Aux switches / battery

[Toyfrog]

So I got in the Mojave earlier and started it up, it started just fine. After a second, a message popped on the dash and said Aux switches temporarily unavailable battery charging. I’ve never seen this and the voltage gauge was showing 14.1 - 14.4 as I was driving. After about a minute the Aux switches came on. The truck has been sitting in the garage since Monday evening and not been driven but started fine. Has anyone seen or dealt with this and does that mean that a battery could be going down? I always turn the ESS back off and haven’t had any problems until now. It’s a 21 Mojave and took delivery in Feb of 21. Thanks for any info.

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[Mr._Bill]

It's a common problem. The computers, head unit, and alarm system create a constant drain on the batteries. Unless it's regularly driven, you will see that message. The older the batteries get, the more often you are likely to see it. Whether or not ESS is used while driving has no effect on battery charging or the display of the battery related messages.

The life expectancy of the AGM batteries in the JT is about three years. Look at the manufacture date on the door sticker and you will have a rough idea of when to expect to replace them.

 

[OVERLORD]

Just replaced my AUX battery, message is gone.

Had the AUX battery load tested, upon core turn in, told it was weak.

 

[Gladiator Joe]

So I got in the Mojave earlier and started it up, it started just fine. After a second, a message popped on the dash and said Aux switches temporarily unavailable battery charging. I’ve never seen this and the voltage gauge was showing 14.1 - 14.4 as I was driving. After about a minute the Aux switches came on. The truck has been sitting in the garage since Monday evening and not been driven but started fine. Has anyone seen or dealt with this and does that mean that a battery could be going down? I always turn the ESS back off and haven’t had any problems until now. It’s a 21 Mojave and took delivery in Feb of 21. Thanks for any info.

Yea this is early indicator your aux battery needs to be replaced. I just did both of mine. Not easy to get to, but only takes about an hour.

 

[Toyfrog]

Yea this is early indicator your aux battery needs to be replaced. I just did both of mine. Not easy to get to, but only takes about an hour.

Yeah I’m think I’m gonna just bite the bullet and do both also. The truck only has 22k on it and is still under warranty but from what I read, the dealership won’t do anything until the battery is completely dead and leaves you stranded. Not going to take the chance.

 

[sharpsicle]

Yea this is early indicator your aux battery needs to be replaced. I just did both of mine. Not easy to get to, but only takes about an hour.

Don't narrow your scope without testing. It very well could be the main instead. Or both.

...but from what I read, the dealership won’t do anything until the battery is completely dead and leaves you stranded. Not going to take the chance.

One dealership said that to a guy here. Definitely not the norm. Many others have done it right and replaced them when they show signs of degradation. Don't let one person's experience with their dealer make you avoid yours.

 

[Mr._Bill]

Yeah I’m think I’m gonna just bite the bullet and do both also. The truck only has 22k on it and is still under warranty but from what I read, the dealership won’t do anything until the battery is completely dead and leaves you stranded. Not going to take the chance.

The message is an indication of a problem with the electrical system. It is usually one or both batteries. The life expectancy of the AGM batteries in the JT is about three years. Less, if it is not driven enough to keep the batteries charged. Disconnecting the cables and separately charging each battery can usually get a little more use out of them.

The dealer can only do so much with battery warranty claims. They have a specific process they have to follow. The results have to be uploaded, and they have to wait for approval to do a warranty replacement. Even if it is dieing, it doesn't get replaced unless it fails the test. It's not like most other places where they can just replace it with a valid receipt.

 

[Gladiator Joe]

The message is an indication of a problem with the electrical system. It is usually one or both batteries. The life expectancy of the AGM batteries in the JT is about three years. Less, if it is not driven enough to keep the batteries charged. Disconnecting the cables and separately charging each battery can usually get a little more use out of them.

The dealer can only do so much with battery warranty claims. They have a specific process they have to follow. The results have to be uploaded, and they have to wait for approval to do a warranty replacement. Even if it is dieing, it doesn't get replaced unless it fails the test. It's not like most other places where they can just replace it with a valid receipt.

Exactly why I just replaced both. I’m a few months shy of 4 years so the main wasn’t going to last much longer anyway.
Replacing in driveway is a lot easier than on my next road trip.

 

[Mr._Bill]

I replaced my main battery last fall and it fixed my issues at the time. I bought a new Aux Battery, but have not yet taken time to replace it. Today, I started getting the ESS Unavailable message. The original Aux Battery is just over four years old.

 

[Toyfrog]

Ok, so the time has come, or will this weekend. Going to replace both batteries, Going with Duralast Platinum due to the 3 yr 36k warranty. My question is, they show 2 sizes that fit the Gladiator, a 94R and a 48. I think my Mojave has the bigger 94R because i ordered it with the towing package. Can anyone help me out with this so i don't have to pull the main and take it in to comapre the sizes? Thanks for the help.

 

[ecidiego]

Ok, so the time has come, or will this weekend. Going to replace both batteries, Going with Duralast Platinum due to the 3 yr 36k warranty. My question is, they show 2 sizes that fit the Gladiator, a 94R and a 48. I think my Mojave has the bigger 94R because i ordered it with the towing package. Can anyone help me out with this so i don't have to pull the main and take it in to comapre the sizes? Thanks for the help.

Put the 94R in there period no matter which you have.

 

[Toyfrog]

Put the 94R in there period no matter which you have.

Thanks, was not sure if they tray was smaller depending on what options the truck has.

 

[ecidiego]

Thanks, was not sure if they tray was smaller depending on what options the truck has.

Same tray. The 48 just has a spacer. Throw it in the toolbox.

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