Gladiator Down! Failed to Start with no warnings

[Gunnuts]

I had the same issue tonight on my way home from shopping with the wife. It is a 2021 Sport S Eco Diesel. I pulled out onto the road and smelled a rotten egg smell and got the warning that the start/stop was not available. I pulled over as not knowing what it was and shut the jeep off hoping it would clear the error. Went to turn it back on and nothing.

I have only had the jeep for a week and it has 308 miles on it.

Funny part was my wife's Liberty died at this same location a month and a half ago and that is when we decided to order the Gladiator

Cursed

Sponsored

 

[REDBEAST]

I’ve been thinking of installing the Genesis system when my Gladiator comes in. How was the install? There videos seem to do a pretty good job detailing it but I’d like some feedback from someone who’s actually done it.
Thanks.

All I can say is DO IT. The install is just as easy as the demo shows and now that it's there I've never looked back. I now have two good batteries for sale and got that little one out of the hole before I had problems. Everything works great and now I power my fridge without worrying about my cranking battery.

 

[DAVECS1]

I would not be overly hard on Jeep design. This is a heck of a rig compared to past rigs. The materials, the geometry, the hardware, it is for the most part all better. Does it have a bunch of control modules that seem cryptic, Unfortunately yes. Tgose were not added because theybhad nothing better to do. There are a ton pf regulations these days and if you are a tier 1 OEM government will be sure you follow every last one. So you have active handling, braking,. There are numerous mandated, impact monitoring systems. Then there is emissions, which by the way is a challenge for a flying brick. The ESS is a high tech compromise to satisfy the rules and let us keep our shape looks and hardware. Same with the 3.6L. ot really does come down to grams of pollutants, and the ESS gets the jeep under that line. Is it the best design? Debateable, but hey we get our jeeps. Can it be improved upon ABSOLUTELY! Was it easier to make a high quality car in the past, for sure, but there was also way less rules and sissies

 

[Joebbaseball]

I've been having this issue on and off for quite some time. Last winter I had a remote start put in. Despite having to jump through a few hoops to set it (it's a manual trans), I really enjoyed the feature. However, after a few months the jeep stopped starting. As discussed in this thread. Not the auto-start, but just in general. Everything would light up, but it wouldn't start. Took it to the dealer and they wouldn't look at it. They said it's definitely the remote starter. Took it to the care starter folks and they said it's not, but they can get rid of it if that's what it takes. So I reluctantly had them take it all out. Over the next few months the issue never happened again. Leaving me to sadly admit the dealer was correct. Well, just last Tuesday, I went to start it and the same thing happened. I shut it off, made sure it was completely off, and tried it again and it restarted. Next day, same problem. Of course I was 300 miles from home. This time it wouldn't start. After about 45 minutes, eventually got it started and got it home. Worked fine the next day. Then since Saturday it has not started at all. I read pulling fuse 10 may work, so I just tried that. When I did, the car alarm went off (not sure at what point it went off, but it wasn't right away). So I quickly put the fuse back in, alarm stopped and I tried to start it and it worked! So, I closed up the fuse box, buttoned up the hood and was going to stop while I was ahead. Then I thought, try it again. Bad idea, back to not starting. What I'm wondering is if anyone has any thoughts with this info on what it may be. When things weren't working and I was stranded, I made an appointment with a dealer. Unfortunately they can't get me in until November 5th. I'm afraid by then it'll be working fine and they'll say it's fine.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I don't know what the symptoms are if the FOB is bad or FOB battery bad - but when it doesn't start, where is the FOB and have you tried the book thing about pushing the start button with the nose of the FOB?
Maybe I'm full of crap here - but not seeing exactly what "won't start" or "doesn't start" mean (like what you hear or don't hear, what is on on the dash, what isn't on on the dash and so on), I'm just tossing something out there.

I'd start by making sure all fuses are seated 100% (push on 'em all) and checking battery connections including anything connected to the battery at those connections. Even a little loose or less than tight can mean oxidation can happen and generally speaking, oxides of most metals don't conduct well.

 

[Joebbaseball]

I don't know what the symptoms are if the FOB is bad or FOB battery bad - but when it doesn't start, where is the FOB and have you tried the book thing about pushing the start button with the nose of the FOB?
Maybe I'm full of crap here - but not seeing exactly what "won't start" or "doesn't start" mean (like what you hear or don't hear, what is on on the dash, what isn't on on the dash and so on), I'm just tossing something out there.

