Stop/Start Battery Issue

[rsan09]

Hey all,
Coming on here because I have been having an issue with the stop/start battery. I own a 2020 Jeep gladiator and in FEB 2023, I took my jeep to the dealer to have it looked at. I was told calibration was needed and a week later then same issue reappeared, and battery had to get replaced (warranty for 3 years). Now, DEC 2024, I am having the same issue. Let me give you guys a timeline:

Nov.7th - Stop/Start not ready Battery Charging Message appeared on the screen when the stop/start system stopped working
Nov. 11th - Service was done at the dealer to restart the stop/start battery - I was sent home with a "working" stop/start system
Nov. 21st - Stop/Start not ready Battery Charging message reappeared
Nov. 27th - IBS Sensor was replaced at Dealer
Nov. 28th- Stop/Start not ready battery charging message reappeared (the next day)
Till now - the message is still there and the voltage on the battery seems to be at the 14V range but seems to be struggling at every start. Voltage is constantly changing (dropping to high 12 V range) when I am at a stop but while moving its consistent (14V range).

As you can imagine I am really frustrated and annoyed. I contacted the dealer and was told to book another appointment to get it looked at and they can determine if it's a battery issue. I know dealers have protocols and steps they have to do and check other components before the battery gets replace, since for me the battery is still under warranty because it was bought at the dealer. BUT it's breaking my bank with the constant fees back and forth.

My questions now are:
Is it a battery replacement issue?
Is it an alternator issue whether its not charging the battery well or too much?
faulty stop/start system? wiring issue?

Anyone suggestions to resolve this issue or what can be causing it? or answers to why this might happen in an almost 2-year span?

I live in California - weather is not too hot or too cold where I live (San Francisco Bay Area). So, it shouldn't be an issue that the weather is damaging the battery.

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[Lost1wing]

I'm not sure on exactly what the dealer actually did. What they write down on paper sometimes doesn't match what they actually did. Another dealer is an option you can take.

Otherwise, you might as get up to speed on how the ESS works. Plenty of that here.

You need to start with both batteries fully charged. Depending on how you are with basic tools, you can isolate the two batteries ( caution), and charge them with an AGM charger. While still isolated, measure each battery voltage. Let them sit for 30 minutes after charging. You are looking for 12.8vdc or better. Disconnect the IBS for 20-30 minutes. This can be done while you let the batteries sit after charging.
Reconnect the batteries (caution). Then Reconnect the IBS.

If tools are not your thing, you can still put the AGM charger on the main battery. Both batteries will charge. After charging, disconnect the IBS at the main negative terminal. Leave off for 20-30 , plug it back in. Measure your voltage. 12.8 is what you are looking for.

 

[Lost1wing]

If you see 14v on you dash, your alternator is not your issue. 12v bad,12.6 okay, 12.8 or higher is good. That is of course with the engine off.

You really need to isolate the two batteries and measure them. VOMs are cheap, AGM battery chargers can be expensive but you can find one for $30.

 

[Mr._Bill]

Average life expectancy of JT batteries is about three years. Some fail sooner, some last longer. When one is replaced, the other should also be replaced. If the truck is not driven enough to keep the batteries charged, it should have a battery maintainer connected when parked.

Batteries are covered under the 3/36 warranty. Jeep requires the battery to actually fail before they will let the dealer replace it. There is no additional warranty on the replacement battery, unless you purchased it.

 

[Clark222]

If I were you I'd have them do a live scan for misfires. I find that light does a poor job of telling you anything about the batteries but is an excellent indicator of misfires. I'm currently living in the middle of misfire hell and sure enough any time I see the light I plug in the JScan, do a live scan and count up the misfires. Each time it's been confirmed by the dealer.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The dealer is lost. The IBS RARELY ever needs to be replaced, and it will throw a code if bad. Otherwise all that is needed is to reset it.

Just to clear things up for others - you don't have a stop/start battery.
You have an auxiliary battery that is only on its own during a warm start after the ESS stop.
Otherwise the two are paired together.
They need to fully charge each battery independently - and both need to be tested.

