The Meaning of Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon Jeep Error Message

An error message instructing you to stop your Jeep while you’re driving can confuse you. It may seem urgent, but is it really something to worry about?

Now, what does the stop safely vehicle will shut off soon Jeep error message actually mean?

The message indicates that your Jeep’s ESS has low voltage and is about to shut down the engine. There may be a problem with the batteries, the battery isolator, the alternator, the serpentine belt, the IBS, or, rarely, the ECM or the PCM. Additionally, there could be a blown fuse or damaged wiring that’s relevant to these components. A proper diagnosis of these parts is required to address this error message.

In this article, we will discuss why this error message appears and how you can solve it instantly.

What Does “Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon Jeep” Mean?

stop safely vehicle will shut off soon jeep compass — Source: Car and Driver

This error message “Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon Jeep” is related to the ESS (engine start-stop) feature of the vehicle. The ESS uses the auxiliary battery to operate. The engine automatically shuts off when the ESS cannot operate due to low voltage or a defective auxiliary battery.

That means this error message shows up mainly when the auxiliary battery has problems.

This message is generated to warn the driver about the possible malfunction of the vehicle’s auxiliary battery. As the engine will be shut off soon, the driver is required to park the vehicle in a safe place so there are no chances of an accident.

7 Reasons & Solutions for “Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon”

The batteries, the charging system, or an electrical component related to them are to blame for this error message. It is important to understand all the reasons why this error message appears and how to resolve it.

Reason	Symptoms	Solution
A Defective or Dead Battery	Battery light on, dimmed lights, electrical components not functioning properly.	Replace the battery if it’s defective. Apply the baking soda-water mixture to clean the corrosion.
A Defective Alternator	Battery light on, malfunctioning electrical accessories, burning smell,growling or whining noise.	Replace the alternator.
A Worn Serpentine Belt	Squealing noise, loss of power to the AC or the power steering, engine overheating, battery not charging	Replace the serpentine belt
Blown Fuse	Dimmed lights, electrical components not functioning properly, loss of power	Replace the fuse
Wiring Problems	The check engine light or the battery light is on, flickering lights,electrical components not working properly	Replace the wiring
IBS Malfunction	Battery light on, electrical components not working properly	Replace the IBS
ECM or PCM Malfunction	Check engine light, vehicle not starting, engine misfiring or stalling, multiple DTC codes etc.	Consult a mechanic

Reason One: A Defective or Dead Battery

Since your Jeep has the ESS feature, it has an auxiliary battery aside from the main one. The auxiliary battery powers the car’s ESS, entertainment system, etc. A defective or dead battery can also trigger “stop/start not ready battery protection mode”.

Symptoms:

Battery light on
Dimmed lights
Electrical components not functioning properly.

Diagnosis:

Locate the battery: The position of the auxiliary battery will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Consult your owner’s manual to locate it accurately. Some models have the battery situated underneath the passenger seat.

Inspect the battery: After finding the battery, inspect it for any cracks, leaks, or foul odors, which may indicate a defect. Additionally, check the terminals for corrosion. Any of these issues may suggest that the battery has a problem.

Conduct a voltage test: Use a multimeter to measure the DC voltage. Before testing, turn off the engine and all electrical components. Connect the multimeter probes to the battery terminals, and the multimeter should display a reading. When fully charged, a battery has a voltage of 12.6 volts. If the reading is lower, this suggests that the battery or charging system has a problem.

Perform a load test: If the battery voltage reads 12.6 volts, perform a load test to check its condition. To do this, you’ll need a load tester.

Again, turn off the engine and all electrical components. Connect the load tester to the battery terminals, then turn it on to send a load to the battery. Observe if the battery can hold the load for 10-15 seconds. If the voltage drops below 9 volts, you can confirm that the battery is defective.

Check the battery isolator: The battery isolator is a device that keeps the two batteries from discharging each other. This device is located in the middle of the two batteries.

Check the isolator for damage and corrosion. Also, test the continuity of the isolator. If there is no continuity, the isolator is likely to be at fault and needs to be replaced.

