Jeep Auxiliary Battery Problems: Troubleshooting

Jeep auxiliary batteries are unavoidable components for any kind of jeep especially if it is about the main battery health. But sometimes we also have to go through issues with auxiliary batteries. 

So, what are the Jeep auxiliary battery problems?

In Jeep, the compass model faces a battery leaking issue for its auxiliary battery. The grand cherokee auxiliary battery issues include a draining battery, a blown fuse, an ESS issue, and a wrong ground wire position. Both Wrangler and Gladiator users face battery-draining issues for their auxiliary batteries. The most effective solution for the jeep auxiliary battery problem is to replace the auxiliary battery.

These are just the heads-ups of our main discussion. If you are interested in knowing more, then just dig into the following article. 

What Is The Purpose Of An Auxiliary Battery In The Jeep?

Although the auxiliary battery is called the secondary battery, it has a crucial role to play in our vehicles. A secondary battery works as a backup of the primary battery or the main battery. So, the auxiliary battery is the smaller version of the main 12V battery.

The Jeep has two batteries and the auxiliary battery does several jobs based on the model. Usually, an auxiliary battery is powering the radio and the engine start-stop system. So, an auxiliary battery plays an important role in maintaining the battery health of the primary battery. 

Jeep Auxilary Battery Problems For Different Models

Jeep Model	Symptoms	Solution
Jeep Compass	Visible leak around the battery	Replace the battery
Jeep Grand Cherokee	Battery keeps drainingBlown fusePositive cable blown on groundWrong ground wire position	Replace the batteryReplace the fuse or wires
Jeep Gladiator	Battery is draining	Replace the battery terminals
Jeep Wrangler	Battery is draining	Replace auxiliary battery

Jeep Compass Auxiliary Battery Problem:

Jeep Compass is a well-known jeep model which has both the primary and the secondary battery. If there is any issue with the auxiliary battery, you would get a clear indication of it. Just inspect the system carefully and then go for the fixing part.

Problem: Visible Leak Around the Battery:

Battery fluid keeps the battery going. If the liquid is running out, the battery will burn immediately. If you notice the liquid of your auxiliary battery leaking on your jeep compass, then it is high time to replace the battery.

Because spilling the battery liquid on the other component of the vehicle is very harmful. It can damage the other parts as well by creating corrosion. It will also affect the main battery and will cause your jeep to shut off. 

Solution:

Here is the process following which you can easily replace the auxiliary battery of your jeep compass-

• First, open the hood of your vehicle and secure it carefully
• Take off the negative terminal of the primary battery using a 10mm socket securing the IBS sensor
• Take off the negative terminal of the auxiliary battery located  on the driver’s side using a 10mm nut
• Take off the battery relay module by unscrewing the screws located on both sides of the module
• Remove the two positive terminals of the auxiliary battery using the same 10mm nut
• Remove the metal hold on a bracket of the auxiliary battery by wiggling it gently
• Take out the old battery by pulling it off carefully from the battery chamber 
• Before placing the new battery, remove the studs that came with the new battery secure the terminals
• Position the new battery down to the battery tray carefully and cover it with the insulator wrap
• Now, reinstall the metal hold-on a bracket over the auxiliary battery and secure it by reinstalling both the nuts
• Reinstall the battery relay module
• Finally, reinstall all the screws and terminals that were taken off at the beginning on a reverse sequence.

Be careful while installing the positive and negative terminals. First, reinstall the positive terminals of the auxiliary battery and then the negative terminal. 

While installing the negative terminal, you might see some spark. Don’t worry about that it’s normal. Finish the whole process by reinstalling the negative terminal on the primary battery. 

Jeep Grand Cherokee Auxiliary Battery Problem:

Draining of the battery is a common battery problem for Jeep Grand Cherokee. 

Problem 1: Battery Keeps Draining

If the auxiliary battery is draining rapidly, it will eventually take the power from the primary battery. And it will cause the primary battery to die. It will show an ESS message which means there is a problem with the auxiliary battery. 

So, if you encounter such a situation with your Grand Cherokee battery, without any further delay, replace the auxiliary battery.

Solution:

Following the process described below, you would be able to replace the Grand Cherokee auxiliary battery-

• To access the battery channel, slide your passenger seat forward and that will reveal the panel under
• Pull off the top cover of the battery. The auxiliary battery is located in front of the main battery
• Using a 13mm socket wrench, disconnect the negative terminal of the auxiliary battery
• Using a 10mm socket wrench, disconnect the negative terminal of the main battery and remove the terminal connector as well
• Using a 13mm socket wrench, disconnect the positive terminal of the auxiliary battery
• At the side of the auxiliary battery there is a retaining board below, remove that using A deep socket
• Disconnect the vent hose and gently pull out the retaining clip
• Pull out the old battery from the battery terminal
• On the same slit, reinstall the new battery as well as the vent tube
• Reset the cover on the top of the battery and secure all the screws carefully to the battery
• Finally, reconnect the positive terminal of the auxiliary battery first, then the negative terminal of the main battery 
• End the process by reconnecting the negative terminal of the auxiliary battery at the end.