I'd start by making sure all fuses are seated 100% (push on 'em all) and checking battery connections including anything connected to the battery at those connections. Even a little loose or less than tight can mean oxidation can happen and generally speaking, oxides of most metals don't conduct well.

I don't know what the symptoms are if the FOB is bad or FOB battery bad - but when it doesn't start, where is the FOB and have you tried the book thing about pushing the start button with the nose of the FOB?
Maybe I'm full of crap here - but not seeing exactly what "won't start" or "doesn't start" mean (like what you hear or don't hear, what is on on the dash, what isn't on on the dash and so on), I'm just tossing something out there.

I'd start by making sure all fuses are seated 100% (push on 'em all) and checking battery connections including anything connected to the battery at those connections. Even a little loose or less than tight can mean oxidation can happen and generally speaking, oxides of most metals don't conduct well.

Thanks for the reply. Now that it’s home and not working, I’ve tried a few things. One being the spare fob as well as using that to push the button. Since it won’t start, I did record it this time. Hopefully it’ll attach to this thread.

I don't know what the symptoms are if the FOB is bad or FOB battery bad - but when it doesn't start, where is the FOB and have you tried the book thing about pushing the start button with the nose of the FOB?
Maybe I'm full of crap here - but not seeing exactly what "won't start" or "doesn't start" mean (like what you hear or don't hear, what is on on the dash, what isn't on on the dash and so on), I'm just tossing something out there.

I'd start by making sure all fuses are seated 100% (push on 'em all) and checking battery connections including anything connected to the battery at those connections. Even a little loose or less than tight can mean oxidation can happen and generally speaking, oxides of most metals don't conduct well.

I have tried the fob trick. Grabbed the spare and tried that as well. Nothing. I’ll try the fuses next. Since this is now permanently happening I’ve recorded it. Hopefully it attaches.

 

[Gatorized]

Might also check all the connections where the remote start was hooked up... something may have worked loose.

 

[Joebbaseball]

Thanks for the reply. Now that it’s home and not working, I’ve tried a few things. One being the spare fob as well as using that to push the button. Since it won’t start, I did record it this time. Hopefully it’ll attach to this thread.


I have tried the fob trick. Grabbed the spare and tried that as well. Nothing. I’ll try the fuses next. Since this is now permanently happening I’ve recorded it. Hopefully it attaches.

Made sure all the fuses were in place, tried a new fob, nothing seemed to work. For whatever reason I then tried my JScan settings. Specifically auto start/stop. I changed it from active to Deactivate. Once that completed it started right up. At this point I don't know if that was just coincidence or not. Before changing the setting I tried to run a system scan. It gave me code U0140-00.
Hoping this means something to someone far more technical than myself.
Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Made sure all the fuses were in place, tried a new fob, nothing seemed to work. For whatever reason I then tried my JScan settings. Specifically auto start/stop. I changed it from active to Deactivate. Once that completed it started right up. At this point I don't know if that was just coincidence or not. Before changing the setting I tried to run a system scan. It gave me code U0140-00.
Hoping this means something to someone far more technical than myself.
Thanks in advance for any input.

Take it to the dealer along with that specific CODE. Give them the details.
It's a communication issue between BCM (body control module) and ECM (Engine control module) - it's possibly a CANbus issue. Something is loose or a module issue.


More info to help understand -

the BCM controls functions including but not limited to the tire pressure monitor, remote keyless entry, door locks, the anti-theft alarm, heated mirrors, the rear window defroster, front and rear washers and wipers and the horn. It also receives switch inputs from the seat belts, ignition, the chime telling you the door is ajar, the parking brake, cruise control, the engine oil level, the cruise control and the window washer and wiper. Battery rundown protection, the temperature sensor and the low power mode function may all be affected by a bad BCM, loose connection to the BCM or an open/short in the BCM's harness.

Code U0140 pertains to the BCM or the wiring to the BCM from the engine control module (ECM).


In other words, the code you found could do or cause what you say it's doing and not doing.

