ACDelco uses an alphanumeric date code stamped on the top or side of the battery case. Understanding how to read this code ensures you’re not buying an old or expired battery that may fail prematurely.
Below is the ACDelco Battery Date Code Chart, designed to help you quickly identify when your battery was manufactured.
ACDelco Battery Date Code Chart
| Code Format | Example | Month Code | Year Code | Full Date Example | Location on Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Letter + Digit | G5 | G = January | 5 = 2025 | January 2025 | Top or side near terminals |
| Letter + Two-Digit | J18 | J = October | 18 = 2018 | October 2018 | Top case or sticker |
| Letter + Digit + Digit | B21 | B = February | 21 = 2021 | February 2021 | Top label |
| Digit + Letter + Digit | 5C9 | C = March | 5 = 2015 | March 2015 | Edge of cover |
| Two-Letter + Two-Digit | AC22 | A = January, C = 3rd week | 22 = 2022 | 3rd week of Jan 2022 | Label corner |
| Four-Digit Julian Code | 2104 | 21 = 2021 | 04 = 4th day | January 4, 2021 | Near barcode |
| Two-Letter Code | CF | C = March | F = 2015 | March 2015 | Side wall |
| Numeric + Letter | 9B | 9 = 2019 | B = February | February 2019 | Terminal edge |
| Letter + Digit + Letter | D2B | D = April | 2 = 2022 | April 2022 | Top cap |
| Two-Digit + Letter + Two-Digit | 21A04 | 21 = 2021 | A = January | January 4, 2021 | Label bottom |
| Letter + Three-Digit | K203 | K = November | 203 = 203rd day | July 22, 2020 | Battery top edge |
| Digit + Two-Letter | 5AC | 5 = 2015 | A = January, C = batch | January 2015 | Near vent cap |
| Two-Letter + Digit | BD2 | B = February, D = batch | 2 = 2022 | February 2022 | Handle area |
| Serial Type (11 Characters) | 1AC21042357 | A = January | 21 = 2021 | January 4, 2021 | Printed serial number |
| QR Date Format (Modern) | Q23A015 | A = January | 23 = 2023 | January 2023 | QR sticker (scan for exact) |
| Week-Based Format | W0523 | W05 = 5th week | 23 = 2023 | Early February 2023 | Side label |
| Batch + Year | X15 | X = Factory code | 15 = 2015 | 2015 batch | Top corner |
| Alpha + Julian | F203 | F = June | 203rd day of year | July 22, 2023 | Near negative terminal |
| Six-Digit Numeric | 230515 | 23 = 2023 | 0515 = May 15 | May 15, 2023 | Underside stamp |
| Four-Digit Week-Year | 0521 | 05 = 5th week | 21 = 2021 | February 2021 | Label underside |
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How to Interpret ACDelco Battery Codes
ACDelco batteries use a letter for the month and a number for the year as the core of the code.
- A = January, B = February, C = March, D = April, continuing alphabetically up to L = December.
- The number following the letter represents the last digit of the year.
For instance:
- A4 = January 2014
- F8 = June 2018
- K2 = November 2022
If the decade isn’t clear, check the battery design or label style, new labels, QR codes, or modern casing typically mean the current decade.
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Identifying the Code Location
Depending on your battery model, the date code may appear in one of the following places:
- Heat-stamped on the top cover.
- Embossed on the case near the negative terminal.
- Printed on a small white or yellow sticker.
- Etched near the barcode or on the battery handle.
For newer AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) or EFB batteries, ACDelco sometimes includes a QR code that contains the manufacturing date digitally, scannable by dealers.
Why the Manufacturing Date Matters
The battery’s age is critical for several reasons:
- Performance: Even when unused, batteries self-discharge slowly. A battery older than 12 months can lose capacity.
- Warranty Validity: ACDelco warranties start from the purchase date, but extremely old stock may have reduced life.
- Proper Rotation: When replacing batteries, dealers should rotate stock to sell newer units first.
- Avoid Sulfation: Prolonged storage leads to sulfation — a buildup on battery plates that reduces performance.
Knowing the date code helps ensure you buy fresh, reliable power for your vehicle.
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How to Check Battery Age Before Buying
When buying a new ACDelco battery, check for the date code before installation. Follow these steps:
- Locate the stamped code (e.g., D3, B22, or 2206).
- Refer to the ACDelco chart above to decode the month and year.
- Verify freshness: Choose a battery manufactured within the last 6–12 months.
- Inspect storage condition: Batteries stored indoors and properly charged last longer.
Decoding Example Scenarios
| Code on Battery | Decoded Date | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| C4 | March 2014 (or 2024) | If the label is new, it’s 2024; if old style, it’s 2014. |
| H9 | August 2019 | Indicates a battery made in August 2019. |
| L5 | December 2015 | Late-year production, usually next year’s model. |
| A23 | January 2023 | Latest format for ACDelco Professional line. |
| 22B15 | February 15, 2022 | Julian hybrid code showing exact day and year. |
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How to Tell if Your Battery Is Still Good
A well-maintained ACDelco battery typically lasts 3 to 5 years, depending on climate and usage. You can test its health by:
- Using a multimeter (should read 12.6V or higher when fully charged).
- Checking for corrosion or leakage around terminals.
- Monitoring cranking performance, slow starts are early warning signs.
If your battery is over four years old or fails a load test, it’s time to replace it.
FAQs
How do I read the date code on an ACDelco battery?
Look for a combination of a letter and a number (like D4). The letter represents the month (A = January, B = February, etc.), and the number represents the last digit of the manufacturing year.
Where is the ACDelco battery date code located?
Typically stamped on the top or side of the battery near the terminals. Some models also include a printed sticker.
What is the lifespan of an ACDelco battery?
Most ACDelco batteries last between 3 to 5 years, depending on usage, climate, and maintenance.
Can I use a 3-year-old ACDelco battery that was never installed?
It may still work if properly stored and periodically charged, but it’s best to check the voltage before using.
Does ACDelco use the same date code for all models?
The basic month-letter and year-number system is consistent across ACDelco’s Professional, Gold, and Advantage lines, though some may include extra digits for internal tracking.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the ACDelco battery date code chart is essential for making smart purchase decisions. By decoding the simple alphanumeric stamp, you can determine when your battery was made, how fresh it is, and whether it’s suitable for long-term performance. Always check the code before installation to ensure you’re getting the newest, most reliable power source for your vehicle.