If it's struggling to start, you may have a main battery issue OR aux battery issue.
I'd prefer to see what the battery voltage is by using a meter at the battery terminals when the engine is OFF. That will be a bigger tell than what it shows while driving, although the voltages you describe while driving actually sound pretty normal.

My gut says your dealership isn't very good at these things..............

 

[rsan09]

I'm not sure on exactly what the dealer actually did. What they write down on paper sometimes doesn't match what they actually did. Another dealer is an option you can take.

Otherwise, you might as get up to speed on how the ESS works. Plenty of that here.

You need to start with both batteries fully charged. Depending on how you are with basic tools, you can isolate the two batteries ( caution), and charge them with an AGM charger. While still isolated, measure each battery voltage. Let them sit for 30 minutes after charging. You are looking for 12.8vdc or better. Disconnect the IBS for 20-30 minutes. This can be done while you let the batteries sit after charging.
Reconnect the batteries (caution). Then Reconnect the IBS.

If tools are not your thing, you can still put the AGM charger on the main battery. Both batteries will charge. After charging, disconnect the IBS at the main negative terminal. Leave off for 20-30 , plug it back in. Measure your voltage. 12.8 is what you are looking for.

I'm not sure on exactly what the dealer actually did. What they write down on paper sometimes doesn't match what they actually did. Another dealer is an option you can take.

Otherwise, you might as get up to speed on how the ESS works. Plenty of that here.

You need to start with both batteries fully charged. Depending on how you are with basic tools, you can isolate the two batteries ( caution), and charge them with an AGM charger. While still isolated, measure each battery voltage. Let them sit for 30 minutes after charging. You are looking for 12.8vdc or better. Disconnect the IBS for 20-30 minutes. This can be done while you let the batteries sit after charging.
Reconnect the batteries (caution). Then Reconnect the IBS.

If tools are not your thing, you can still put the AGM charger on the main battery. Both batteries will charge. After charging, disconnect the IBS at the main negative terminal. Leave off for 20-30 , plug it back in. Measure your voltage. 12.8 is what you are looking for.

Hello, thanks for your response.

Yes, that's the annoying part not knowing what they actually did at the dealer but still charging me for it each time!

I don't mind using tools, I do have a battery charger the battery tender plus, i can use that. Thank you for your advice. Also, any good battery brands to get if replacement is needed for both main battery and aux battery?

 

[rsan09]

Average life expectancy of JT batteries is about three years. Some fail sooner, some last longer. When one is replaced, the other should also be replaced. If the truck is not driven enough to keep the batteries charged, it should have a battery maintainer connected when parked.

Batteries are covered under the 3/36 warranty. Jeep requires the battery to actually fail before they will let the dealer replace it. There is no additional warranty on the replacement battery, unless you purchased it.

Hello, thanks for your response.

I actually don't drive it as much just to and from work and occasionally during the weekends or on long trips. I was told by the dealer that was an issue as well because it doesn't give the battery enough time to charge.

I do have a battery charger the battery tender plus, I can use that to maintain the battery charged (plug it from time to time). Is there a battery maintainer you recommend? possibly would be easier to connect and smaller.

Thank you for your advice. Also, any good battery brands to get if replacement is needed for either main battery or Aux Battery?

 

[rsan09]

If I were you I'd have them do a live scan for misfires. I find that light does a poor job of telling you anything about the batteries but is an excellent indicator of misfires. I'm currently living in the middle of misfire hell and sure enough any time I see the light I plug in the JScan, do a live scan and count up the misfires. Each time it's been confirmed by the dealer.

Hello, thanks for your response.

There is no light on the dash just the notification of the "stop/start not ready battery charging".

If I plug in the scanner, will it show up anything related to the battery?

 

[rsan09]

The dealer is lost. The IBS RARELY ever needs to be replaced, and it will throw a code if bad. Otherwise all that is needed is to reset it.

