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File In Section: 06 - Engine/Propulsion System
Bulletin No.: 99-06-03-001
Date: March, 1999
INFORMATION
Subject:
Essential Tool J 42000 Battery Tester
Models:
1990-99 Passenger Cars and Trucks
Every General Motors dealer received a J 42000 battery tester during the 1998 model year. This battery tester is part of the essential tool package and is proven to speed up diagnosis time and reduce the errors associated with load testing technology. This bulletin is being sent to all dealers to help answer the most frequently asked questions and concerns about this new battery testing technology.
1. QUESTION: Why does J 42000 pass a battery before a load test, then fail the same battery after the load test?
ANSWER: Even though it does not happen often, an intermittent internal battery weld failure can cause a battery to give different test results, just as an intermittent connection in any circuit can be difficult to diagnose. A partial connection can cause the J 42000 to show that the battery appears to have adequate capacity. Under the high current of a load test, the weld may completely open or become resistive. The J 42000 can then recognize the problem. It is important to realize that this can also happen the other way around. A failed load test can temporarily "heal" a broken weld enough to make the J 42000 give a good test result. Intermittents are difficult to deal with in any electrical device.
2. QUESTION: Why does J 42000 fail a battery that passes a load test?
ANSWER: Good connections are very important to obtain consistent results with this tester. The J 42000 tester can be used at the battery cable while it is in the vehicle. If the J 42000 fails a battery test at the cables, you must re-test at the battery terminals with the lead lug adapters supplied or with the battery charging and testing adapters from GM (P/N 12303040).
These adapters are designed to contact the lead face of the battery terminal, where the cable would normally contact. Battery bolts, common bolts, or bolt/nut/washer combinations cannot be used as substitutes for the proper test adapters. Bolts do not provide the adequate contact on the lead pad of the terminal and will not give accurate results. Bolt/nut/washer combinations can introduce several hidden resistances into the circuit. Tests using these substitutes often result in a good battery testing as bad. If the battery tester fails the battery with the proper adapters installed on clean terminals, replace the battery.
3. QUESTION: I do not get agreement in test results between the J 42000 and a load test. Why?
ANSWER: Both load testing and J 42000 testing require using the correct specifications. Be sure that the correct LOAD TEST specification is being used for load testing, while the correct CCA rating of the battery is being entered for testing with the J 42000. When proper connections are made and correct specifications are used, there is good agreement between the two testing methods. Load test equipment should be calibrated periodically to assure proper readings, while the electronic circuitry of the J 42000 does not need such maintenance.
4. QUESTION: The J 42000 passes battery with the result "Good Recharge", but later the car comes back (after charging) and the battery will not start the car. Why?
ANSWER: If the battery passes a second test with the result "Good Recharge", check the car carefully for a condition which may cause the battery to become discharged.
Malfunctioning charging systems, parasitic drains and vehicle driving habits can all be causes of a discharged battery. These conditions may be especially difficult to identify if they are intermittent. A complete test of the charging system should be performed, as well as testing for parasitic drains on the car using the J 38758 Parasitic Draw Test Switch and J 39200 (Fluke 87) DMM. If excessive parasitic drains are present, find and repair the source of the drain. If the cause of the discharged battery is determined to be driving habits, education of the operator as to why the condition occurs, is the best course of action. A DISCHARGED BATTERY IS USUALLY THE RESULT OF A PROBLEM AND NOT THE CAUSE.
5. QUESTION: After charging a battery all day, the eye will not turn green, but it passes the J 42000 test and load test. Why?
ANSWER: The "eye" is a one-ball hydrometer used to gauge the specific gravity of the electrolyte (acid) in one cell of the battery. We can usually use this device to determine battery state of charge, since it relates directly to the overall specific gravity of the battery. During the charging process, the specific gravity of the electrolyte right next to the battery plates is changing rapidly. However, the electrolyte farther from the plates may become stratified or layered (not evenly mixed). This is particularly true in a battery that has been in a discharged state for a while. This stratification condition will delay the change of the eye from dark to green. When charging is complete, the eye will turn green once the electrolyte has had a chance to mix completely in that one cell. In these cases, the J 42000 allows a quicker diagnosis of the battery and returning the battery to use will cause the electrolyte to mix faster and the green ball to appear sooner.
6. QUESTION: The J 42000 gives me two different codes on two consecutive tests. Why?
ANSWER: The J 42000 is a sensitive device that carefully measures conductance and open circuit voltage. Small changes in open circuit voltage and conductance can change the test code, but typically will not change the overall test result.
