For 1990-2009 cars

#### Tools Required

SA9154Z-A Starting and Charging System Tester

### Diagnostic Aids

Important:

• | A dead battery is usually a symptom of another problem. Fix the problem, do not just charge or change the battery.

• | Failure to properly understand the battery and its function could lead to a misdiagnosis and unneeded repairs. Refer to Battery Description and Operation and Battery Common Causes of Malfunction for more information.

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 SA9154Z-A clips on the terminal. This may cut through any coating or through any oxidation that may be present on the terminal.

| Even new terminals contain a protective coating that may insulate or cause a resistance in the test circuit.

• | If correct connections to the battery terminals in the vehicle are in doubt, perform the following steps:

1. | Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2. | Disconnect the positive battery cable.

• | If the tester displays a "Bad Battery" result for a battery tested in the vehicle with the battery cables connected, perform the following steps:

1. | Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2. | Disconnect the positive battery cable.

Step | Action | Values | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.
1 | Inspect the battery for a cracked, broken, or damaged case, which may be indicated by battery acid leakage. Is the battery OK? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 9
2 | Compare the cold cranking amperage (CCA), and reserve capacity (RC) and/or amp hour (AH) rating of the battery to the original battery or original equipment (OE) specification. Refer to Battery Usage . Does the battery meet or exceed the specifications? | -- | Go to Step 3 | Go to Step 9
3 |

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Attempt to rotate the negative battery cable connector with light finger pressure.

Does the negative connector rotate?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4 | Attempt to rotate the positive battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure. Does the positive connector rotate? | -- | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 5
5 | Important: Ensure that all of the electrical loads are turned OFF.

1. Install the SA9154Z-A Starting and Charging System Tester.
2. Follow the directions supplied with the tester.
3. Follow any directions displayed on the tester.
4. If the tester displays "Good, Low Charge" or "Charge and Retest", refer to Battery Charging .

Did the tester pass the battery?

--

Battery OK

Go to Step 6

6 |

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Disconnect the positive battery cable.
3. Clean and wire brush both battery post and the metal contact rings on both cable connectors.
4. If either of the battery terminals or the contact rings are excessively damaged or corroded, replace as needed.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 7

--

7 | Important: Ensure that both battery cables are disconnected.

1. Install the SA9154Z-A .
2. Follow any directions displayed on the tester.
3. If the tester calls for charging the battery, refer to Battery Charging .

Did the tester pass the battery?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8 |

1. Connect the positive battery cable to the batteries positive terminal.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

2. Tighten the positive battery cable bolt to the specified value.
3. Connect the negative battery cable to the battery negative terminal.
4. Tighten the negative battery cable bolt to the specified value.

Are the cable bolts properly tightened?

6 N·m (53 lb in)

Battery OK

--

9 | Replace the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Battery OK | --