Just to clear things up for others - you don't have a stop/start battery.
You have an auxiliary battery that is only on its own during a warm start after the ESS stop.
Otherwise the two are paired together.
They need to fully charge each battery independently - and both need to be tested.

If it's struggling to start, you may have a main battery issue OR aux battery issue.
I'd prefer to see what the battery voltage is by using a meter at the battery terminals when the engine is OFF. That will be a bigger tell than what it shows while driving, although the voltages you describe while driving actually sound pretty normal.

My gut says your dealership isn't very good at these things..............

Hello, thanks for your response.

Yes, completely agree they seem like they don't know what they are doing. Super annoying, they are just taking my money.

Any suggestion on a battery meter to check the voltage on the main battery and aux battery?

 

[Mr._Bill]

Hello, thanks for your response.

Yes, completely agree they seem like they don't know what they are doing. Super annoying, they are just taking my money.

Any suggestion on a battery meter to check the voltage on the main battery and aux battery?

AstroAI Digital Multimeter Tester 2000 Counts with DC AC Voltmeter and Ohm Volt Amp Meter; Measures Voltage, Current, Resistance, Continuity and Diode, Blue https://a.co/d/jg5qijc

 

[Mr._Bill]

Hello, thanks for your response.

I actually don't drive it as much just to and from work and occasionally during the weekends or on long trips. I was told by the dealer that was an issue as well because it doesn't give the battery enough time to charge.

I do have a battery charger the battery tender plus, I can use that to maintain the battery charged (plug it from time to time). Is there a battery maintainer you recommend? possibly would be easier to connect and smaller.

Thank you for your advice. Also, any good battery brands to get if replacement is needed for either main battery or Aux Battery?

These are what I would buy. The Tow plug adapter makes it easier to connect a battery maintainer. You may need an additional cord to go between the adapter and charger, depending on what you have.

ACDelco Gold 94RAGM (88864542) 36 Month Warranty AGM BCI Group 94R Battery https://a.co/d/6SJsyEm

ACDelco Gold AUX14-200 (88866185) 36 Month Warranty Auxiliary AGM 200 CCA Battery https://a.co/d/c1JRik2

POLLAK 11-896 7-Way Power Outlet Adapter https://a.co/d/1OhVH7G

If you buy the batteries off Amazon, make sure that Amazon is the seller you purchase from.

 

[Mr._Bill]

Hello, thanks for your response.

There is no light on the dash just the notification of the "stop/start not ready battery charging".

If I plug in the scanner, will it show up anything related to the battery?

That message means the charge level in the batteries is low. There are no codes stored to go with it. When the batteries are charged enough to satisfy the monitoring system, the message goes away.

 

[Solar Sparky]

When my main battery died I just went with an Optima. The ESS battery is a different story dealer has replaced it, and the warning light is coming on again after 3-4 months and less than 1000 mile. I always turn it off anyway, well, because it’s annoying AF. It’s still under warranty but I don’t think I’m going to do anything with it. More annoying is that you can’t just disable it without a programmer or tuner. I’m just gla to know that it’s everyone else too, not just me. I didn’t buy a Jeep for the mileage and I doubt that you did either. My take is let it ride

 

[rsan09]

When my main battery died I just went with an Optima. The ESS battery is a different story dealer has replaced it, and the warning light is coming on again after 3-4 months and less than 1000 mile. I always turn it off anyway, well, because it’s annoying AF. It’s still under warranty but I don’t think I’m going to do anything with it. More annoying is that you can’t just disable it without a programmer or tuner. I’m just gla to know that it’s everyone else too, not just me. I didn’t buy a Jeep for the mileage and I doubt that you did either. My take is let it ride

Hello, thanks for your response.

Yes, it's very much annoying and I thought I was the only one too until I got on the forums. Given that it will damage or drain the other battery. I am now dealing with struggling to start the engine in the mornings. I think I will eventually need to replace both batteries or charge them and hope they hold a charge. Have you charged your main and aux battery, disconnected IBS sensor and plugged everything all together to see if the message goes away?

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