connection is established or turn RED if connection
is lost. Yellow if the connection is weak.
3. Status – If the Status LED is RED, the trolley has
encountered an error.
4. Load Test – The Load Test LED will blink BLUE
during a Load Test and a Reserve Capacity Test.
The Load Test Icon will also show the end result of
a test. GREEN when battery is good, YELLOW
when the battery needs to be recharged, the test
has been terminated by the user, or a clamp
connection failure has occurred, and RED if the
battery is bad.

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Another option is to go to Optimus Updating Portal to
retrieve battery testing history.

Bulletin No.: 23-NA-055

July, 2023

Q6. How can I do a load test on a battery?
Makes sure you have the latest software and go to the
following screens:
Main Menu / EDM / Load Test

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Q9. Why does the DCBS pass more batteries
than the GR8?
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•

The DCBS does not have a time limit like the GR8
of 90 minutes.
The software released in February 2023 will make
the DCBS machine run a longer pre-charge to
recover depleted batteries.
With the database automatically selecting the
battery type, the tool is less prone to error and
incorrect diagnosis.

Q10. Can I still use a Midtronics GR8 to test
batteries?
Dealers can continue to use the GR8 to test batteries
under warranty through 12/31/23. Beginning 1/1/24, the
DCBS will be the only acceptable equipment for testing
batteries under warranty and a DCBS warranty code
will be the only warranty code that supports battery
replacement.

Q11. How do I test a battery properly?

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Q7. How do I use the DCBS as power supply?
Makes sure you have the latest software and go to the
following screens:
Main Menu / EDM / Power Supply Mode

Diagnostic trolley is the recommend way to
properly charge and diagnose a battery.
Using the following link to access the DCBS quick
guide.
https://e-xteq.com/wp-content/uploads/202104/D2-0251-A-DCBS-GM-QuickGuide-DiagnosticTrolley-Procedure.pdf
Important: When testing a battery, always make sure
to connect to bare terminals.

Q12. What if I can’t scan the VIN?
If the windshield glass is difficult to scan through, look
for the VIN in the door jam or under the hood. Both
barcodes and QR codes work with the DCBS.
If the vehicle isn’t in the DCBS database, you can
manually select the battery. Always check for tool
updates to keep the database in the DCBS up-to-date.
Important: The DCBS will have Make Model Year
(MMY) selection from 2010 to current and VIN scanning
capabilities from Model Year 2012 to current.

Q13. Why doesn’t the remote communicate
with trolley?

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The unit communicates to the Trolley via wi-fi. If Wi-Fi
communication is experiencing connectivity issues,
switch to Physical Connection.
Physical connection quick guide can be found in the
website below.
https://e-xteq.com/customer-documents-gm

Q8. How do I get more familiar with the DCBS?

Q14. Why is my DCBS locked out?

Go the E-XTEQ customer documents to find helpful
material:
https://e-xteq.com/customer-documents-gm
Or access a virtual demonstration on YouTube:

The machine needs to be connected to the Optimus
software on a PC via cable every 30 days. If no
software updates are available, the tool will sync the
jobs performed and will reset the 30 day timer.
It will display “Please connect the device to optimus to
check for updates”

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July, 2023

For quicker job uploads to Optimus, please see
“Deleting Jobs from Optimus” quick guide found in the
support website.
https://e-xteq.com/customer-documents-gm

Q15. How do I update my software?
Go to E-XTEQ.com and download Optimus on your PC.
This software allows the PC to download and install
updates on the DCBS.

Q16. In what mode should new pre-sale
inventory be charged?
All new Inventory should be charged using
“Diagnostic Trolley” mode on the DCBS to sufficiently
charge the battery.
Do NOT use the “PDI Mode” to charge. This mode will
only charge for 20 minutes and does not provide
enough charge.

Q17. Do I have to actually remove the battery
from the vehicle for testing?
The battery doesn’t have to be removed, only the
terminal connections from the battery to allow the
clamps to attach to bare posts.

