ESS stopped working

[WXman]

I found the most IBS information on a Cherokee forum, they've been dealing with them for a few years. I got the impression they can be quirky. If you haven't yet, I would get both batteries load tested just to make sure, the rougher engine on restarts is concerning. Are normal starts normal?

Yes this morning ESS is dead again. Tazer is plugged in again though I'm not certain that is causing it. Apparently the answer to my last question was: I'm celebrating too early and it's going to die again tomorrow.

Initial starts are normal, ESS restarts are rough when they occur.

At this point I'm going to have the batteries load tested and I'll go ahead and let the dealership replace the IBS. May still just ask them if a flash back to new condition would be helpful for the computer systems.

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[Jebiruph]

Yes this morning ESS is dead again. Tazer is plugged in again though I'm not certain that is causing it. Apparently the answer to my last question was: I'm celebrating too early and it's going to die again tomorrow.

Initial starts are normal, ESS restarts are rough when they occur.

At this point I'm going to have the batteries load tested and I'll go ahead and let the dealership replace the IBS. May still just ask them if a flash back to new condition would be helpful for the computer systems.

My current working theory is initial starts use both batteries, but ESS restart is main only.

 

[WranglerMan]

I am pretty much having the same issues see here https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/ess-issue-or-battery-issue.18124/#post-442046

 

[Blown7]

Now one thing that could be happening is something is keeping the bus active so it doesn't sleep thereby killing the battery

 

[WranglerMan]

Now one thing that could be happening is something is keeping the bus active so it doesn't sleep thereby killing the battery

Well I have no aftermarket items connected that would draw load other that the Tazer which currently I used to enable ESS and then unplugged it but it’s still married to the Jeep.

This coming Monday I plan on completely removing the Tazer and making a service appt

 

[WXman]

So, this morning they replaced my auxiliary battery and my IBS. They claimed that the IBS was reading 5V at the battery, but both batteries actually tested with 12V. So now there's a new battery and sensor there and it's testing well.

However, I still have the "Battery Protection Mode" message on the dash and ESS is not working. They advised that I need to put mileage on the Jeep to give it time to "reset itself".

 

[WXman]

So the IBS did not solve the issue. Exact same symptoms. ESS system inop, and "battery charging" or "battery protection mode" messages on the screen. Dropped it off at the dealer again for repair attempt #2. Will be interesting to see what they try this time.

 

[WranglerMan]

They found my main battery bad so once it gets replaced they will contiune to test to see what’s going on, have no idea what the main battery cranking amps would have to do with ESS but who knows

 

[WXman]

Well today is day 8 for my JL in the shop for this issue. The latest news is that they are "going back and forth with FCA" trying to diagnose what the actual problem is. At this time they have no ETA.

This could get interesting....

I didn't think I'd need @JeepCares to assist, but it may get to that point soon.

 

[WranglerMan]

Well I’m on day 2 after getting mine back from the dealer, not sure what they did or did not test but they replaced the main battery and ESS is doing what it’s supposed to do, running down the road voltage was 14,3-14.4 after getting it back and it took several miles for the charging error message to go away but ESS worked all day yesterday and today running voltage is now down to 14.1-14.2 and ESS works just after startup and when I am sitting at a light and ESS kicks in voltage drops to the 12.5 range +/- .2 but that’s after sitting for a few minutes as on inital shutdown it’s 12.8 but starts to drop as it’s powering what’s on.

I did an unofficial test and sat on a side street and turned off the A/C and sat there with just the radio and lights on and right at 5 mins ESS restarted just like it’s supposed to so not to get to pumped up but it appears it’s working correctly.

I have my battery tender heading my way and also a Klein MM400 multimeter, my plan is to throw the tender on the battery and just top off the charge and have the meter just for general use for home and auto

I am planning on letting ESS do it’s thing for about a month and monitor the voltage along with correct ESS operation and if all goes well I will remarry my Tazer to the JL but only change the tire size so my speedo is correct then unplug it so there is no way it will draw power, not that it’s the problem but just working thru things one at a time, after monitoring the voltage and correct ESS operation for another month I will than install my Tazer so I can take advantage of the live features but during that time I will again monitor the voltage and periodically check ESS operation by manually engaging it and see what happens.

I pretty sure the Tazer did not cause the issue but I want to just work thru this little by little to see what happens

 

[JeepCares]

Well today is day 8 for my JL in the shop for this issue. The latest news is that they are "going back and forth with FCA" trying to diagnose what the actual problem is. At this time they have no ETA.

This could get interesting....

I didn't think I'd need @JeepCares to assist, but it may get to that point soon.

Hey WXman,

Just shoot us a PM if you need any assistance working with your dealer to have this resolved!

Jennifer
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[WXman]

Hey WXman,

Just shoot us a PM if you need any assistance working with your dealer to have this resolved!

Jennifer
Jeep Social Care Specialist

Today is day 12. I'll be sending you a PM shortly. I'd love to get this resolved before it becomes a lemon at day 30 per KY law.

 

[WranglerMan]

Well my ESS issue is on day 6 after replacing my main battery with a new one all seems to be well, my initial voltage displayed in the EVIC after it sits for about 10-12 hrs is 14 volts while idle and then as I am running down the highway it slowly drops off and it was 13.4-13.5 today and when I slow down it ramps back up to over 14 until stopped then back down to the 13.5 and ESS functions perfectly.

When I get home tomorrow morning I am going to catch some sleep and then wash it and wax it then put on the quick connector for the deltran battery tender and hook up the tender until I get a solid green light and then see what type of voltage I am getting with my new meter.

My Jeep does sit sometimes for several days after after doing some research and talking to a few members I decided to follow there advice and use a battery tender just to keep the battery healthy, I know the battery is not gonna last forever but anything I can do to prolong its slow death I will and the way these new vehicles have a parasitic draw is a big killer and I don’t think the alternator can keep up with my short distance rides.

 

[WranglerMan]

Well decided to pass on sleep and did a quick wash and quick detailed then popped the hood and hooked up the quick connector and plugged in the tender so we will see how long it takes

 

[WranglerMan]

Well maybe my new battery was pretty charged up when I got it, after just two hours the red light remained on and the green is flashing, from my understanding that’s about 80% charged so going to let it ride till solid green

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