another ess question

[tony58]

if I shut off ess at the switch every time, is it still a good idea to pull fuse and disconnect negative cable from the aux battery as not to drain the main battery, thanks

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[Heimkehr]

if I shut off ess at the switch every time, is it still a good idea to pull fuse and disconnect negative cable from the aux battery as not to drain the main battery, thanks

Not in my experience. I installed a harness that creates a memory function for the ESS button, which I've used to keep the ESS function turned off since my Jeep was new. I've not disturbed the corresponding connections (fuse or cable) for the small, supplemental battery. The original main battery continues to reliably crank the engine during cold and warm starts, too.

Granted, my Jeep is driven almost every day. If your use case is such that your JLR would sit for any length of time, it's generally recommended to connect a maintenance (i.e., trickle) charger in order to maintain the correct battery charge level.

 

[Phrank]

In my experience, the aux battery is the first to fail - and when it does, it will most likely take your main battery down with it. As such, I isolated my aux battery even though I turn off ESS every time I start my JL.

 

[Reinen]

Granted, my Jeep is driven almost every day. If your use case is such that your JLR would sit for any length of time, it's generally recommended to connect a maintenance (i.e., trickle) charger in order to maintain the correct battery charge level.

I'll add that this is a good recommendation to extend battery lifespan whether you have an Aux battery, deleted the Aux battery or don't have an Aux Battery (4XE or ETorque). All the electronics in the JL consume a small amount of power 24/7 and it reduces AGM battery lifespan. Especially if the JL often sits parked for days without a recharge from the running engine.

Another option is a hood solar panel which is a completely passive solution.

 

[alphawolff]

In my experience, the aux battery is the first to fail - and when it does, it will most likely take your main battery down with it. As such, I isolated my aux battery even though I turn off ESS every time I start my JL.

Eh, the aux battery only fails early because of the constant ESS use (which then kills the primary). If you never use ESS they last roughly the same as the primary. Pressing the button is enough honestly, just remove the aux battery when it finally comes time to replace them.

 

[AndySpill]

I'm respectfully in a different camp than the prior posters on this thread, who I respect and are not wrong.

My feeling is that if you are not going to run ESS events, the pros of keeping the ESS battery connected are statistically outweighed by the negatives. I believe, at minimum, that its negative cable should be removed from the main battery's negative post, insulated, Fuse 42 yanked, and ESS events turned off.

Having this battery attached aids in cranking the engine, a task done with both batteries if connected and one the main battery, provided it is not on its way out, is more than capable of handling, H6 or H7 size. But having this battery attached is also, I believe the weak link of an electrical system in which this smaller battery is more likely to fail than the larger one, and in so doing, potentially cannibalize the main battery as well given its parallel connection to it.

Regardless of the number of batteries you run, the aforementioned trickle charging though can do nothing but good.

 

[Shibadog]

T

Not in my experience. I installed a harness that creates a memory function for the ESS button, which I've used to keep the ESS function turned off since my Jeep was new. I've not disturbed the corresponding connections (fuse or cable) for the small, supplemental battery. The original main battery continues to reliably crank the engine during cold and warm starts, too.

Granted, my Jeep is driven almost every day. If your use case is such that your JLR would sit for any length of time, it's generally recommended to connect a maintenance (i.e., trickle) charger in order to maintain the correct battery charge level.

This. Solves the issue. If for whatever reason I decided I “want” ess(?) I’ve got it, but mines been off for a long time . Any modern vehicle has parasitic loss from all the electronic goodies that never shut off. If parked for any long term a batterytender is a good idea. Ran them on my bikes for years.

 

[tony58]

T

This. Solves the issue. If for whatever reason I decided I “want” ess(?) I’ve got it, but mines been off for a long time . Any modern vehicle has parasitic loss from all the electronic goodies that never shut off. If parked for any long term a batterytender is a good idea. Ran them on my bikes for years.

thanks for all your input, I do have a maintenance charger on it since I do not use the jeep often, thanks again!

