Express Test:
○ To be used for quickly testing batteries of vehicles in for servicing. Although VIN entry
is optional, the required Warranty Code is generated for all “Replace Battery” decisions
(only when the VIN is scanned or entered).

Vehicle Identification:
•

In most cases, the vehicle will be recognized when a VIN scan is performed.
○ Pre-populated fields include: VIN, Year, Make, Model, Technology (Hybrid, Gasoline,
EV, Start-Stop, etc.), Test Location (Top Post, Side Post, Remote). IMPORTANT
REMINDER: With the latest Midtronics software update (Q2, 2021, version “G” for
DCA-8000 and “M” for DSS-5000), critical battery information (battery type and CCA)
which previously populated automatically after VIN entry is now REQUIRED to be
entered accurately by the Technician.

NOTE: The VIN schematic data follows vehicle launch. There will be a delay between the on sale
dates for new models / model years and the corresponding Midtronics software update release timing.
For this reason, the VIN of a newly-launched vehicle may not be recognized right away.

Vehicle Identification: VIN Scan:
Scan the VIN. If the VIN bar code is not available, use manual entry to type in the VIN.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-178-21R; Revised: 09/26/24

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Vehicle Identification: VIN recognized:
Scan the VIN. If the VIN is recognized, the tool will decode the VIN or pre-populate the vehicle
information.

Vehicle Identification: VIN not recognized:
Scan the VIN –if the VIN is not recognized, the tool will not decode the VIN or pre-populate the
vehicle information.
NOTE: The VIN will be captured and recorded in the BMIS for future reference and traceability.

Enhanced Flooded

Battery Identification: Barcode scanning:

Scan the barcode of the battery being tested –if the battery barcode is not recognized, the tool will
not decode the part number or pre-populate the CCA or battery type. The Technician will need to
accurately select the Battery Type from the drop-down menu or enter the Battery / Cranking Rating
(CCA) to receive a Warranty Test Code.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-178-21R; Revised: 09/26/24

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Discharged Battery Testing in General:
IMPORTANT: Effective testing and diagnosis of customer concerns regarding battery discharge or a
dead battery starts with a thorough customer interview.
It is critical to understand how and when the condition was first recognized by the customer, events
occurring prior to that time, and how the condition was addressed when identified.
As examples, the following questions may provide needed insights to help avoid subsequent failures
or may and or explain the battery’s current condition:
•

When was the condition identified? Was it during the first start in the morning or after
driving?

•

How long had the vehicle been parked prior to this occurrence?

•

How was the vehicle used just prior to or after being parked?

•

When the condition was found, how was it addressed? Was the car jump-started? If yes, how?

•

What are the customer’s normal driving habits? Is the car driven daily? What are the typical
distances being driven?

Additionally, as part of any diagnosis of a discharged battery, if a root cause for the condition is not
identified (i.e. map lamp left on or similar), it is critical to ensure no condition exists on the vehicle
side that could result in a future discharged battery. This testing includes the completion of a correctly
performed parasitic / dark current draw test based on the information supplied by the customer. See
TSBs 07-85-14, 07-62-07 and 07-199-21 for more information on dark current testing procedures.

Testing / Charging
EFB Batteries:
Always confirm the Battery Type is EFB
and the proper Cranking Rating (CCA)is
entered as shown on the battery label..
•

Enhanced Flooded

DCA-8000 and DSS-5000
screens are shown.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 07-178-21R; Revised: 09/26/24

Page 7 of 12

Interpreting DSS-5000 and DCA-8000 Test Results:
Battery Diagnostics Overview:
The ongoing advancement of vehicle electrical systems requires batteries to do much more than
just start the engine. While diagnosing the cranking ability of the battery is important, evaluating
Reserve Capacity and Dynamic Charge Acceptance (when applicable) provides a holistic view of
battery health:
•

Reserve Capacity is the battery’s ability to support loads when the engine is off or when
the alternator is in a low output phase.

•

Dynamic Charge Acceptance is the battery’s ability to discharge and recharge quickly to
support the Stop/Start system.