Solution:

If your battery is defective, you will have to replace it. Here is a video to show you the complete process of replacing the auxiliary battery on a Jeep. Auxiliary batteries typically cost between $200 and $300. On top of that, you may need to pay an extra $50 to $100 in labor costs.

But if the terminals are corroded, you can just clean them with a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply baking soda all over the corrosion. Then add a couple of drops of water to make a paste of baking soda. Leave the paste on the battery for half an hour, then clean it with water.

If that’s not convenient for you, you can use corrosion cleaner.

Reason Two: A Defective Alternator

If the battery doesn’t have a proper voltage, this can also indicate a problem with the charging system. The alternator is the primary component of the charging system, so you will have to take a look at that first.

Symptoms:

Battery light on
Malfunctioning electrical accessories
Burning smell
Growling or whining noise

Diagnosis:

The alternator is responsible for charging the batteries in your Jeep. So, if the alternator is not doing its job, you can confirm that it is faulty.

First, measure the voltage of the battery with the car turned off. The battery should have 12.6 volts when the car is not running. Keep the multimeter connected and start the car. The voltage should increase and stay between 14.2 and 14.7 volts.

If the voltage is more or less than the specified range, then that means the alternator is not charging the battery like it is supposed to. In either case, the alternator is bad.

SolutionL

If the alternator is bad, it must be replaced. Depending on the model, the cost of a new alternator is around 100–300 dollars. Throw in another 20 to 50 dollars if you want to replace the serpentine belt too. The labor cost should amount to another 50–100 dollars.

Or, if you want to replace the alternator yourself, here is a video explaining the steps-

Make sure you follow the steps in the video exactly. Improper installation can cause the alternator to burn out quickly.

Reason Three: A Worn Serpentine Belt

The alternator is powered by the serpentine belt. So, if your alternator is okay, its serpentine belt may be the root of the problem. Wear, damage, or loose serpentine belts can prevent the alternator from turning properly, resulting in electrical problems.

Symptoms:

Squealing noise
Loss of power to the AC or the power steering
Engine overheating
Battery not charging

Diagnosis:

To know if the alternator is worn out or damaged, you will have to visually inspect it. So, first, you must locate the serpentine belt. The serpentine belt is usually located on the front of the engine and attached to the crank.

When you have found the belt, look for cracks in it. If the belt has cracks, it is worn out.

Solution:

If the serpentine belt is worn out, you will have to get a new one and replace it. You can take your car to a mechanic to get it done. In that case, you will have to spend around 50 to 150 dollars in labor costs in addition to the cost of the belt, which is around $50.

If you would like to do the job yourself, here is a video of the complete process-

Reason Four: Blown Fuse

The battery, alternator, or serpentine belt may be fine, but it won’t still work if the relevant fuses are blown.

Electrical fuses are designed to protect the electrical system by preventing excessive current from flowing through the circuits. When a fuse blows, it breaks the electrical connection and interrupts the flow of current.

Symptoms:

Dimmed lights
Electrical components not functioning properly.
Loss of power

Diagnosis:

Locate the fuse box, which is usually located under the dashboard or in the engine compartment. Look for the diagram on the fuse box cover or in the owner’s manual to identify the fuse related to the alternator or battery.

Take out the fuse using a fuse puller to check if the metal filament inside is broken or burned. If that looks okay, you can test it with a multimeter.

Set the multimeter to read continuity and touch the probes to each end of the fuse. If the multimeter reads around zero, the fuse is good. A blown fuse will show a reading of “infinity.”.

Solution:

If the fuse is blown, it needs to be replaced with a new one. Make sure to get a fuse with the same amperage rating.

Reason Five: Wiring Problems

If the components are okay, there may be problems with the connection. An issue in the wiring or connection can cause intermittent circuits. There could be a loose connection, damaged wiring, or corroded or burned wires.

So, you need to check the connections and the wiring of all the components of the charging system.

Symptoms:

The check engine light or the battery light is on
Flickering lights
Electrical components not working properly

Diagnosis:

To see if you have wiring problems, you need to check the wiring between the battery, the alternator, the IBS, the PCM, and the ECM.

