Completely clueless on all the battery issues. Can I get some help/advice?

[ShelbyDee]

This is way out of my ball park. I have no idea where to even begin my own repairs, or what to expect, etc. But I have read NUMEROUS posts on forums and facebook about their Aux battery killing their main battery. I guess it's becoming more frequent now that the Jeeps are aging? I'm not sure. I've had my 21 Overland for a little over a year now, and the ESS hasn't worked since like maybe month 3 or 4. It used to say "ESS not available, cabing heating/cooling". Now, it just says, "ESS not available." When I brought my truck in to the dealer for an oil change (which was a mistake) I mentioned it to the shop manager, and he said a lot of Gladiators are coming in for the same thing but that I shouldn't worry about it until an error message shows up on the dash. But from what I've been reading, it happens fast and one day I'm just gonna get stranded with no battery power.

So with that being said, what can I do if I'm already having this stupid aux battery issue not working? Do I need to press the matter with the dealer? I don't want to end up with a dead truck soon.

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[Commodus]

This is way out of my ball park. I have no idea where to even begin my own repairs, or what to expect, etc. But I have read NUMEROUS posts on forums and facebook about their Aux battery killing their main battery. I guess it's becoming more frequent now that the Jeeps are aging? I'm not sure. I've had my 21 Overland for a little over a year now, and the ESS hasn't worked since like maybe month 3 or 4. It used to say "ESS not available, cabing heating/cooling". Now, it just says, "ESS not available." When I brought my truck in to the dealer for an oil change (which was a mistake) I mentioned it to the shop manager, and he said a lot of Gladiators are coming in for the same thing but that I shouldn't worry about it until an error message shows up on the dash. But from what I've been reading, it happens fast and one day I'm just gonna get stranded with no battery power.

So with that being said, what can I do if I'm already having this stupid aux battery issue not working? Do I need to press the matter with the dealer? I don't want to end up with a dead truck soon.

If you are under warranty, press the issue. The option of using ESS came from factory and needs to be available for use. It is a poor dealership that does not want to keep your jeep in full factory functioning use.

 

[kevman65]

Under warranty, press issue with dealer. If need be, go to different dealer.

 

[ShelbyDee]

Under warranty, press issue with dealer. If need be, go to different dealer.

This dealer sucks. I called and let them know I'm still having issues with the ESS, and the mechanic told me that they are booked out, and that I'll have to get on a list. And they are not offering any rentals. How the hell am I supposed to get to and from my job? I may call Chrysler then and escalate it.

 

[Commodus]

This dealer sucks. I called and let them know I'm still having issues with the ESS, and the mechanic told me that they are booked out, and that I'll have to get on a list. And they are not offering any rentals. How the hell am I supposed to get to and from my job? I may call Chrysler then and escalate it.

I understand if you have no other dealerships around you but you will find everyone is short qualified techs and waiting 3 to4 weeks for an appointment is not unheard of as long as they are able to correct your problem when you do get it in. As far as a loaner, it is not normal for a dealership to have a loaner unless it is a safety issue or something they screwed up, the shop rates just do not justify a loaner for every vehicle unlike what you would pay at a Mercedes or Porsche dealer. I would say try another dealership for an earlier appointment or one that wants your business long term by treating you as a valued customer

 

[Deleted member 28696]

I replaced these faulty batteries with a Genesis full sized dual battery system. I had both batteries die twice on me and the second time I purchased this system instead. I haven't had any battery issues since. Start stop and everything else works like it should and I can let the vehicle sit awhile without worrying that it won't start. This system won't void your warranty since you're not changing how the system is designed. I went with group 25 full throttle batteries ordered at the same time from Genesis. I was fed up with having battery issues so felt it best to replace them with something better, it's been a few months since and no more issues.

 

[graham5david]

Hate to say it but jeep service is not good. Which is sad considering they need service all the time. I switched to jeep after owning many Toyotas because I had a Ram rebel that was a great truck. I thought jeep would be just as reliable. I traded my rebel for a wagoneer. It's always in the shop. I also bought a diesel gladiator and it has been in the shop for 4 of the 6 months I have owned it. First it was in limp mode and they fixed it but broke my transmission in the process. They replaced the transmission but now it jerks and slips violently at highway speeds. I took it back and they can't recreate the issue. So I drove up there and recreated it with the service manager in the truck. Now months later they claim they can't recreate it again. Plus the batteries are dead. They did replace both batteries. But have yet to fix my transmission. Reading this forum makes me feel like it's a jeep thing for this kind of service. Probably best to trade yours for a Toyota. That's my plan if I can ever get mine fixed.

 

[sharpsicle]

Filtering out all the BS that's already in this thread that don't answer your question...

The dealer can test the batteries. If they don't even offer to do that, go to a different dealer. Remember that dealers are not all made equal, and that nothing locks you into using just one. Finding one with a reasonable service center is possible. The bad apples tend to overwhelm public opinion, don't let that deter you.

The likelihood of getting stranded is definitely blown out of proportion here, but it's fair to say that like with anything there is a risk. I wouldn't get too worked up over it, but I would still go through the motions.

Based on your dealer experience here, I would suggest you go elsewhere, mention you're having ESS issues and suspect a failing battery, and get it tested. If they confirm a bad battery, then you've got next steps to discuss. Yes lead times for service work can be bad, but you don't need to leave it there until your time. Good dealerships will be able to schedule you in so you can drop it off when the service can actually be done. But it all starts with confirming the problem.

Unless, of course, replacing a maintenance item like a battery is going to force you into a Toyota, in which case this is all a moot point.

 

[Lunentucker]

You can go to a single battery pretty easily, and it will be fine for most users.
The Genesis is a bit of overkill if you're not doing anything but replacing the factory setup to maintain ESS and a two battery system.
It's great if you're overlanding, winching a lot, or using any other heavy to moderate draw accessories.

There are numerous threads here, numerous Youtube videos, and numerous threads in the Wrangler forums on the several ways to accomplish the delete or bypass. The bypass can be done in minutes. The full delete is more involved, especially if you're pulling out all of the unused cables and harnesses for a cleaner look.

Caveats - Jeep changed the ground cable orientation around mid 21, so you need to make sure that the ground cable that you remove and isolate is indeed the one that goes to the AUX battery.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/single-battery-conversion.62056/

Jumperless Aux Battery Bypass | Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) - Rubicon, Sahara, Sport, 4xe, 392 - JLwranglerforums.com

Jumperless aux battery/PCR bypass | Jeep Gladiator Forum - JeepGladiatorForum.com

Image credit @Hootbro (or at least that's where I got it)

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