Preventatively replacing or removing aux battery for ESS

[Squibbles]

I have a 2022 JLR 2.0 that I have now owned 38 months and have 23k miles on it. I have the tow package with the upgraded battery and alternator. I know 3 years is typically when the auxiliary batteries fail. I have had no issues and typically I’m between 13.8 and 14.4 volts while the engine is on.

Should I replace the battery to prevent being stranded at some point or just completely remove it and use one of those bypass kits?

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[AndySpill]

Should I replace the battery to prevent being stranded at some point or just completely remove it and use one of those bypass kits?

The decision to replace or, I'd say bypass--you save remove the auxiliary battery, (the latter more work) IMHO is a product of whether you want to run engine start stop (ESS) events or can live without them/prefer not to/expressly dislike them.

If ESS isn't your thing, disconnecting the Auxiliary battery will IMHO leave you better off: its extra power to run ESS events you might not wish to run not outweighed by its potential, upon death, to take the main battery with it given its parallel connection to it.

I'm glad to point you to forum links that show how that Aux battery disconnection or removal is done: there are no kits involved, just a wrench and electric tape for the disconnect, and perhaps some replacement plastic fender pins if removing the battery thru the front passenger's wheel well.

People do purchase aftermarket tech (with such Auxiliary battery disconnections/removal) to automatically turn the ESS system off rather than remembering to push the ESS off button each time they crank the engine, if that's what you mean by bypass kits.

Conversely, if you want to run ESS events there's great links here on how to access the Aux battery to replace it.

Do write back with your preferences. Please don't simply replace the main battery or simply the Auxiliary battery. Either decide that you are also replacing both batteries or removing the Auxiliary batteryfrom the vehicle or vehicle's electrical connections, and possibly replacing the main battery.

 

[Squibbles]

The decision to replace or, I'd say bypass--you save remove the auxiliary battery, (the latter more work) IMHO is a product of whether you want to run engine start stop (ESS) events or can live without them/prefer not to/expressly dislike them.

If ESS isn't your thing, disconnecting the Auxiliary battery will IMHO leave you better off: its extra power to run ESS events you might not wish to run not outweighed by its potential, upon death, to take the main battery with it given its parallel connection to it.

I'm glad to point you to forum links that show how that Aux battery disconnection or removal is done: there are no kits involved, just a wrench and electric tape for the disconnect, and perhaps some replacement plastic fender pins if removing the battery thru the front passenger's wheel well.

People do purchase aftermarket tech (with such Auxiliary battery disconnections/removal) to automatically turn the ESS system off rather than remembering to push the ESS off button each time they crank the engine, if that's what you mean by bypass kits.

Conversely, if you want to run ESS events there's great links here on how to access the Aux battery to replace it.

Do write back with your preferences. Please don't simply replace the main battery or simply the Auxiliary battery. Either decide that you are also replacing both batteries or removing the Auxiliary batteryfrom the vehicle or vehicle's electrical connections, and possibly replacing the main battery.

I have watched videos on replacing the battery in the past, it seems like a pain but not the end of the world. I do not use the ESS but figured replacing the battery with a better aftermarket one and replacing at intervals would help protect the main battery.

I just worry if I ever sell it the fact that I bypassed the ESS may be a turn off not because someone wants the ESS but because I messed with the vehicle and it’s no longer stock.

 

[AndySpill]

I have watched videos on replacing the battery in the past, it seems like a pain but not the end of the world. I do not use the ESS but figured replacing the battery with a better aftermarket one and replacing at intervals would help protect the main battery.

I just worry if I ever sell it the fact that I bypassed the ESS may be a turn off not because someone wants the ESS but because I messed with the vehicle and it’s no longer stock.

IMHO, the modification you would have made here improves reliability from a poorly designed stock. But you are free to think otherwise, and I will present you with options that help you achieve your goals:

There is comprise here. You could replace the Auxiliary battery, but bypass it, periodically charging it independent of the vehicle.

Here's how that might work.

Two factory cables connect to the main battery's negative post. One of those cables has as its distal end the body ground on the passenger's front panel under the hood. Leave that cable connected.

The other cable has as its distal end the negative post of the Auxiliary battery. Hook that cable up to switch like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JZ9NDH2?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_49&th=1 and open it, along with pulling Fuse 42 and turning ESS off.

Periodically hook a charger up to the positive post of the main (yes main, I said that right) battery and this linked knife switch product (in its open position.) This will only charge the Auxiliary battery.

Sure, time defeats all batteries, but with less charge/discharge cycles on the new Auxiliary battery than when hooked up as factory, this will preserve its life.

At the time of vehicle sale, close (or get rid of) the knife switch, put back in Fuse 42 and allow ESS to engage.

Another option, which I think is overkill for your purposes, is this: https://www.genesisoffroad.com/products/2018-jeep-jl-stock-battery-relocation-kit

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