The Midtronics Diagnostic Charger DCA-8000P (Fig. 6) is now an Essential Tool for all U.S. dealerships. The DCA-8000P is a state-of-the-art battery charger and tester that provides accurate testing, fast results and automatic software updates.
Fig. 6
It offers a number of innovative features, providing a decision on battery health in as little as five minutes, depending on the state of the battery. Also, coming soon through a future software update for all units, new Safety Power Diagnostics technology will allow accurate testing of 12V EV batteries, eliminating the need for a second battery testing tool.
New Units Shipping Soon
GM dealers who have not yet purchased a DCA-8000P will receive a unit automatically. It will be shipped between December 2024 – December 2025. Additional units ordered prior to October 1, 2025, will receive special discount pricing.
Warranty Claim Codes
Midtronics GR8 Battery Tester/Charger (GR8) and E-XTEQ Diagnostic Charge Battery Station (DCBS) test codes will continue to be accepted for warranty claims.
Depending on the tool, battery test results will show a 15-digit Warranty Code (GR8), 16-digit Warranty Code (DCA) or 20-digit Warranty Code (DCBS). Attach the printout to the job card.
For more information on battery testing and warranty replacement requirements, refer to Bulletin #20-NA-132.
Latest Battery Testing Technology
The DCA-8000P supports the latest battery technology in new model vehicles and is equipped with a color touchscreen display that offers intuitive UI for quick data entry and application selection. The barcode scanner also can be used to quickly identify the vehicle and battery application, reducing the need for manual data input.
The DCA-8000P also features temperature sensors in each clamp to actively monitor battery temperature during charging to help avoid thermal runaway situations.
For programming applications, the tool offers a power supply/maintenance mode to support extended programming times.
Tool software is maintained through automatic, hands-free Over-the-Air (OTA) updates via Wi-Fi.
For additional information, refer to GM Global Connect message 8884.
– Thanks to Josh Shuck
Updated January 21, 2025
PDI Mode is planned to be available with the next tool update.
IF THIS IS ESSENTIAL WHY IS THERE NO PDI MODE
Would like to see amp. hrs. included with vin scan, also state of charge when charge is complete, as it should charge to over 90% to complete a charge, also can a print out be made after a charge? It would be nice to use bar code scan when selecting charge mode so input would save time>
Do we know when the next software update will be released for the PDI mode functionality?
JUST USED THE DCA 8000 FOR A 25 TAHOE AND THERE IS NO TAHOE ON THE DISPLAY. WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO GET THE TAHOE ON THE MACHINE TO TEST.
Have already found flaws in this tool. Scanned a qr code on a Tahoe with a 5.3 gas engine. Only option was a 3.0 diesel battery. Yes it stays plugged in, and is up to date.
A 2025 deadline for using the DCBS and GR8 has not yet been determined. More information will be provided as soon as it’s available.
When is the absolute cut off date for using the old machines for warranty battery replacement?
The DCA may present several pop-up messages to inform the user of the current operation of the charging process. These messages can be acknowledged by selecting the OK button, but it is not required to continue the charging function. Even without the acknowledgement, the DCA will continue to operate until it reaches the final battery decision.
A credit for the DCBS is not available. New DCA units have been automatically shipped to dealerships with a $918 discount. Additional units also are available throughout the year with special pricing discounts.
While i am glad the DCBS is going away there should be some kind of credit or buy back system, we made the mistake of buying 3 of these things.
when is the next software release for pdi mode. this is kind of important for dealers.
how about an equal exchange … take the DCBS and give us the “new” Midtronics
Do we know when to expect an update. currently we do not have 2025 vehicles recognized?
First battery test. 14 minutes warm up for cold battery. Charged with stops requiring “ok” to continue after 1) warmup 2) deeply discharged battery 3) battery shows sufficient progression, and 4) battery prevented from being overcharged. Total time 1 hour and 45 minutes. Warranty labor time 0.2 + maximum of 0.3 diag= 0.5 hours. good battery in the end. Time to correct battery labor times. One must babysit the new DCA-8000 due to all the prompts.
Can we get a credit for the DCBS?
PDI mode is scheduled to be released in the next software update.
The Midtronics Diagnostic Charger DCA-8000P. Will there be an update to include PDI mode to the tool?