The DSS-5000 is limited to diagnosing the Cranking ability and Reserve Capacity since it cannot
charge the battery. However, the additional capabilities of the DCA-8000 provide diagnostics
on all these failure modes plus, it monitors the battery during a Diagnostic Charge to ensure the
battery can be recovered in an adequate amount of time.
NOTE: These results should align with the DCA-8000 “Cranking/Charging Result” and
“Reserve Result”.
Some exceptions may occur:
•

Back to back testing or pre-charging before a 2nd test is performed can cause measurements
to respond differently masking bad batteries from being identified or, cause good batteries to
incorrectly be diagnosed as failed.

•

If Diagnostic Charging is selected, results may vary from a tester due to changes in battery
condition.

•

The DSS-5000 cannot perform Charge Acceptance or Defect detection tests and may cause
variations in Overall Decisions during the Battery Test (see “Interpreting DCA-8000 Results”
for defect explanation).
Cranking/Charging
(Half CCA Alignment)
CP (Reserve Capacity)

Overall Decision
(Overall Battery
Recommendation)

DSS-5000 Decision Breakdown:
Overall/Cranking:
1. Good Battery – Battery is Good and can be returned to service.
2. Good Recharge – Battery is Good, but discharged. Use the DCA-8000 in “Vehicle Charge and
Test” mode to charge the battery and return it to service.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-178-21R; Revised: 09/26/24

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3. Charge & Retest – Battery condition is discharged and should be charged for a decisive
evaluation. Charge the battery using the DCA-8000 Diagnostic Charger in “Vehicle Charge and
Test” mode for a final decision.
4. Replace Battery – Battery is faulty and should be replaced before returning the vehicle to
the customer. NO FURTHER TESTING SHOULD BE ATTEMPTED. ALWAYS record the
displayed battery test code.
5. Bad-Cell Replace – Battery is faulty and should be replaced before returning the vehicle to
the customer. NO FURTHER TESTING SHOULD BE ATTEMPTED. ALWAYS record the
displayed battery test code.
Reserve Capacity Result (CP):
1. OK – Reserve Capacity is good and the battery should be handled according to the Overall
Decision.
2. Warning – Battery has poor reserve capacity and should be replaced before returning the
vehicle to the customer.
3. Low Battery – Battery being tested is too discharged to perform the CP test.
4. Internal Battery Low – The AA batteries inside DSS-5000 base unit need to be replaced to
allow proper testing.
5. Conditions Not Met – Vehicle conditions have prevented the DSS-5000 from performing
the Reserve Capacity test. Before attempting any retest and to ensure the battery is properly
prepared, confirm the ground cable has been removed from the battery sensor (if equipped) or
the negative battery post on older models.
Test Result: Charge and Retest Use DCA -8000:
If the DSS-5000 returns the result of “Charge and Retest Use DCA”.
•

DO NOT keep repeating the test with the DSS-5000.

•

Use the DCA-8000.

IMPORTANT: With the battery properly prepared and the tester properly configured, no more than
ONE test using the DSS-5000 should be performed. If the DSS-5000 recommends recharging,
retesting or both, the DCA-8000 must be used (and properly configured prior to use) to perform those
functions.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-178-21R; Revised: 09/26/24

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Interpreting DCA-8000 Results:
DCA-8000 Decision Breakdown:
•

Cranking/Charging Result: Decision aligns with the battery’s ability to pass a Half CCA
load test.

•

DCA-8000 Result (Charge Acceptance): Decision aligns with the battery’s ability to
quickly accept a charge and recover after use during Key Off power consumption or Start/
Stop vehicle systems (EFB type battery only).

•

Defect Result: Decision ONLY appears when a battery fails for testing / detection methods
only capable of being performed specifically by the DCA-8000 Diagnostic Charger.

