DELCO FREEDOM BATTERY STORAGE AND TESTING

Models Affected: ALL

Recent service experience indicates that many of the batteries replaced under warranty were good, serviceable units which could have been recharged. This bulletin outlines the proper service procedures for storing and testing Delco Freedom batteries.

NOTICE: ALL BATTERIES GENERATE HYDROGEN GAS WHICH IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. IF IGNITED BY A SPARK OR FLAME, THE GAS MAY EXPLODE VIOLENTLY, CAUSING SPRAYING OF ACID, FRAGMENTATION OF THE BATTERY AND POSSIBLE SEVERE PERSONAL INJURIES. WEAR APPROVED EYE PROTECTION. BATTERY FLUID IS CORROSIVE ACID. FLUSH ANY CONTACTED AREA WITH WATER IMMEDIATELY AND THOROUGHLY.

1. Battery Storage

Today's vehicles have several electronic devices which result in very small but continuous current drains on their batteries, commonly referred to as "parasitic loads". Vehicles that are not used for an extended period of time may develop extremely discharged and/or permanently damaged batteries resulting from these parasitic loads. Discharged batteries can freeze at temperatures as high as 20 degrees Fahrenheit causing permanent damage.

TO ALLEVIATE THIS CONDITION, THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE SHOULD BE DISCONNECTED ON VEHICLES WHICH ARE NOT GOING TO BE IN SERVICE WITHIN A 30-DAY PERIOD. IF THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE, BATTERIES SHOULD BE RECHARGED PERIODICALLY, EVERY 30-60 DAYS, UNTIL THE GREEN DOT IS VISIBLE.

NOTICE: THE IGNITION SWITCH MUST BE OFF WHEN CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING BATTERY CABLES OR CHARGERS. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY OVERSTRESS OR DAMAGE THE ECM OR OTHER ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.

2. Testing The Battery

The cause of all no-start, slow cranking and/or frequently discharged battery conditions should be thoroughly diagnosed to avoid unnecessary replacement of Delco Freedom batteries. The battery should be charged and load tested in accordance with established service procedures as described in the shop manual before considering battery replacement.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.