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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2003TRAILBLAZER 4.2 S, 4WDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 531 (CHARGING SYSTEM)ON-VEHICLE TESTINGBATTERY TESTING & INSPECTION
2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WD

Battery Testing & Inspection

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WDSECTION Battery Testing & Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: Manufacturer recommends using Battery Tester (J-42000) for testing battery. Follow instructions provided with tester.
  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 (CCA) and Reserve Capacity (RC) rating to Original Equipment (OE) specifications. See BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS  table. If battery meets or exceeds OE specifications, go to next step. If battery does not meet or exceed OE specifications, go to step  19 .
  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 the top of hydrometer display to dislodge any air bubbles inside. If hydrometer display does not show a Yellow dot, go to next step. If hydrometer display still shows a Yellow dot, go to step  19 .
  5. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Attempt to rotate negative battery cable clockwise with light finger pressure. If negative battery cable rotates, go to next step. If negative battery cable 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 less than 89 INCH lbs. (10 N.m), go to next step. If torque is more than 89 INCH lbs. (10 N.m), go to step  8 .
  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 then, go to next step.
  9. Attempt to rotate positive battery cable 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 less than 89 INCH lbs. (10 N.m), go to next step. If torque is more than 89 INCH lbs. (10 N.m), go to step  12 .
  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 then, go to next step.
  13. Clean and wire brush lead face of both battery terminals and metal contact surfaces on both cable ends. Remove bolts from both battery cables 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 11 ft. lbs. (15 N.m). Go to next step.
  15. Connect negative battery cable to battery and tighten bolt to 11 ft. lbs. (15 N.m). Go to next step.
  16. Ensure all electrical loads are off. Follow manufacturers instructions and connect Battery Tester (J-42000) to vehicle battery. Follow 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.
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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.