 

[SillyWillys]

Made sure all the fuses were in place, tried a new fob, nothing seemed to work. For whatever reason I then tried my JScan settings. Specifically auto start/stop. I changed it from active to Deactivate. Once that completed it started right up. At this point I don't know if that was just coincidence or not. Before changing the setting I tried to run a system scan. It gave me code U0140-00.
Hoping this means something to someone far more technical than myself.
Thanks in advance for any input.

Hey - I just got back from the dealer with my Jeep and posted a thread about it. My issue was the clutch pedal sensor was not fully engaged. 1700 miles on my Jeep.

I haven't looked for myself yet, but the dealer tech said he actually felt the connector "snap" into place, as it SHOULD have been from the factory.

I'll grab my paperwork from the car tomorrow and let you know what code they pulled in my case. I had the same symptoms that you're having though

EDIT: They got code P083F "clutch pedal switch A/B correlation." Tech stated "found clutch pedal out of clutch rod." Service advisor said it was on the engine bay side of the firewall, just opposite the clutch pedal. I haven't dug around to see for myself yet but I can't imagine it would be too hard to look for... sounds like the tech fixed it in a matter of minutes.

Let me know if that helped!

 

[Joebbaseball]

I honestly don't know where to turn next. I dropped it off at the dealer Friday after it started about 2 times for an entire week. I mentioned all the symptoms and some of the solutions on this very thread. I just received a call from the dealer and they said it has started up all day, so there's nothing they can do. I suggested that they keep it since it's of no value to me and they said they'd try to start it again later today and tomorrow. I honestly don't know what to do. This is my first new vehicle and I cannot take it anywhere as you never know when it won't start.

 

[Hootbro]

I honestly don't know where to turn next. I dropped it off at the dealer Friday after it started about 2 times for an entire week. I mentioned all the symptoms and some of the solutions on this very thread. I just received a call from the dealer and they said it has started up all day, so there's nothing they can do. I suggested that they keep it since it's of no value to me and they said they'd try to start it again later today and tomorrow. I honestly don't know what to do. This is my first new vehicle and I cannot take it anywhere as you never know when it won't start.

Yeah, you are in a pickle. I would say lemon law it but I do not know how that would work for something that cannot be replicated when it is at the dealership.

Seen your comment of mentioning that they keep it since it is of no value to you in the current state. I would say do not confuse the dealership, corporate and your bank note to whatever lender you have if you have one as being one entity to make the other do something. They are three separate legal entities with different responsibilites and you are still on the hook to make your vehicle payment.

 

[Joebbaseball]

Just a quick update to my fun problem. Hopefully folks will get a laugh as it seems this is quite funny to everyone buy myself. I took it to the dealer on November 5th. Evidently they tried starting it at least 2 times a day from the 5th through yesterday, the 16th. Evidently it started for them every single time. They said they can't fix something that isn't giving them any errors. So I picked it up last night. Drove it home, shut it off, and for the hell of it, tried starting it again. Nothing! Same symptoms. Does everything but start up. So I laughed it off and went inside. Tried it an hour later and it started. Tried about 2-3 more times and started every time. This morning I started it, started right up. Shut it off, and tried to start it again, nothing. Tried it on and off for about an hour. Never started. Finally grabbed a jumper and it started. So I figured I'll just drive over to the dealer since it won't start. Sat in their lot for 30 minutes. I'd say I tried to start it 20 times. EVERY SINGLE TIME IT STARTED! So no point in even going in. Figured at this point why not have the battery tested. Went over to Autozone. Found a nice informative guy who was willing to test the battery as well as the alternator. He said both seem very good. However, I told him the issue and he mentioned the neutral safety switch? He said he's had people come in with that issue. Added that it's usually because it thinks automatics are not in neutral so it won't start. I said where I had the remote start added (and subsequently removed), they said when it wasn't starting it was because the Jeep thought it can't start something that is already running. I asked the guy is that the same premise? After he thought about he thought, yeah, it should be. So at this point, I guess head down that rabbit hole? I honestly don't know where to turn. I can't really take the vehicle anywhere since who knows when it'll not start.

 

[Gatorized]

Could be something with the gearshift not quite in gear - try moving from park to neutral and even just moving lever slightly back and forth with your starting attempts.

 

[REDcrabman]

Is a dealer installed security device on it? Look under steering wheel for tiny light.

Sponsored