Battery Death Rattle.....

[Breaktrack]

Saturday I experienced the dreaded “won’t start & Christmas tree lighting effect” when I went out and tried to leave the house in my Gladiator. Mind you, I’m right at 73,000 miles after three years one month of ownership with zero problems prior to this. As I am pretty active on many Jeep, and more specifically, Gladiator, forums, pages and blogs, I immediately suspected what it turned out to be; my battery had finally succumbed to the Texas heat.

Now, leading up to this I had noticed that first thing in the morning, for about two weeks, I’d been unable to get the vehicle to start remotely, but when I got in it started normally. AND, it started remotely normally the rest of the day. No error codes or dash messages when it didn’t remotely start, and I did think that was unusual, but, of course, blew it off.

Called USAA roadside assistance, got a tow to the dealership, got both batteries replaced, and was back on the road like nothing happened.

I should have gotten that dual battery kit I was thinking about last month!!

(Now I know that when the remote start is acting funny, pay attention, lol. )

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[Kevin_D]

I would also test/change the battery in the key fob.

Kevin

 

[Breaktrack]

I would also test/change the battery in the key fob.

Kevin

Not a bad idea. However, the fob was definitely still hitting, I'd get a single flash out of it on the vehicle, and after the batteries were replaced it still worked like a champ. But, in for a penny, in for a pound, I'm going to replace all batteries now that there's been a problem, seems like the thing to do. Thanks for the reminder.

Mac

 

[rr11]

What was the cost for the battery replacement? I am thinking of replacing with a dual setup but looking at the cost I may keep the factory setup.

 

[Breaktrack]

What was the cost for the battery replacement? I am thinking of replacing with a dual setup but looking at the cost I may keep the factory setup.

I wish I'd had another option that the dealership that day, as it cost me right at $700. I would have spent a little more than that to do the dual battery setup in a more timely manner, but it would have been worth a little more to me to do that. I'd MUCH rather have the dual battery setup.

Mac

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