Strike Four, You're OUT

[Ol’ Timey Manual SWB Guy]

One might argue that he kept that battery and just wrapped an entirely new Tacoma around it. That’s certainly one solution.

Me, I just put my JL on a battery tender if I’m not gonna drive it for a few days. Seems to work. Definitely cheaper.

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[YTBlue]

I traded my taco for the jeep ?

Haha. Never had a Taco or Toyota, just obsessed and studied (while waiting for my then-current lease to expire so I could buy my dream Jeep. I was so happy when I found the exact Willys I wanted. So exciting.

 

[rickinAZ]

I love everything about my '21 JLU Willys Edition, except the Auxiliary Battery and the pesky Battery Charge Warning Light. The first time the Warning Light appeared, maybe a year or so into ownership, the dealer replaced both the Main Battery and Auxiliary Battery. Everything was fine until the warning light appeared again, maybe a year or so later. The dealer installed a new Auxiliary Battery, which did not charge. That didn't solve the problem so back to the dealer, this time to replace the Main Battery. Four new batteries to the dump, and counting. About a year ago, the Jeep wouldn't start. You guessed it: Battery Warning Light back on. Called AAA, who helped me jump start the Main Battery. Then back to the dealer, who replaced both the Main and Auxiliary Batteries. Now six relatively new batteries had been removed and sent to the dump. The local Jeep dealer suggested coming in to test the batteries before the first 36 months went by, as the "Extended Warranty" does not cover the one problem I keep having with the Auxiliary Battery. Two weeks ago, after driving the day before, the Jeep wouldn't start. This time, the same AAA driver came by, jump started the battery, but the Battery Charge Warning Light stayed on. With six relatively new batteries in the local dump, a Jeep that wouldn't start, the prospect of buying two more batteries despite an "Extended Warranty", less than 29k miles in under 39 months, lots of money spent on mods, clean Carfax and nothing else wrong other than not starting, a Warranty that doesn't cover the things that break, six relatively new batteries in the dump, and getting to know the local AAA Roadside Assistance guy who remembered the last visit, that was it. I traded in my Jeep. I loved my Jeep but need something that starts when I press the ignition. No need for @JeepCares, but as so many know, the Auxiliary Battery is a defective design, and I will gladly work with a Class Action attorney or @NHTSA.

So easily fixed. To bad you just didn't bylass the aux battery (like most of us have). Took me five minutes, and I'm not that handy.

 

[Vinman]

One might argue that he kept that battery and just wrapped an entirely new Tacoma around it. That’s certainly one solution.

Me, I just put my JL on a battery tender if I’m not gonna drive it for a few days. Seems to work. Definitely cheaper.

It isn’t 1960, no one should have to babysit a battery just because the vehicle sits for a few weeks. Utter bullshit.

 

[bumpit]

Yeah its been known to be an issue. You can just bypass around it and be done with it. When mine died I deleted it and never put another back. It's a waste of time.

They can't even get the secondary battery right and they want you to buy their hybrid....not a chance.

 

[58Willys]

Did anyone ever check the charging system and grounds?

 

[JLfromCA]

 

[JLfromCA]

My 2019 wrangler built late 2018 still on BOTH original batteries. Did the ESS bypass when new.

 

[YTBlue]

Did anyone ever check the charging system and grounds?

When picking up from two different dealers, they always emphasized that they checked everything before replacing the batteries. Whether they actually checked the grounds, charging system or anything els, who knows?

 

[Dewarsdodge]

My wife’s jeep had something very similar. Dead batteries, jumped it, and dealer indicated the secondary battery failed the “G8” battery tester. Replaced and sent me on my way. A week later, same thing. This time turned out it was the generator and they said it took out both batteries. So new batteries and generator and coming up on one year and no issue.

 

[Dusty Dude]

It isn’t 1960, no one should have to babysit a battery just because the vehicle sits for a few weeks. Utter bullshit.

Agreed. We didn’t have to babysit the batteries back then, and we shouldn’t have to now.

 

[Punkn89]

OP, battery issues are a super common issue with these Jeeps but, there are countless threads on battery issues and solutions on the forum, it’s too bad you didn’t reach out. Good Jeep dealers/mechanics are a needle in a haystack.

Sorry It didn’t work out. If I have any parting advice, it would be to learn how to work on as many technical aspects of your next vehicle yourself. You’ll save yourself money, time and you’ll know exactly what was done and in what quality. Best thing I ever learned was how to work on Jeeps when I was young. Luckily, even YouTube is filled with tutorials now.

 

[Flip]

I really & truly hate to see another jeep owner bail out but there's nothing I can do about it so.......na na na na, na na na na hey hey hey good bye.

Hey hey hey goodbye with lyrics - YouTube

 

[NWJeepr]

*correction: They don't throw the batteries "in the dump". Places actually pay money to buy old/dead batteries to recycle.

Also, buy a jumper pack instead of calling AAA and having to wait. Um, you should be able to jump a dead battery. Good humaning requires it.

If you really like the Jeep, find a way to overcome the issue...many have posted good suggestions in this thread.

 

[GearWhore]

My '21 is on OEM batteries 5 & 6 now. Been ~6-8 months now, so about time they'll fail again. Certainly doesn't instill confidence in the Jeep for backcountry or even longer road trips.

Semi-related: went to test drive Ram 1500s a couple weeks ago. Each of the 4 new Limiteds we tried had a dead battery & wouldn't start (though usually some interior chimes & lights still).

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