7. QUESTION: Why does the J 42000 pass batteries that have a clear or yellow eye?
ANSWER: The "eye" in the battery turns clear or yellow when the electrolyte level drops below the end of the built-in hydrometer or a gas bubble becomes trapped in the hydrometer. To eliminate the possibility of a gas bubble causing the clear eye, tap on the face of the hydrometer lightly to dislodge any bubbles. If the eye remains clear, the battery is low on electrolyte and should be replaced. An infrequent situation could occur where the electrolyte level has dropped below the end of the hydrometer, but is still covering enough of the plates so the battery has enough capacity to pass the J 42000 test. If this condition exists, the battery should still be replaced, as the low electrolyte condition will soon affect the battery performance. Conditions such as overcharging, leaks in the case and tipping the battery beyond 450 degrees for extended periods of time, are all causes for low electrolyte and clear eye hydrometer readings. These conditions should be corrected before installing a replacement battery.
8. QUESTION: Why do I get different results when I test batteries at the remote terminals and the battery terminals?
ANSWER: The resistance inside the battery cables (althou
Bulletin No.: 00-06-03-003
Date: May, 2000
INFORMATION
Subject:
Battery Testing and Replacement
Models:
1997-2001 Passenger Cars and Trucks (Except 2001 Chevrolet Corvette)
This bulletin is being issued to provide additional information to Corporate Bulletin Number 99-06-03-012, issued December, 1999. It does not supersede that bulletin.
In a continuing effort to improve battery quality in our products, General Motors extensively monitors battery warranty claim information submitted by dealers. It has become apparent that although many dealers are following the procedures as listed in Corporate Bulletin Number 99-06-03-012, some dealers are not adhering to the stated policy. Proper information is critical to quality improvements. The following are several points regarding the testing procedure that are critical to providing correct information.
^ The correct CCA rating must be entered in the Midtronics tester.
^ The seven-digit Midtronics tester code is a critical piece of information. The procedure states that if the battery fails the "In Vehicle" test, the technician must disconnect the battery cables. (Do not remove the battery from the vehicle at this time.) Install the terminal adapters and re-test the battery using the tester's "Out of Vehicle" test. Replace the battery only if the second test shows a REPLACE BATTERY or BAD CELL result. The test code from the SECOND TEST must be entered in the comments section of the warranty claim.
Important :Failure to provide the Midtronics "Out of Vehicle" test code on the warranty claim may subject the claim to rejection.
^ Leaking batteries are to be claimed using failure code "6J" and do not require a Midtronics test code.
^ If a battery has leaked and has soaked the battery insulator blanket, a new blanket must be installed on the new battery.
Bulletin No.: 01-08-66-005
Date: June, 2001
INFORMATION
Subject:
Availability of Pickup Box Reinforcement Kits for Toolbox/Rear Window Barrier/Ladder Rack Applications
Models:
1999-2001 Chevrolet and GMC C/K Pickup Models (Silverado and Sierra) With Fleetside Pickup Box (RPO E63)
New pickup box reinforcement kits are available for customers who may want to install a cross toolbox, side box, or a ladder rack system as an accessory.
Important: The reinforcements must be installed before adding a toolbox or ladder rack system. After the reinforcements have been installed, follow the instructions supplied with the toolbox/ladder rack system for installation onto the pickup box.
Use the following service procedure to install the reinforcements. Use the applicable reinforcement kit part number listed below.
Toolbox and Rear Window Barrier Applications Only - Front Reinforcement Installation
Important: The horizontal surfaces of the reinforcements must be flush to the horizontal surface of the pickup box top rail. Use a clamping tool when positioning the reinforcements onto the top rail to ensure flushness to the outer panel.
1. Place the front L-shaped reinforcements into position on the front top of the pickup box. For vehicles equipped with an over the rail bedliner, the bedliner should be removed with the aid of an assistant prior to installing these reinforcements.
2. Mark the holes necessary for drilling.
3. Remove the front reinforcements.
Important: Use a block of wood and/or a drill stop in order to protect the back of the cab while drilling.
4. Drill two 13.5 mm (0.54 in) holes per side into the box section of the front panel.
5. Drill 7.5 mm (0.30 in) holes into the weld flange of the side outer panel.
6. Touch-up the drilled holes as necessary using the information found in the applicable Service Manual and GM Refinish Material Booklet # 4901M-D-2001 (English) or # 4901M-D-F2001 (French).
7. Place the front reinforcements back onto the box, lining up the drilled holes.
8. Install the large shoulder (M8) bolts into the reinforcement and front panel (total of 4) and the small (M6) bolts into the reinforcement and side outer panel (total of 6) with the nuts.
Tighten
^ Tighten the M8 bolts to 25 Nm (18 lb ft).
^ Tighten the M6 bolts to 9 Nm (79 lb in).
9. Remove all metal shavings from the pickup box after installation.
10. Install the bedliner if equipped with the aid of an assistant. The bedliner may need to be trimmed in order to obtain the necessary clearance to the reinforcements.