Q18. Can I test a battery at the jump posts?
GM recommends connecting to the bare battery posts
for accurate battery diagnostics.

Q19. When do I need to do a second charge?
Only new pre-sale inventory requires a second test if
the first one fails.

Q20. Why does the DCBS take longer to
charge?

Bulletin No.: 23-NA-055

3. If ambient temperatures are high, this increases
the possibility of the thermal switch opening during
operation. GM recommends connecting directly to
the bare battery posts to reduce resistance.
4. There is an error internally in the DCBS trolley and
the tool needs to be restarted.
Important: The DCBS clamps are equipped with a
thermal switch safety feature that will stop the test if the
clamps exceed normal operating temperature. This is
done to prevent damage to the DCBS clamps and the
vehicle.

Q23. What do I do if I get a “Frozen Battery”
message?
That means the machine has determined the battery is
frozen and requires the battery to thaw and go above
32 degrees Fahrenheit (0°C) before trying again.

Q24. Where can I access the DCBS User
Manual?
The user manual for the DCBS can be
downloaded here:
https://e-xteq.com/customer-documents-gm

Q25. What do I do if the DCBS is not working?
First step is to ensure the DCBS machine has the latest
software. Reference the user manual for further
troubleshooting tips. Restarting the machine may
correct any abnormalities.
Call E-XTEQ technical support at 1-877-453-3265.

Q26. Why can’t I print my battery test slip?
Ensure infrared screen is clean and nothing is blocking
the signal.

The DCBS does not have 90-minute time limit like the
GR8 and may recover deeply discharged batteries the
GR8 may not.

Q21. My original clamps broke. What do I do?
E-XTEQ has improved their clamps with a more robust
design.
The new clamps are not sold individually and must be
installed on the original cables by E-XTEQ. This is a
covered repair through E-XEQ.
New cables that include the new clamps are available
for sale via the GM Dealer Equipment website: Part
number# XTQT10198E.

Q22. Why do I get a Clamp Connection failure?
There could several reasons why:
1. Clamp was physically disconnected from the
battery or jump posts.
2. The connection is poor, and clamps may need to
be removed and reinstalled.

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Also, ensure that the printer is pushed all the way to the
left to ensure direct communication between the
Handheld Remote and Printer.

Bulletin No.: 23-NA-055

July, 2023

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Q27. Why won’t the handheld remote
communicate to the machine?
Early model DCBS don’t have alignment guides to help
place the hand held remote correctly on the pins.
Recommend users of these early models to place the
handheld remote by first inserting the top and then the
bottom. Followed by pushing the handheld remote
down to the left after it’s been seated.

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Note: Jobs that were removed from the machine can
be accessed and downloaded later through Argos if
needed. Quick Guide is available for this in the support
website as well.

Q29. Why do I get a wi-fi disconnected
message?
The handheld Remote can communicate to the trolley
via wi-fi, but some dealerships have interference from
building materials like steel and concrete to electronics
can block and disrupt wi-fi signals. A physical
connection is recommended with a good ethernet cable
when possible. Ethernet cable shown in the picture
below in white.

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Q28. How can I speed up the software update
process?
The machine may be taking a long time if the machine
has a lot of jobs saved. You can select the option to
remove the jobs from the machine for faster updates.
Log into Optimus
1. Click on the settings icon next to your username
2. Click on jobs under settings
3. Toggle the soft switch to remove jobs after each
synchronization

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Using the following link to access the connection guide:
https://e-xteq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/DCBS-Physical-Connection-QuickGuide.pdf

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July, 2023

Bulletin No.: 23-NA-055

Q30. What do I do if I can’t resolve my issue?
Contact E-XTEQ Tech Support – USA at
1-877-453-3265 English or [email protected].
Hours of operation are (EST):
• Monday – Friday 8 AM to 8 PM
• Saturday: 10 AM to 3 PM
Version

2

Modified

Released March 23, 2023
Revised July 12, 2023 – Updated information throughout entire bulletin.

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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