Finally got the Aux light/attempting to bypass

[ShelbyDee]

Have a 21 Overland. Yesterday I got the dreaded "avengers" light on the dash. My battery voltage is still reading 14.4, which I read is normal? But I'm still paranoid that this thing is going to drain my main battery, and I'm leaving on a vacation tomorrow morning. I really don't want to return to a dead jeep.

I've done a little research on my own, but just want to confirm with some of you experts here, because I certainly am not lol
I will remove fuse 42, which I've already located. Then all I have to do is remove the AUX negative cable from the terminal, tape it off, and that's it? It shouldn't kill my main battery? I understand I will still have to press the "disable" button from what I've read...I just want to get it to where it doesn't drain my main battery while I'm letting the truck sit for days.

Next question, I had some things programmed with Jscan. Is this going to reset the ECU and I'll have to do that again? Lastly, does this keep the warning light off? Or will it always be there now? Thanks in advance!

Sponsored

 

[Mr._Bill]

It's time to replace both batteries. If you always turn ESS off, then attempting the Aux Battery delete is up to you. Otherwise, you should replace them both.

The 14.7 system voltage means it sees the batteries as very low and is trying to charge them.

Pulling the F42 fuse just forces the startup test to look at the Main Battery instead of the Aux Battery.

If the Aux Battery fails the startup test, then the Main Battery is in poor health, if they are the same age. Whether or not the Aux Battery will drain the Main Battery depends on the state of failure it is in. If you are not getting the Aux Switches or ESS unavailable messages along with the Aux failure message, then it may just be dead.

On my first Gladiator, the Main Battery died first. The Aux Battery lasted another six months, and then rode around dead for another six months before I got around to replacing it.

 

[ShelbyDee]

It's time to replace both batteries. If you always turn ESS off, then attempting the Aux Battery delete is up to you. Otherwise, you should replace them both.

The 14.7 system voltage means it sees the batteries as very low and is trying to charge them.

Pulling the F42 fuse just forces the startup test to look at the Main Battery instead of the Aux Battery.

If the Aux Battery fails the startup test, then the Main Battery is in poor health, if they are the same age. Whether or not the Aux Battery will drain the Main Battery depends on the state of failure it is in. If you are not getting the Aux Switches or ESS unavailable messages along with the Aux failure message, then it may just be dead.

On my first Gladiator, the Main Battery died first. The Aux Battery lasted another six months, and then rode around dead for another six months before I got around to replacing it.

I hear you, but I'm just confused. There's an overwhelming amount of posts on various forums regarding bypassing the Aux battery by taking it off the main battery terminal. It can't drain the main battery if it's disconnected, correct?

 

[Lost1wing]

You are going on a vacation. Now is not the time to experiment. Replace both batteries. That 14.4 vdc is not you battery. That is your alternator output voltage. It seems as if it is trying to charge those batteries. If you attempt to work on this yourself, read up on doing it here.

As an alternative, you can charge both batteries independently, unplug the IBS, reconnect the batteries and plug in the IBS.

While you are charging the second battery, you can take a few sample readings of the voltage of the first battery. After charging the second battery, you can take a few sample readings of it too. If you see voltage of 12.8 and holding, you should get by for a while.

If you are unsure about doing this, just take it to a reputable shop now and enjoy your vacation.

 

[Biggy]

It may be your main battery that is the problem. Either leave the system as is and replace both batteries or do the aux battery delete and replace your main battery.

 

[Lost1wing]

I missed the part of you are going on vacation tomorrow. In this case, pick up an Agm trickle charger (2amp) tonight. Connect it to the main battery above the IBS on the negative. Leave it on until you leave. Unplug the IBS and plug it back in after you disconnect the battery charger. That is what I would do in such short of time.

 

[Mr._Bill]

I hear you, but I'm just confused. There's an overwhelming amount of posts on various forums regarding bypassing the Aux battery by taking it off the main battery terminal. It can't drain the main battery if it's disconnected, correct?

Yes, if the Aux Battery is disconnected it won't affect the Main Battery. Unless you disconnect both batteries, or leave a charger connected while you are gone, you will return to drained batteries. The head unit and the computers never turn off, they are a constant draw.

You only have an idea of the state of the Aux Battery, because it failed the startup test. The condition of the Main Battery is unknown, but likely similar since they are the same age. Trying to make a decision based on various forum posts, without knowing actual battery conditions, will just lead to disappointment.

At this point, my suggestion would be to disconnect both batteries and deal with it when you return.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

It's time to replace both batteries. If you always turn ESS off, then attempting the Aux Battery delete is up to you. Otherwise, you should replace them both.

The 14.7 system voltage means it sees the batteries as very low and is trying to charge them.

Pulling the F42 fuse just forces the startup test to look at the Main Battery instead of the Aux Battery.

If the Aux Battery fails the startup test, then the Main Battery is in poor health, if they are the same age. Whether or not the Aux Battery will drain the Main Battery depends on the state of failure it is in. If you are not getting the Aux Switches or ESS unavailable messages along with the Aux failure message, then it may just be dead.

On my first Gladiator, the Main Battery died first. The Aux Battery lasted another six months, and then rode around dead for another six months before I got around to replacing it.

The 14.7 can be normal in colder weather. Mine is running that now, even with fully charged batteries and ESS working.
But the REAL voltage to be concerned about is when it's NOT running, and use a volt meter, not the cluster.

Of course there are other reasons for ESS to fail..........but depending on use, he's getting out there on battery age.

Unplugging the IBS from the 2 wire LIN connector by itself won't reset it...........

Sponsored