Ladder Rack Applications Only - Reinforcement Kit Installation
1. Install the LH and RH front L-shaped reinforcements using the procedure above.
2. Remove the LH and RH rear taillamp assemblies. This is necessary to gain access to install the rearmost bolt of the rear reinforcement.
3. Place the LH and RH rear reinforcements into position on the pickup box.
4. Mark the holes necessary for drilling and remove the reinforcements.
5. Drill 7.5 mm (0.30 in) holes into the weld flange of the side outer panel.
6. Touch-up the drilled holes as necessary. Refer to step 6 under Front Reinforcement Installation procedure.
7. Place the rear reinforcements back onto the pickup box.
8. Install the M6 bolts through the reinforcement and side panel with the nuts.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 9 Nm (79 lb in).
9. Install the LH and RH rear taillamp assemblies.
10. Place the LH and RH center reinforcement into position on the pickup box.
^ On the 2.4 m (8 ft) long pickup box models, this center reinforcement fits over the existing center stake hole.
^ On the 2 m (6.5 ft) short box models, these center reinforcements are recommended to be installed. The reinforcements should be centered between the front and rear reinforcements on the pickup box.
11. Mark the holes necessary for drilling and remove the brackets.
12. Drill 7.5 mm (0.30 in) holes into the weld flange of the side outer panel.
13. Touch-up the drilled holes as necessary. Refer to step 6 under the Front Reinforcement Installation procedure.
14. Place the center reinforcements back onto the pickup box.
15. Install the M6 bolts through the reinforcement and side panel with the nuts.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 9 Nm (79 lb in).
16. Remove any metal shavings from the pickup box after installation.
Parts Information
Parts are expected to be available 6/22/01 from GMSPO.
* Maximum Equipment Weight Capacities (equipment and cargo)
^ Ladder rack and cargo - 364 kg (800 lb)
^ Cross toolbox and cargo - 182 kg (400 lb)
^ Side boxes and cargo - 159 kg (350 lb) (per side)
* The combined weight for all rail-mounted equipment should not exceed 545 kg (1,200 lb).
sounds like another happy chevy owner, and good luck!
No confusion here. Since I'm not an automotive engineer I would never argue with one about tires, or for that matter, anyone who thought they knew as much as one. I can only guess GM used an 'E' load range tire on this truck to design in a generous safety margin. Others can dump theirs. I'll keep mine. Again, "If more is better, then too much is just right" - Carroll Shelby. HA!
Although I've not found a 'D' tire with a 3000# rating in a 265, I'll take your word for it. Right now I'm leaning towards one of your earlier suggestions, the Wrangler AT/S. I'll let ya know how it turns out. Thanks again for the help.
-David
Ryan
The "load rating" on a tire simply refers to how hard it is to puncture - it's just a new form of the old "ply rating".
The "max. load" rating refers to how much weight the tire can safely carry at maximum air pressure, and is dependent on the **amount** of air in the tire at that pressure. A smaller tire at higher pressure holds the same **amount** of air as a larger tire at lower pressure.
Thus, for a BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA-KO, a 245/75R16 "E" tire at 80psi and a 265/75R16 "D" tire at 65psi both have a "max. load" of 3042lbs. The smaller "E" tire has the same "max. load" rating because it is "tougher" and can safely handle higher air pressure than the "D" tire.
Dano
Dell you have to go by pics on their site.
Pros for dell however is their 5% (used to be 7.4% last month GRRR) student discount.
Looks like ill be spending in the neighborhood of $1500 for a 1ghz intel P4 ,20gb hard drive (i have 4 gb's now and dont even use 2),CD/RW, 14.1 screen, 128 ram, floppy drive, and internal ethernet.
Sorry to go so offtopic but this is a computer site and i am in need of a new computer.
Any pros cons vs intel/celeron?
What speed should i get?
Thanks ill probably order tonight or tomorrow
I know how you felt about your bar. Finally after 2.5 yrs our basement is looking good. Got carpet/tile last week. Now all we need is the big screen and i am set
Ryan
"Any pros cons vs intel/celeron?"
As far as the Intell vs. Celeron, we bought another computer (refurb) via internet, with a Celeron processer and I can't tell the difference. Gaming might be a different story. I don't do games and haven't compared them.
My own thoughts, if it helps.
Julie
Only thing is price. I hope they didnt add the student discount in cause
Prices
Education: $1405
Homeand office: $1477 with a $100 mail in rebate
How would a home and office equipped exactly be the same price? Theres no student discount i can see hopefully they subtract that later
Im gonna call later
Oh yea i am going with Dell (they are cheaper and my dad has stock in dell hehe)
Ryan
The automobile companies could take a lesson from the computer industry service model demonstrated by Dell!!!