Check the connections to see if they are loose. Loose connections can cause intermittent electrical problems that can trigger the warning message. You can gently wiggle the wiring to see if any of the connections are loose.

Check the wiring insulation for damage. If the insulation is damaged, there will be a short circuit.

Check for corrosion on the wiring. Corrosion can cause the wires to break down and create electrical resistance, which can cause the warning message to appear.

Check for any frayed or damaged wires. Frayed wires can cause electrical problems and may need to be repaired or replaced.

Check for any wires that may be burnt or melted. This can indicate that there is an electrical short circuit and the wires need to be replaced.

Solution:

Reconnect any loose wiring you can find. If you can find any wires that are damaged, you will have to replace the wire with a new one.

Reason Six: IBS Malfunction

The IBS stands for “intelligent battery sensor,” and it monitors the condition of the batteries and updates the ECM. A defect in the IBS can trigger the error message.

Symptoms:

Battery light on
Electrical components not working properly

Diagnosis:

To diagnose an issue with the IBS, you will need a DTC code reader. Start the car, but don’t start the engine. Then plug the OBD code reader into its designated port, which is located under the dashboard. The DTC code reader will give you error codes related to the IBS, such as U113E.

Solution:

If your IBS is at fault, you will have to replace the part. Here is how you can do it by yourself-

Turn off the car and let the engine cool off.
Locate the IBS. It should be mounted on the battery itself.
Loosen the nuts that mount the sensor to the battery.
Disconnect the wiring harness of the sensor.
Remove the IBS and replace it with a new one.

Reason Seven: ECM or PCM Malfunction

Although very rare, this message can also be triggered by a fault in the ECU or the PCM. But a faulty ECU or a PCM will trigger a lot more error codes and problems, as the ECU is the brain of your car.

So, if you suspect your vehicle has problems in the ECU or in the PCM, you should take it to an experienced mechanic and have him diagnose the issue. If you have an ECU or a PCM problem, the diagnosis would cost you between 150-200 dollars.

If the ECU is actually faulty, a new OEM ECU will cost you around $3000. Similarly, a new OEM PCM will cost you around $1500-$2000.

How to prevent “stop safely vehicle will shut off soon” in your Jeep?

Taking care of the electrical system and key components of your Jeep is important for avoiding such mishaps. Here are a few tips to help you take care of your Jeep –

Check your battery regularly: Inspect your battery for signs of damage or corrosion. Clean any buildup on the battery terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water, and use a wire brush to remove any rust or grime.

Keep your battery charged: If your vehicle sits unused for long periods of time, consider investing in a battery charger to keep your battery charged and healthy.

Pay attention to warning signs: If you notice any warning signs, such as dimming lights, a slow engine crank, or difficulty starting your vehicle, have your battery and alternator tested by a professional.

Monitor your alternator: The alternator is responsible for charging your battery and powering your vehicle’s electrical system. If you suspect an issue with your alternator, such as a squealing noise or a warning light on your dashboard, have it inspected as soon as possible.

Maintain your ECM and IBS: Your vehicle’s ECM and IBS are critical components of the electrical system. To keep them in good condition, follow your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule, and have any issues diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Why does my engine turn off at a stop?

Your engine turns off at a stop because your vehicle has an ESS feature. This feature turns your engine off automatically when it’s idle. This saves fuel and prevents idle emissions.

Can you turn off start-stop?

Yes, it is possible to disable the engine start-stop feature. There is an off button that will disable the start-stop feature. However, if you would like to disable this feature permanently, it would not be possible.

Does stop-start use more fuel?

No, the start-stop feature does not use excess fuel; rather, this feature is designed to minimize fuel consumption.

Conclusion

Stop safely vehicle will shut off soon Jeep error message requires you to stop and park the vehicle ASAP. Continuing to operate the Jeep despite this warning could result in serious damage to the vehicle and compromise the safety of the driver and passengers.

This is why it is important to take appropriate action to fix this issue. If this is something you can’t do by yourself, seek professional help.