GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 1999 🢒 GMC P42 Commercial Chassis 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Battery Terminal Check

Caution: Batteries produce explosive gases. Batteries contain corrosive acid. Batteries supply levels of electrical current high enough to cause burns. Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of personal injury while working near a battery, observe the following guidelines:

   • Always shield your eyes.
   • Avoid leaning over the battery whenever possible.
   • Do not expose the battery to open flames or sparks.
   • Do not allow battery acid to contact the eyes or the skin.
      - Flush any contacted areas with water immediately and thoroughly.
      - Get medical help.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
  2. Attempt to rotate the negative (-) battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure.

Does the negative (-) connector rotate?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 3

2

Use a torque wrench in order to verify the torque to loosen the negative (-) battery terminal bolt.

Is the torque above the specified value?

10 N·m (84 lb in)

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable.

Is the cable disconnected?

--

Go to Step 5

--

4

Ensure the negative (-) battery cable is disconnected.

Inspect for the following conditions and repair as needed:

    • The cable bolt is too long or misformed at the end.
    • There is foreign material present inside the nut in the battery terminal.
    • Damage to the battery terminal face or cable connector ring.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 5

--

5

Rotate the positive (+) battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure.

Does the positive (+) connector rotate?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Use a torque wrench in order to verify the torque to loosen the positive (+) battery terminal bolt.

Is the torque above the specified value?

10 N·m (84 lb in)

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

Disconnect the positive (+) battery cable.

Is the cable disconnected?

--

Go to Step 9

--

8

Ensure the positive (+) battery cable is disconnected.

Inspect for the following conditions and repair as needed:

    • The cable bolt is too long or misformed at the end.
    • There is foreign material present inside the nut in the battery terminal.
    • Damage to the battery terminal face or cable connector ring.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 9

--

9
  1. Clean and wire brush the lead face of both battery terminals and the metal contact rings in both cable connectors.
  2. Remove the bolts from the cable connectors in order to provide access to the connector rings as needed.
  3. If either the battery terminals or the cable rings are excessively damaged or corroded, replace as needed.

Are the metal connecting parts clean and in good condition?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10
  1. Connect the positive (+) battery cable to the battery positive (+) terminal.
  2. Tighten the cable bolt to the specified value.

Is the cable bolt properly tightened?

12 N·m (106 lb in)

Go to Step 11

--

11
  1. Connect the negative (-) battery cable to the battery negative (-) terminal.
  2. Tighten the cable bolt to the specified value.

Is the cable bolt properly tightened?

12 N·m (106 lb in)

Battery Terminals OK

--