BTW ryan there is no substitute for speed in a laptop, since they are hard to up grade. Get the biggest and baddest processor in a machine with as much video ram as possible. The hard drive can be made larger later, and you can add more system ram. You can also add DVD, CD/CDRW and such later when you can afford them or need them.
As for the difference between a real Intel and a Celeron, Celeron on die cache is half of real processor and runs at half speed of processor...2WD truck without posi vs. 4WD with posi.
If you get an option between Windows XP Home and XP Professional, PAY THE EXTRA MONEY! Though it takes up more space, it is more robust and stable. I have been testing it since May, and like everything except activation.
I do have Gateways that I built from parts off eBay as I like the look of their older tower cases...but for laptops...DELL man! My personal laptop is Latitude 800 with 8 meg video and 512 system RAM...(RAM is CHEAP! $45 / 256 meg SODIMM from the Crucial website), and 3 different harddrives that have different purposes, to change when needed.
Dude, yur gettin' a DELL! haha
Now if only there was a good way of mounting my personal Dell laptop on top of the console in my truck without it sliding all over the place...maybe I should get out my glass cloth and resin and make something...hehe
matthew
CDRW is only a hundred something
Also it comes with windows me with a free upgrade to windows XP. Cool thing is my school has a contract with microsoft and i can microsoft programs latest being windows XP and office XP for $5 a copy instead of a few $$$ for an upgrade.
So the OP system doesnt mean much as i can upgrade for very cheap.
ill be order in a little bit. Need to recover from my home depot trip
Why are people such ^#%&# i had 14ft boards in my truck coming home (20 miles) and everyone was tailgating me &*##%*&(%@%#^*&#
Also sliced my finger wide open (with a gerber knife with teeth i could feel the teeth in my finger) and may be going to the hospital soon if it doesnt stop bleeding.
Ill let you know on the computer
I cant wait only bad thing is the truck accessories will be on hold for now
maybe when the new models come out in a few years, we'll all talk about trucks again.....BTW, when that happens, who wants to go first this time?....LOL
i nominate Obyone, as he has the most experience on the rebuilding of these beasts.......j/k Dean.
$1522 after tax and shipping
Plus a $100 rebate so total $1422
WOOHOO.
Also for xmas my mom is getting me a new digital camera FEW MORE MONTHS then a ton more pics!!!
That brings to light GM's probable thinking: a lot fewer headaches for them with a smaller, tougher tire.
-David
-
oh yeah, congrats on the new Dell babs. bet ya can't sleep tonight eh?.......LOL
Course that was what I thought when I dumped my '99 for a '00 rado.
Course I'm still thinking about a chevy with DRW.
its a 14.1 screen. My old one is 12.1.
1 Ghz intel P3, 128MB ram, 10gb hard drive, 8X cdrw, 4mb video, windows XP, internal ethernet/56K modem
tangier orange
wheatland yellow
woodland green
doeskin tan
seelig: thats the ones you saw. Probably
going to city - state use
2 were LT's and the other two were LS's. not sure about the GMC's i saw, but the chevy's didn't have the yellow steering wheel.
just so you know i'm not making this up, they are at Micheal Chevrolet here in Fresno if you want to check it out. to tell you the truth though, they were good looking trucks, and the yellow was not the pee yellow shade, it was a yellow like that used on the vettes. i know this cause 1 of the LT's was parked right next to a yellow vette in the showroom.
Julie
be govt. beaters..Since its Cali. those
yellow bad boys are probably gonna be
lowered and bagged...Yellow GMC with pewter
leather ouch! Fellas check out gm buypower
zip 93710. I notice the sticker just sez
special color not what color or code.....
Ryan: your next truck could be yellow
instead of your favorite Carmine !
I know for a fact i probably wont get blue again. To many darn scratches. Just got done washing it and wow rear end is taking a beating from rocks.
Next truck silver?
Ryan
I now live in Oregon and every dealer I have talked to here has no idea about "special paint." So who knows. It sure would have been nice to order my HD with silver. That is my favorite color, and to have it in an HD would be truly unique.
Ryan, good choice on the Dell! Sorry I didn't get any info to you before you bought. Did you get the double memory for free option? About every other day Dell runs this special and it can make a TON of difference!
Items I want to add soon;
Air induction kit,
floor mats (not sure which brand yet),
Line-X liner, tomorrow,
Hypertech chip and power programmer (anyone want to sell theirs?),
upgraded radio system to add my Archos Jukebox mp3 player.
Dano
Thanks obyone!
Dano
my preference is black out. just put michelins on both trucks and did both with the black out. have seen a few trucks with the raised white letter Generals (some guys actually paid for this) and to me, they give the truck a 70's look, but then again, this is just my opinion.
-- Don