2023 Battery Ratings Chart and Battery Maintenance FAQs Update

U.S. dealerships use the Battery Maintenance Report to identify vehicles in dealer inventory that require attention. (Fig. 1) The report, which is updated every day, indicates if a battery charge is required due to a low 12V battery state of charge or if the vehicle should be moved to help prevent tire flat spotting and brake corrosion.

 

Fig. 1

 

GM recommends that dealerships monitor the report once per week. The report is available through the Maxis for Dealers app link on GlobalConnect. In the app, select the Battery Maintenance Report tile. Keep in mind that the report updates every day; however, each vehicle sends updates only once every five days, so it may take up to five calendar days for the vehicle to be removed from the report after the dealership takes action on a vehicle. (Fig. 2)

 

Fig. 2

 

Vehicles on the report that require a battery charge should be charged using the EL-52800 Diagnostic Charge Battery Station (DCBS) or the EL-50313 Midtronics GR8 Battery Tester/Charger. For vehicles with two batteries, each battery should be individually charged.

Additional information about the Battery Maintenance Report can be found in updated Bulletin #22-NA-115. It provides an overview of the battery maintenance process as well as a variety of Frequently Asked Questions, ranging from criteria that qualifies a VIN to appear on a report to the actions a dealership needs to take and what to do if a battery fails testing.

Battery Testing

When testing a battery using the DCBS, select Diagnostic > Trolley to set up the test. Scan the VIN and verify the battery selection is correct (Fig. 3), or manually select the correct Battery Type (Flooded or AGM) and rated CCA (both from the battery label).

 

Fig. 3

 

If testing a battery using the EL-50313 Midtronics GR8 Battery Tester/Charger, select Charging > Diagnostic when setting up the test. Enter the correct Battery Type (Flooded, AGM, or Start/Stop AGM) and rated CCA (both from the battery label). Use the Out of Vehicle test (battery disconnected with test equipment connected directly to the posts) for each battery when testing a vehicle with dual batteries.

TIP: Effective January 1, 2024, the DCBS will become Essential Equipment for all GM dealerships. GM will arrange to ship one DCBS to those dealerships that do not have a DCBS prior to 2024. Shipments began in May and will continue throughout the year for Tier 1 and Tier 2 dealerships. Remaining dealerships can expect shipments by the end of the 3rd quarter of 2023. The timing of shipments may change based on global supply chain constraints and availability. The Midtronics GR8 will no longer be acceptable equipment for warranty transactions beginning January 1, 2024. The DCBS Warranty Claim Code and test result printout attachment will be the only acceptable supporting documentation for warranty battery replacement transactions.

Updated 2023 Battery Ratings Chart

An updated Original Equipment (OE) Battery Ratings chart for the 2023 model year is now available under the Reference Charts menu for use when testing OE batteries.

The chart includes SAE cold cranking amperage (CCA), amp hours (AH) and reserve capacity (RC) ratings along with battery type specifications. (Fig. 4) The 2023 model year chart as well as charts for earlier model years can be easily printed using the browser’s print function.

 

Fig. 4

 

Correct battery CCA ratings and battery type are critical for proper test results. Access the battery label if the original battery in the vehicle has been replaced since the OE information from the 2023 battery chart may not match the battery currently installed in the vehicle. For more information on replacement batteries, refer to the Electronic Parts Catalog. Selecting the incorrect Battery Type or CCA Rating may result in battery damage or a “Battery is bad” result on a good battery, leading to a good battery being replaced unnecessarily.

For more details on proper battery testing, refer to the appropriate Service Information. Go to General Information > General Information > Specifications > 12 Volt Battery Usage for battery specs on 2019 and later model years.

In addition, Bulletin #20-NA-132 outlines the testing process and warranty replacement requirements that all GM dealerships must follow.

– Thanks to Marco Salcedo, Ernie Haller and Brett Holsworth