Electrical System Issues

[JLRubicon18]

Hey guys a couple months ago I bought a 2018 Rubicon and everything has been perfect with it no issues what so ever until a few days ago. I went to get in it one afternoon and noticed my key fob was not unlocking or locking the jeep. I saw the lights flashing so the jeep was responding to the button presses but nothing. I manually unlocked it and noticed none of the interior door unlock/lock buttons responded either. I went on about my day and once I got to my next destination I turned the jeep off, was then able to lock it with the fob and unlock it as well. As soon as I got back in it I went to another place, once I arrived I turned the jeep off but was stuck in auxiliary and it wouldn’t power off at all. I decided to just go home and was flipping through my oil pressure battery voltage screen when I noticed the battery voltage was 16.9 volts which is obviously way too high. As I drive down the road I noticed it went back to normal at 14 volts after a few minutes. Fast forward a day with no issues, I’m driving down the road and I start getting notifications that my doors are open then closed then open, and my doors are unlocking and locking themselves. While all this is going on I noticed my headlights are flashing like a strobe light going down the road as well. I also got a check engine light with the code U0168. The little research I’ve done is pointing to the TIPM but Im not 100% sure either. Has anyone had any similar issues they could help diagnose the problem? I’m a DIY type of person and know my way around a wrench so I’d prefer not to take it to the dealership if I can help it. Thanks in advance!

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[Jeffy56]

I suggest 1. checking battery (both)voltages and then 2. ground connections at battery and any chassis points you can find.

 

[Tinker Toy]

Do you have stock radio or aftermarket? We had similar issues with our 19 JLUR. Ended up being 2 connections behind the glove box had bad connections and needed replaced.

 

[jludave]

I bought a 2018 Rubicon

This is the answer to your question.

Replace both batteries if you have not done so already. You have a 2018 whose OEM batteries are beyond their expected lifespan. Failing batteries in the Wrangler JL cause all type of weird electrical issues.

 

[speedymart]

If you got 5 years out of the original factory batteries then you might've set a new record for the JL

Replace both and make sure your terminals are tight before continuing any further

 

[VKSheridan]

If you got 5 years out of the original factory batteries then you might've set a new record for the JL

Replace both and make sure your terminals are tight before continuing any further

Did I just read someone got 5 years out of the factory batteries? Five years???

OP - If that’s true, gimme some PowerBall numbers because you are one lucky sumgun!!

The high voltage you saw is what your “smart” alternator will do (float high) when the IBS detects no resistance. In English, your field windings were energized but there was nowhere for the output to flow and create a voltage drop. The rest of the intermittent electrical theatrics are typical for a Jeep that’s about to puke a battery…..

 

[JLRubicon18]

Thanks for all the input! It’s been almost a week now since I’ve posted and not a single issue has come up since then. I’m going to check all my grounds this weekend to hopefully never bring the issue back up. If it does happen again I’ll look into some batteries. And I’m not sure if these are the original or not. I bought it mid February from another person who only owned it for a year or so. Its been passed around I think like 7-8 times according to the car fax I pulled before buying lol

 

[Bob Burd]

Its been passed around I think like 7-8 times according to the car fax I pulled before buying lol

Boy, I wouldn't be lol-ing about that. Red flags don't get any redder.

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