Do I need to replace my Auxiliary battery if it’s bypassed?

[OM Jeep]

I’ve bypassed the aux battery a while ago. Recently I’ve been experiencing an issue when I start the truck my aux switches are disabled for 30 seconds or so (with a matching message on the dash).

Given this I’m keen on replacing the main battery sooner than later. Do I also need to replace the aux battery even though it’s bypassed?

Also - any suggestions on a main battery? Optima?

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[XJhawk]

When I did mine, I went 1 series up in a AGM.
Brand doesn't mean as much as you think.

 

[Mr._Bill]

I’ve bypassed the aux battery a while ago. Recently I’ve been experiencing an issue when I start the truck my aux switches are disabled for 30 seconds or so (with a matching message on the dash).

Given this I’m keen on replacing the main battery sooner than later. Do I also need to replace the aux battery even though it’s bypassed?

Also - any suggestions on a main battery? Optima?

This is what I bought. You can get an equivalent battery from Walmart for about $175 with a four year warranty.

ACDelco Gold 94RAGM (88864542) 36 Month Warranty AGM BCI Group 94R Battery https://a.co/d/atlIi5j

You don't need to replace the Aux Battery if it is not being used. If you allow ESS to function, then both batteries should be replaced and connected.

 

[Flyboy2109]

I simply ran the aux batt cables to the main and removed the aux batt completely. i didn't even pull any CB's or anything. My aux batt cables just reached up there. Simple delete with no problems.

I note that mine is manual and ESS was very unlikely to function anyway due to all the parameters that would have had to be met, and I have installed the after market electric memory that keeps the ESS from activating because it remembers the last button position of ESS off-a great but simple solution to pushing the dumb thing after every start.

 

[HorsesRear]

I guess I do not understand. If you removed the aux battery why would you run the cables to the main battery. Can you not just remove the aux battery and cables and completely eliminate the aux system altogether.

 

[Flyboy2109]

Without research of what all the aux powers I just figured with ESS in bypass if I powered the cables all would be taken care of...and it has been with no after effects that others have had with isolating the entire aux system and pulling breakers/fuses. Just saying that it was a simple solution that has worked for me and others. (I did it after viewing another fella's work on YouTube).

My answer: Why not keep the aux system powered if you can without the second battery? All the computer garbage thinks everything is normal.

After digging out the aux batt I never wanted to have to go back in there to change it every few years or have it fail in an awkward moment.

 

[Mr._Bill]

The system does a test of the Aux Battery at each startup. Pulling the F42 fuse forces the test to be done on the Main Battery instead of the Aux. Attaching the Aux cables to the Main Battery has the same effect as pulling the fuse.

 

[HorsesRear]

The system does a test of the Aux Battery at each startup. Pulling the F42 fuse forces the test to be done on the Main Battery instead of the Aux. Attaching the Aux cables to the Main Battery has the same effect as pulling the fuse.

....and I thought I was to old to learn something new.

 

[XraytecH]

I’ve bypassed the aux battery a while ago. Recently I’ve been experiencing an issue when I start the truck my aux switches are disabled for 30 seconds or so (with a matching message on the dash).

Given this I’m keen on replacing the main battery sooner than later. Do I also need to replace the aux battery even though it’s bypassed?

Also - any suggestions on a main battery? Optima?

I left the aux battery in place when I did the aux delete, no issues. In the future, I might dig in there and remove the aux battery.

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