Battery replacement for 2018 Sahara

[TJ2018]

Lots of factors affect battery life, including off-roading (bouncing it around doesn't help) and heat cycling (as others have mentioned). OEM batteries seem to be selected for the lowest cost and are typically not covered under most warranties (batteries are often classified as wear items). Though some warranties are more liberal than others. I can't find mention of the main battery in the standard warranty other than in reference to jump starting. I know the lifetime warranty specifically excludes the battery and other related components.

Now the 2.0T battery does appear to be covered for 8 years or 80k miles (I think they call it the Power Pack Unit - 48 Volts). But this battery is specifically excluded in the lifetime warranty.

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[wolfdog]

I am pretty sure that a lifetime or any "extended" MoPar 'warranty does not cover Batteries, brake pads and some other things even though touted as "bumper to bumper"??

The fellow that likes to get rid of OEM batteries before they let him down statement is interesting? I've owner 27 Jeep of all models, some used most new and never had an OEM battery "let me down"! However perhaps you live in a much colder or much hotter .climate than N.E. that might (?) account for this problem? Even in some of my used V8 Wagoneers and Grand Wagoneers that ended up needing replacement the non well priced good name aftermarket batteries seemed no more efficient than the OEM's? Just sayin'

Go jeep!!!

 

[Tumbleweed]

I am pretty sure that a lifetime or any "extended" MoPar 'warranty does not cover Batteries, brake pads and some other things even though touted as "bumper to bumper"??

The fellow that likes to get rid of OEM batteries before they let him down statement is interesting? I've owner 27 Jeep of all models, some used most new and never had an OEM battery "let me down"! However perhaps you live in a much colder or much hotter .climate than N.E. that might (?) account for this problem? Even in some of my used V8 Wagoneers and Grand Wagoneers that ended up needing replacement the non well priced good name aftermarket batteries seemed no more efficient than the OEM's? Just sayin'

Go jeep!!!

Consider yourself lucky, ive never had a Jeep battery last more than 2 years. either in NE or here in Phoenix on any of the three Wranglers i've owned. I just had my ESS battery and alternator replaced on my brand new Jeep at only 7k miles/5 months of ownership. After seeing all the other posts here i'd replace them too if i could afford it as the quality seems pretty unreliable especially for an offroad vehicle. If my battery failed on me just two weeks earlier i would of been stranded in the middle of nowhere which is not something you should have to worry about in a brand new vehicle

Going with a real dual battery setup like this would probably be the best option if you dont mind the cost
https://www.genesisoffroad.com/JeepJLDualBattery-p/185-jldbk.htm

 

[Shooting or Jeeping]

Ummm...why do you need a new battery in a new Jeep - 2 years is an awfully short lifespan for a new battery.

It isn’t uncommon for jeeps. I replaced the one on my JK in 18 months and my JL was on its way after 24 months (took 3 days of driving each week to charge enough for start/stop. If you live in warm climate, these batteries are 3 years max anymore.

 

[Rahneld]

I'm having trouble locating what batteries are used for replacement in a 2018 JL. I know there are two, i have watched utube videos on how to locate and replace. Has anyone had to replace batteries yet? If so what did you use. Thanks.

Having read the prior posts I'm glad to see that you have a preventative mindset.

My three points of color commentary that I hope add to already well thought out answers include:

* Should you change the two batteries please first detached their grounding to the rig. When the rig is off (at least in the 3.6L, which from context I suspect you have) those batteries are connected in parallel and all you need is one connected, and some bad luck, to set something off (like an air bag) you wish you hadn't.

* Depending on your needs, consider a dual battery kit. Let us know if you want a link.

* A battery's best friend is a trickle charger. This is especially the case with 3.6L, and even more so with ones that aren't driven long distances where the alternator is your trickle charger, or more so: not a daily driver.

Keeping the batteries topped off with power, as I suspect you know, preserves their life and draws very little A/C. In my own experience of driving my rig on the very low end of mileage (I don't drive to work, and my JL's not much a daily driver anyway), my ESS system would not engage over time without trickle charging my rig.

: - )

 

[viper88]

Ummm...why do you need a new battery in a new Jeep - 2 years is an awfully short lifespan for a new battery.

You would be surprised at how many unsold NEW cars sitting on dealer lots have bad batteries.

Average days in inventory in the car business is 90 days on lots. It's possible some JL batteries have been drained and dead for a lot longer. There are more unsold left over 2018 Wranglers on lots today then any other brand or model. Imagine what the batteries of a left over 2018 JL is like? Some car companies have a very comprehensive check list for dealers while the inventory sits waiting to be sold. I noticed GM and Mazda had very specific check list for Vettes and Miatas in inventory sitting on lots. The batteries are supposed to be checked, voltage of batteries recorded, and charged on a schedule while they sit in inventory. Weather or not dealers do this is another story. Checking and charging the batteries on brand new vehicles should be done because a NEW battery will never perform as well even if jumped and recharged. A battery that has been drained will not have the life span of a battery that has never been drained and recharged.

Bad batteries can cause all kinds of fault codes. Someone I know who works for FCA told me something like 60% of all warranty claims have something to do with bad batteries.

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