Problem 2: Blown Fuse or Wire

The positive wire on the auxiliary battery can be blown on the ground wire. If It gets shorted with the auxiliary battery positive terminal, it will cause a blown fuse in the auxiliary battery.

A wrong ground position can also cause the auxiliary battery terminal to get shorted. Other than the auxiliary battery itself, the IBS (Intelligent battery sensor) located on the negative cable of the main battery can also be the reason behind the battery issue. 

If the fuse is working fine, then get your IBS checked with an expert to detect the issue. You can also see a battery protection mode message if the IBS is the issue. 

Solution:

Inspect the fuse for melted positive terminal and replace them. If the fuse is blown, replace it following the process: 

• Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
• Locate the fuse box for the auxiliary battery, which is usually located near the main battery under the hood or in the trunk.
• Open the fuse box cover and locate the blown fuse. You can use a flashlight to see better.
• Use a fuse puller or pliers to remove the blown fuse from the socket. Be careful not to damage the socket or the surrounding fuses.
• Inspect the blown fuse to determine its rating and type. You can find this information printed on the top of the fuse or in the owner’s manual.
• Replace the blown fuse with a new one of the same rating and type. Make sure the new fuse is properly seated in the socket.
• Close the fuse box cover and start the engine to check if the problem is resolved.

Jeep Gladiator Auxiliary Battery Problem:

Among the jeeps which has both batteries gladiator is one of the renowned models. Sometimes the auxiliary battery creates difficulty in gladiator performance and it needs to be fixed as early as possible. 

Problem: Draining Battery

Frequent battery draining is the main indicator for gladiator auxiliary battery problems. If your battery is having trouble holding the power, there must be some connection error in your battery. 

Solution:

Following the process mentioned below, you can easily replace the battery terminal of the jeep gladiator auxiliary battery-

• First, start removing the battery wiring. Pull the negative terminal first and then the positive one
• Observe the battery terminal to make sure it matches the type of the new one
• Clean the battery terminals before installing the new one using a battery terminal cleaner foam
• Cut the old terminals from the wires using a wirecutter
• Use a wire stripping tool and cut about an inch of wire insulator
• Clean any corrosion or dust from the exposed wire
• For the exposed wire part, use heat shrink tubing so secure that place better
• Now connect the exposed wiring part with the terminals and properly heat shrink the connection place 
• Finally, reattach the clamps of the battery for testing whether it is working perfectly or not

And if the terminal replacement doesn’t solve the issue, then you should delete your jeep gladiator auxiliary battery for solving the issue following the process mentioned above. 

Jeep Wrangler Auxiliary Battery Problem:

Similar to Gladiator, Wrangler users also face frequent auxiliary battery draining issues. 

Problem: Draining Battery

The primary symptom of a faulty auxiliary battery is frequent battery draining. If you notice your battery is draining inconsistently, that can be an indication of a bad auxiliary battery. 

Solution: 

The auxiliary battery of the jeep wrangler is located behind the main battery underneath the PDC plate. To resolve a bad auxiliary battery problem, you need to replace the battery. You will find the process of replacing an auxiliary battery in detail mentioned in the above discussion. 

What Is The Cost & Lifespan Of An Auxiliary Battery In A Jeep?

Usually, an auxiliary battery costs less than the main battery. The pricing range of an auxiliary battery is around $104 to $190 depending on the model of the vehicle. And before buying your desired auxiliary battery, make sure you have the right one. 

In most cases, an auxiliary battery lasts for around 5 to 8 years. But this number is not concrete. This duration can be more or less depending on your jeep use and performance. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 

Does the auxiliary battery drain the main battery?

If the system lacks in working properly, it can drain the main battery. But you can avoid such a situation by installing an isolator. Also, a charge controller can help in this situation. It will allow the electricity to flow in the same direction, instead of both. 

What are the symptoms of a faulty auxiliary battery?

The main three symptoms of a bad auxiliary battery are an evident leak around the battery, the vehicle not cranking properly and the battery light being on. Other than these three, you might also notice the battery not charging or low voltage in the main battery for a faulty auxiliary battery. 

Can the auxiliary battery cause vehicle not to start an issue?

If the main battery of your vehicle dies, then you may face a battery not starting issue in your vehicle. But if the auxiliary battery dies, that might show an error code pop in your dash. But in some cases, your auxiliary battery can also trigger your jeep starting issue.

Final Words

Hope this article could guide you through your journey with Jeep auxiliary battery problems. Just follow the easy solution process carefully for your jeep model.

One added tip, if you want to avoid frequent jeep problems, make sure you don’t forget the basic maintenance regularly. 

That’s all for now. See you soon with something more exciting.

Till then, have a safe journey!