 

[Da Capt]

Eh, the aux battery only fails early because of the constant ESS use (which then kills the primary). If you never use ESS they last roughly the same as the primary. Pressing the button is enough honestly, just remove the aux battery when it finally comes time to replace them.

Solid advice!!! ?

 

[DaltonGang]

Eh, the aux battery only fails early because of the constant ESS use (which then kills the primary). If you never use ESS they last roughly the same as the primary. Pressing the button is enough honestly, just remove the aux battery when it finally comes time to replace them.

Not the case with mine. I religiously turned my ESS off, and the Aux battery was replaced, approx 1 1/2 years into owning it. The new one then died less than a year later.

 

[SargeDiesel]

Not in my experience. I installed a harness that creates a memory function for the ESS button, which I've used to keep the ESS function turned off since my Jeep was new. I've not disturbed the corresponding connections (fuse or cable) for the small, supplemental battery. The original main battery continues to reliably crank the engine during cold and warm starts, too.

Granted, my Jeep is driven almost every day. If your use case is such that your JLR would sit for any length of time, it's generally recommended to connect a maintenance (i.e., trickle) charger in order to maintain the correct battery charge level.

I second this... why ? Because it's exactly what I do. ?
I will add, mine is not daily driven, closer to 3-4 times a week and usually short trips. I agree, for more lengthy periods, definitely a battery maintainer is needed.

One thing I do(and I'm not sure if it really matters) is if I know my trip will be lengthy without stops (think highway) I will rengage the ESS, it usually says "charging ESS not available". I will leave it on until it says "ready" and then I will turn it back off.
*noted, the aux battery is still being charged without doing this, but it makes me feel good knowing that the aux battery is charging normally and holding enough charge to properly function the ESS.

So far it has been enough to keep my batteries happy.

 

[Nibis]

My ESS has never activated, I assume the Aux battery is toast, the only message I get, is ESS Unavailable, Battery Charging

 

[SargeDiesel]

My ESS has never activated, I assume the Aux battery is toast, the only message I get, is ESS Unavailable, Battery Charging

Try this:
Disconnect and seperate the negative battery cables and the IBS. (make sure you isolate the cables for safety). Then test and charge the aux battery battery independently. (run repair mode if you have it)

I'm not sure of your driving habits, but if you are not taking frequent long trips, you are never giving the aux enough time to charge.

 

[Mguy]

I'm not sure of your driving habits, but if you are not taking frequent long trips, you are never giving the aux enough time to charge.

Absolutely true, but why bother with a concern for the aux battery unless it is wired in a way that increases the Jeep's electrical performance? The stock setup doesn't for nearly all owners, six years of experience showing few have benefited from paralleled dissimilar batteries. Also, isn't the debate for balancing electrical supply, fuel burning, and warranty preservation, well over by now?

With a healthy, fully charged main battery to begin with, nothing more needs to be addressed after 1) the negative/F42 disconnect, 2) awareness if the main battery discharges from loads during engine stops, and if so, 3) there must be prompt charging consistent with AGM requirements.

 

[SargeDiesel]

Absolutely true, but why bother with a concern for the aux battery unless it is wired in a way that increases the Jeep's electrical performance? The stock setup doesn't for nearly all owners, six years of experience showing few have benefited from paralleled dissimilar batteries. Also, isn't the debate for balancing electrical supply, fuel burning, and warranty preservation, well over by now?

With a healthy, fully charged battery to begin with, nothing more needs to be addressed after 1) the negative/F42 disconnect, 2) awareness if the main battery discharges from loads during engine stops, and if so, 3) there must be prompt charging consistent with AGM requirements.

My comments were solely based to address the OP 's concern(s)/comments.

The water is getting a little to deep for me
But
There are many more qualified people here that can answer your questions, hopefully someone else will chime in.
@AndySpill

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