Classification:

Reference:

EL23-011A

Date:

NTB23-049A

August 3, 2023

12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES
This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page.
Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

APPLIED VEHICLES:

All Nissan vehicles

SERVICE INFORMATION
The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing
good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations are
expected to promote uniformity during the connection process, therefore reducing the
number of incorrect “Test with DCA” and “Replace” results.
HINT: If 12 volt batteries 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://nissancpx900.midtronics.com/



DSS-5000 operating instructions are found at:
https://nissandss5000.midtronics.com/



DCA-8000 is now a required testing tool to be used for all warranty charge sessions.
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://nissandca8000.midtronics.com/

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.
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SPECIAL TOOLS
Hand Held Testing Tools


CPX-900

Figure 1


DSS-5000

Figure 2
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NTB23-049A

Connecting Hand Held Testing Tools


Positive directly to battery post

Figure 3


Positive on battery terminal

Figure 4

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

Negative directly to battery post

Figure 5


Negative on ground strap (if equipped)

Ground strap
(if equipped)

Figure 6

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

Negative on battery terminal

DO NOT connect to
the threaded stud
for testing purposes

X
Connect directly onto the battery
terminal for testing purposes
Figure 7

Stand Alone Testing Tools


DCA-8000
o

It is recommended to remove the battery from the vehicle and connect directly
to the battery posts when performing testing with the DCA-8000.

Figure 8

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NTB23-049A

12 Volt Battery Maintenance for In-Service Vehicles Subject to Extended Stay


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 the DCA-8000 every 30 days.
IMPORTANT:
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

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 the 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 7 -10.

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 to
retest from this condition, preferably once the battery has risen above
0°C (32°F).

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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 9 through
Figure 11 on page 7 through page 8.
 If an EFB battery type cannot be determined by markings on the battery,
contact the battery supplier.

Figure 9


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

Figure 10
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Figure 11

HINT:


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, remove the battery
from the vehicle and place it in a well-ventilated area before starting the charging cycle.
Charging the battery while in the vehicle may cause battery acid to leak onto the vehicle
and/or flammable gases to combust while charging.

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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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 12 through
Figure 14 on page 9 through page 10.
o If the correct battery type cannot be determined by markings on the battery,
contact the battery supplier.

Figure 12

Figure 13
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Figure 14

To avoid the risk of death, severe personal injury or property damage, remove the battery
from the vehicle and place it in a well-ventilated area before starting the charging cycle.
Charging the battery while in the vehicle may cause battery acid to leak onto the vehicle
and/or flammable gases to combust while charging.

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

AMENDMENT HISTORY
PUBLISHED DATE REFERENCE
June 16, 2023

NTB23-049

August 3, 2023

NTB23-049A

DESCRIPTION
Original bulletin published
Revised IMPORTANT statement on page 1

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