•

Overall Decision: The decision requires all of the above results to be good. If any of the
above results are suspect (Replace), battery replacement is recommended.
Cranking/Charging
(Half CCA Alignment)
CP (Reserve Capacity)
DCA (Charge Acceptance)

Overall Decision
(Overall Battery
Recommendation)

DCA (Charge Acceptance)
NOTE: When Defect: RC warning is displayed, even though the Reserve Result
is OK and DCA Result shows Good CA,
the battery did not perform well during
the larger load test the DCA-8000 has
the ability to perform (vs. the DSS-5000)
causing the Replace Battery decision.

DCA-8000 Decision Explanation:
Overall/Cranking:
Determines battery’s overall condition and ability to start the vehicle.
1. Good Battery – Battery is good and can be returned to service.
2. Good Recharge – Battery is good, but discharged. Use DCA -8000 to charge the battery and
return it to service. (If this decision was reached during a Diagnostic Charge, the process was
aborted before the battery was fully charged.)
3. Charge & Retest – Battery condition is discharged and should be charged for a decisive
evaluation. Charge the battery using the DCA-8000 Diagnostic Charger for a final decision.
a. If a Battery is determined Charge & Retest, use the Diagnostic Charge mode in the
DCA-8000 to get a Replace or Good Battery decision.
4. Replace Battery – Battery is faulty and should be replaced before returning the vehicle to
the customer.
5. Bad-Cell Replace – Battery is faulty and should be replaced before returning the vehicle to
the customer. Charging is not recommended for safety purposes.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-178-21R; Revised: 09/26/24

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Reserve Result (CP):
Determines battery’s ability to support Key Off accessory loads.
1. OK – Reserve Capacity is good and battery should be handled according to the Overall
Decision.
2. Warning – Battery has poor reserve capacity and should be replaced before returning it to
the customer.
3. Low Battery – Battery being tested is too deeply discharged to perform the CP test.
DCA-8000 Charge Acceptance Result:
Determines the battery’s ability to accept charge and recover after Key Off accessory draw.
1. Good CA – Battery recovers at an acceptable rate and can continue service.
2. Poor CA – Battery cannot recover charge and should be replaced.
Defect Results:
Additional detection methods utilized by the DCA-8000 diagnostic capabilities:
1. Replace – Cranking fault has been identified that did not utilize conductance.
2. Broken Weld – Load performance indicates a broken weld and battery replacement is
recommended.
3. Hard Short – A hard short has been detected and battery replacement is recommended.
4. RC Warning – Reserve capacity problems have been identified using a method other than
the RC test performed by the DSS-5000.
Best Practice: VIN tagging the battery
If the battery is removed from the car for testing or replacement, place a bar code sticker of the VIN
on the battery if available. If a bar code sticker is not available, a piece of masking tape or equivalent
with the last 8 digits of the VIN CLEARLY written on it will suffice. This provides traceability for the
battery and any tests or charging performed.
If the battery is to be covered under Warranty, the VIN, test result and test code MUST be secured to
the battery using a Warranty tag, masking tape, etc.
VERY IMPORTANT: There must be CLEARLY written indications on the Warranty Tag of the
following:
•

Coverage Type: Warranty
(WC), Parts Warranty (PW) or Policy Adjustment (PA) .

•

Pick-Up Date: Batteries replaced under any of the Coverage Types listed above MUST be
retained for at least 40 days after the CLAIM APPROVAL DATE (NOT R.O. Date) before
they are eligible to be picked up by the Interstate Batteries (IB) representative. Therefore, there
must be clear indication to the IB representative that the battery in question is not available to be
picked up until AFTER the listed “Pick Up After” date.

Leaking Batteries:
Refer to TSB 07-186-20 for detailed information regarding identification of leaking batteries.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-178-21R; Revised: 09/26/24

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Replacing a battery:
•

Always remember to record the customer’s radio station presets and navigation favorites
before disconnecting the battery and to reset them when replacement is complete.

•

NEVER replace an EFB battery with a flooded battery. Use ONLY the battery specified for
the vehicle.

•

When testing a new replacement battery, use the After New Battery Install function of either
the DSS-5000 or the DCA-8000 to perform the test.

Bulletin Number: 07-178-21R; Revised: 09/26/24

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