Battery Inspection/Test

Battery Inspection/Test

Diagnostic Aids

Tools Required

J 42000 Digital Battery Tester

Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution Battery Disconnect Caution.

Important: The battery test using the J 42000 requires correct connections to the battery terminals. A failure to obtain the correct connections during the test may result in a failed test on a good battery.


Follow these instructions in order to avoid an incorrect diagnosis because of connections:

* If testing the vehicle with the battery cables still connected, wiggle the J 42000 clips on the terminal bolt. This may cut through any coating or through any oxidation that may be present on the bolt. Even new bolts contain a protective coating that may insulate or cause a resistance in the test circuit.
* If correct connections to the battery terminal bolts in the vehicle are in doubt, perform the following steps:

- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Disconnect the positive battery cable.
- Install the test adapters on the terminals.
- Follow the instructions for testing a removed battery.

* If the tester displays a REPLACE BATTERY result for a battery tested in the vehicle with the battery cables connected, perform the following steps:

- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Disconnect the positive battery cable.
- Install the tester adapters.
- Follow the instructions for testing a removed battery.
- Replace the battery only if the second test shows a REPLACE BATTERY result.
- Use the test code from the second test for any warranty purposes.

* Use the correct terminal adapters. Do not use any common bolts or a combination of bolts, or nuts, and of washers as adapters when testing the battery.