Yet another way for the JL to leave you stranded

[IPSCOJL]

Went 4 wheeling yesterday and had my JL fail again, after crawling up the trail for about 40 minutes, we had to pull over to let a group of jeeps coming back down the trail go by. Got in to start the jeep and nothing, kept retrying to start the jeep and got a message STARTER over load need to wait 30 seconds before retrying. Waited serval times but it was not going to start. In this state I could not move the shifter from Park, had to shift the Transfer Case into neutral to move the Jeep back enough to let another Jeep in our group get out. So, like all computers I had to give it a restart by disconnecting the battery to reset everything. I will note it was very hot under the hood which I’m sure heat soaked everything – still no excuse for not working correctly. After I disconnected the battery for 2-3 minutes and re-connected the Jeep started up like nothing was ever wrong. Keep on going for another hour to have lunch and shut thing off for about a half hour. Jeep restarted just fine, drove back out to a spot to air backup. Shut off the Jeep and guess what, Jeep would not start again only this time a message something like Service 4-wheel system message pop up for about 3 seconds. Once again, I disconnected the battery to reset all the computers in the Jeep and we where on our way. This Jeep seem to have a lot of software problems and is proving to be very unreliable. So, if you ever get stuck where the jeep will not start, try disconnecting the battery for a couple of minutes and hopefully you can get back on the road. I for one have ZERO faith in this Jeep at this time and know when I take it into the dealership they are going to say CAN NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM, maybe someday they will get someone that can think and work on these jeeps.

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[GARRIGA]

I believe FCA can provide a device that records events. You’d think the computer would already do that.

 

[JIMBOX]

Just from reading-----

You can't disconnect JUST THE PRIMARY POSITIVE LEAD--

Because of TWO batteries--in parallel, you have to disconnect both primary POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE-

Whatever

JIMBO

 

[NavyVet1959]

Damn kiddie engineers that Jeep is hiring think that they can all a bunch of whiz-bang features and it not affect other things. This is what you get when you have engineers that grew up in the Microsoft days -- when in doubt, reboot...

 

[IPSCOJL]

Just from reading-----

You can't disconnect JUST THE PRIMARY POSITIVE LEAD--

Because of TWO batteries--in parallel, you have to disconnect both primary POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE-

Whatever

JIMBO

all you need to do is remove just the POS main terminal from the battery and that will cause a reboot to the Jeep. Worked all three times I've had an issues with this jeep, twice for not starting and once for it stuck in 8th gear and would not shift.

 

[IPSCOJL]

I believe FCA can provide a device that records events. You’d think the computer would already do that.

I have not tried to read the error log yet to see if it left some clues, maybe later today. The last time when the Jeep gave me a service light and was stuck in 8th gears and would not shift it did not record any errors. Just soppy code writing by the software engineers.

 

[JIMBOX]

I'm glad it worked for you !

Whatever

JIMBO

all you need to do is remove just the POS main terminal from the battery and that will cause a reboot to the Jeep. Worked all three times I've had an issues with this jeep, twice for not starting and once for it stuck in 8th gear and would not shift.

 

[TIDALWAVE]

So...it looks like I am going to have to install shut-off switches on both the positive and negative posts. I hate to have to pull battery clamps.

 

[JIMBOX]

Heh Heh, I'd like to see that !

whatever

JIMBO

So...it looks like I am going to have to install shut-off switches on both the positive and negative posts. I hate to have to pull battery clamps.

 

[JeepSmash]

Maybe they need to wire it into the aux switch.

We can have the first generation Jeep to come with a reboot button.

“This wrangler: powered by windows.”

 

[JIMBOX]

Don't forget--any switch wired like that has to be able to conduct AT LEAST 40 AMPS at various times--

Position/mounting/switching--etc

Whatever

JIMBO

 

[Turfman]

Maybe they need to wire it into the aux switch.

We can have the first generation Jeep to come with a reboot button.

“This wrangler: powered by windows.”

You know if you use a big enough amp silenoid you may actually get away with this but it would create havoc with the start system.

I wonder if they build a breaker system that would allow you to do a power disconnect through the push button!

They do sell the battery cable disconnects which would accomplish the same thing without needing tools!

 

[Dan S]

OP, have you checked to make sure all of the fuses and relays are fully seated in the fuse box? Seems to be a common source of many electrical issues on the JLs.

 

[Martindfletcher]

You know if you use a big enough amp silenoid you may actually get away with this but it would create havoc with the start system.

I wonder if they build a breaker system that would allow you to do a power disconnect through the push button!

They do sell the battery cable disconnects which would accomplish the same thing without needing tools!

Agreed, battery kill switches are mandatory on drag race cars. Probably the safest easy solution.

 

[GARRIGA]

I use to remove a fuse to keep my car from starting. Home made anti-theft we had back in the day. Could one be faulty and disconnecting the battery reingages this fuse? I know nothing about electrical systems but another mention fuse issues.

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