SYS.OK|MANUAL.DB● LIVE
HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET1998SUBURBAN K2500, 7.4 J, PART TIMEREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 147 (STARTING SYSTEM)ON-VEHICLE TESTINGBATTERY INSPECTION/TEST (NON-HP2)DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
1998 Chevrolet Suburban K2500, 7.4 J, Part Time

Diagnostic Aids

1998 Chevrolet Suburban K2500, 7.4 J, Part TimeSECTION Diagnostic Aids
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2002 GMC Savana Special, 2002 GMC Savana Camper Special, 2002 GMC Savana, 2002 Chevrolet RV Cutaway, and 2002 Chevrolet Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
  • If testing the vehicle with the battery cables still connected, wiggle the J 42000 clips on the terminal bolt. This may cut through any coating or through any oxidation that may be present on the bolt. Even new bolts contain a protective coating that may insulate or cause a resistance in the test circuit.
  • If correct connections to the battery terminal bolts in the vehicle are in doubt, perform the following steps:
    1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
    2. Disconnect the positive battery cable.
    3. Install the test adapters on the terminals.
    4. Follow the instructions for testing a removed battery.
  • If the tester displays a REPLACE BATTERY or BAD CELL-REPLACE 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.
    3. Install the tester adapters.
      NOTE: Always write the test code displayed by the tester on the repair order for any warranty purposes. The number is a unique code that describes the test data for a particular battery at a particular time. The test code may occasionally repeat when you retest the same battery. More often, each test will result in a different code. Use the test code from the second, or Out of Vehicle test.
    4. Follow the instructions for testing a removed battery.
    5. Replace the battery only if the second test shows a REPLACE BATTERY or BAD CELL-REPLACE result. Use the test code from the second test for any warranty purposes.
  • Use the correct terminal adapters. Do not use any common bolts or a combination of bolts, of nuts, and of washers as adapters when testing the battery. Use the test adapters that are provided with the J 42000 or GM P/N 12303040 terminal adapters. If the adapters that are provided with the J 42000 require replacement, use GM P/N 12303040. Any other adapter may not contact the correct areas of the battery terminal, causing a resistance that may result in an invalid battery test result.

Follow these instructions in order to avoid an incorrect diagnosis because of connections:

  1. Inspect battery for a cracked, broken or damaged case. If battery case is okay, go to next step. If battery case is not okay, go to step  19 .
  2. Compare battery cold cranking amperage and reserve capacity rating to specifications. See BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS  . If battery meets or exceeds specifications, go to next step. If battery does not meet or exceed specifications, go to step  19 .
    BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

    Application Specification
    Chevy Express & GMC Savana
    Standard Model (GM P/N 19001810)
    Replacement Battery Number 78-6YR
    Cold Cranking Amps 600 Amps
    Reserve Capacity Rating 115 Minutes
    YF2 (Ambulance Upfitter) Option (GM P/N 19001812)
    Replacement Battery Number 78-7YR
    Cold Cranking Amps 690 Amps
    Reserve Capacity Rating 115 Minutes
    8Y9 (Dual Batteries) Option (GM P/N 19001814)
    Replacement Battery Number 78-7YR
    Cold Cranking Amps 770 Amps
    Reserve Capacity Rating 115 Minutes
  3. Inspect battery hydrometer display. If hydrometer display shows a Yellow dot, go to next step. If hydrometer display does not show a Yellow dot, go to step  5 .
  4. Using a small screwdriver, tap top of hydrometer display to dislodge any air bubbles inside. If hydrometer display still shows a Yellow dot, go to step  19 . If hydrometer display does not show a Yellow dot, go to next step.
  5. Turn ignition switch off. Attempt to rotate negative battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure. If negative connector rotates, go to next step. If negative connector does not rotate, go to step  7 .
  6. Using an INCH lb. torque wrench, record torque value while loosening negative battery cable bolt. If torque is equal to or greater than 89 INCH lbs. (10 N.m), go to step  8 . If torque is less than 89 INCH lbs. (10 N.m), go to next step.
  7. Disconnect negative battery cable and go to step  9 .
  8. Disconnect negative battery cable. Inspect battery and cable terminals for corrosion and defects. Repair as necessary. Go to next step.
  9. Attempt to rotate positive battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure. If battery cable rotates, go to next step. If battery cable does not rotate, go to step  11 .
  10. Using an INCH lb. torque wrench, record torque value while loosening positive battery cable bolt. If torque is equal to or greater than 89 INCH lbs. (10 N.m), go to step  12 . If torque is below 89 INCH lbs. (10 N.m), go to next step.
  11. Disconnect positive battery cable and go to step  13 .
  12. Disconnect positive battery cable. Inspect battery and cable terminals for corrosion and defects. Repair as necessary. Go to next step.
  13. Clean and wire brush lead face of both battery terminals and metal contact surfaces on both cable connectors. Remove bolts from both battery cable connectors and inspect for corrosion and defects. Repair or replace as necessary. If battery and cables terminals are clean and in good condition, go to next step.
  14. Connect positive battery cable to battery and tighten bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  . Go to next step.
  15. Connect negative battery cable to battery and tighten bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  . Go to next step.
  16. Ensure all electrical loads are off. Follow manufacturers instructions and install Battery Tester (J-42000) to vehicle battery. Follow any instructions displayed on battery tester. If battery tester passed battery, go to next step. If battery tester did not pass battery, go to step  18 .
  17. Press CODE button on battery tester. Record displayed code on vehicle repair order for warranty purposes. Battery is okay.
  18. Press CODE button on battery tester. Record displayed code on vehicle repair order for warranty purposes. Replace battery.
  19. Replace battery.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Shop Manual-Ready ToolsFree Quote CheckQuote Shield Pro

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.