The Midtronics DCA-8000 Diagnostic Charger is the latest generation battery charger and tester from Midtronics. It provides fast, accurate testing results and is the GM-required tool for charging and testing batteries under warranty.
Shipments of the Midtronics Diagnostic Charger DCA-8000P Essential Tool (Fig. 1, shown with cart) have concluded and all U.S. dealerships now have at least one DCA (8000 or 8000P) for charging and diagnosing 12V batteries. DCA-8000P shipments to Canadian dealerships will continue throughout the year.
Fig. 1
Required Tool
All warranty job cards (U.S.) must use the DCA to test 12V batteries under warranty. Only warranty codes generated from a DCA tool will be accepted in support of warranty replacement of a 12V battery.
The DCA battery test result printout must include:
- Diagnostic Charge test information
- Test result that reflects “Replace Battery”
- The 16-digit Warranty Code, which is the correct code to enter on the warranty transaction. This code is unique to each test performed and is decodable by GM. (Fig. 2; DCA printout showing (1.) Diagnostic charge test information, (2.) Replace battery result, and (3.) 16-digit warranty code.)
Fig. 2
Midtronics GR8 Battery Tester/Charger (GR8) and E-XTEQ Diagnostic Charge Battery Station (DCBS) test codes are not accepted in support of replacement warranty claims (U.S.).
In Canada, dealerships may use a DCA Battery Tester/Charger (DCA-8000 or DCA-8000P), GR8 Battery Tester (EL-50313), or an E-XTEQ Diagnostic Charge Battery Station/DCBS (EL-52800) until further notice.
Refer to Bulletin #20-NA-132 for more information about 12V battery testing and warranty replacement requirements.
Additional DCA units also can be purchased directly from Midtronics. Go to http://gmdca8000.midtronics.com for current pricing and ordering or contact Midtronics at 866-592-8052 for further information.
DCA Assistance
To help with using the DCA in dealerships, Midtronics has produced an operator’s guide with a variety of tips, tool updates, connections, and other support topics. Additional information on assembly, getting started using the tool, details on the service apps and more can be found on TechLink and at http://gmdca8000.midtronics.com.
If you have questions or need assistance with the DCA-8000P, contact Midtronics toll-free at 866-592-8052.
– Thanks to Josh Shuck
