Had to Jump Battery for 10th time, now 8" display and radio dead

[5h4g]

I've been in this 'loop' for awhile with the dealership where I service both of our 392's.. The Battery will die, and when I take it in, their diagnostics suggest the battery 'has not failed enough' (e.g. it has 'passed' the test). So then I tell them how if we do not keep our jeeps plugged into our trickle chargers every night, after a day or two, they will die, so we're in a catch-22 where the only times our jeeps die is when we are parked for extended times away from our trickle chargers in the garage (e.g. airport parking, or while hiking/camping for more than 5-6 hours, etc).

The last time this happened the service tech recommended we stop trickle charging the batteries so they properly die and then don't pass the test. But we don't want to do this, as I don't want my wife to have to deal with a dead battery, and I know from my own experience that even after getting my jeep started with the 'brick' battery charger, I can get glitches in the electronics and the power steering feels 'off'. Not trying to be a wimp, but this feels like a true safety issue to wait for a battery to 'fully die' before my 8-year full extended mopar warranty will cover a replacement.

Now, to top it off (I think I've reached my wit's end at this point), after the last time I jump started it with the brick, my 8" touchscreen display/radio/bluetooth/backup cam etc. no longer works or will power on. Backing up without it, does suck.

Looking for any recommendations on how I can fix the 8" display unit, and also for how to handle the dealership to get new batteries in these jeeps. It's very ironic to have over $200k of HEMI powered jeeps in the garage, neither of which either of us can even take camping or off-road or trust to start. We feel like we are now 'hostages' to the trickle chargers.

Related, but unsure, but I'm pretty sure my alternator is not supplying full power to the engine on my jeep (not my wife's). While I do have more accessories on mine, I don't have to be using any lighting to feel when the alternator is putting out weak power...the way the jeep runs, 'misses' down down on the rpm band, the way the power steering feels, and all the gremlins I get after I drive it after it's been parked with out a trickle charger. Just a hunch.

 

[Robr651]

I decided to not deal with the dealership at all and the hassles you’re going through and just bit the bullet and replaced the battery in my 22’ myself for $200 with a 48 month warranty.

 

[5h4g]

I decided to not deal with the dealership at all and the hassles you’re going through and just bit the bullet and replaced the battery in my 22’ myself for $200 with a 48 month warranty.

that's where I'm headed, but man, paid so much for two full, extended, 8-year mopar warranties.... it's becoming a matter of principal for me at this point. It's less about the money, and more about the time, warranty, principle.

 

[gr1p]

Just buy a new battery...JFC

 

[DB392]

Wont the warranty cover the Screen? that should prompt them to replace the battery also. At some point either you have to find another dealer or take some time off work have it towed in and make noise until its fixed. As an anecdote my 2024 doesn't hit the road much as I work remote and have a few other rides so it has been ok for a week or so with no issues starting and its not on a charger.

So something is really wrong with the Battery or you have a parasitic drain, maybe the entertainment system was causing an issue and finally died.

 

[Brutus 392]

I would just replace the battery, your time is worth something.

 

[DB392]

Doesn't he have more issues now? the screen? Will the put a load on the alternator to see if its ok?

 

[Earl 392]

I've been in this 'loop' for awhile with the dealership where I service both of our 392's.. The Battery will die, and when I take it in, their diagnostics suggest the battery 'has not failed enough' (e.g. it has 'passed' the test). So then I tell them how if we do not keep our jeeps plugged into our trickle chargers every night, after a day or two, they will die, so we're in a catch-22 where the only times our jeeps die is when we are parked for extended times away from our trickle chargers in the garage (e.g. airport parking, or while hiking/camping for more than 5-6 hours, etc).

The last time this happened the service tech recommended we stop trickle charging the batteries so they properly die and then don't pass the test. But we don't want to do this, as I don't want my wife to have to deal with a dead battery, and I know from my own experience that even after getting my jeep started with the 'brick' battery charger, I can get glitches in the electronics and the power steering feels 'off'. Not trying to be a wimp, but this feels like a true safety issue to wait for a battery to 'fully die' before my 8-year full extended mopar warranty will cover a replacement.

Now, to top it off (I think I've reached my wit's end at this point), after the last time I jump started it with the brick, my 8" touchscreen display/radio/bluetooth/backup cam etc. no longer works or will power on. Backing up without it, does suck.

Looking for any recommendations on how I can fix the 8" display unit, and also for how to handle the dealership to get new batteries in these jeeps. It's very ironic to have over $200k of HEMI powered jeeps in the garage, neither of which either of us can even take camping or off-road or trust to start. We feel like we are now 'hostages' to the trickle chargers.

Related, but unsure, but I'm pretty sure my alternator is not supplying full power to the engine on my jeep (not my wife's). While I do have more accessories on mine, I don't have to be using any lighting to feel when the alternator is putting out weak power...the way the jeep runs, 'misses' down down on the rpm band, the way the power steering feels, and all the gremlins I get after I drive it after it's been parked with out a trickle charger. Just a hunch.

What years are your Jeeps? Not uncommon to have a battery go out at 3 years. What cheap battery are they going to put in it anyway.
Costco agm $170. Mine is a 23 never a problem once I left the GMRS radio on for a weak the Jeep nearly didn’t start but it did , so because I was at fault on that one I’ll probably change my battery near the end of 25 or b4 any long 4x trip in cold weather.

 

[Bobo57]

I've been in this 'loop' for awhile with the dealership where I service both of our 392's.. The Battery will die, and when I take it in, their diagnostics suggest the battery 'has not failed enough' (e.g. it has 'passed' the test). So then I tell them how if we do not keep our jeeps plugged into our trickle chargers every night, after a day or two, they will die, so we're in a catch-22 where the only times our jeeps die is when we are parked for extended times away from our trickle chargers in the garage (e.g. airport parking, or while hiking/camping for more than 5-6 hours, etc).

The last time this happened the service tech recommended we stop trickle charging the batteries so they properly die and then don't pass the test. But we don't want to do this, as I don't want my wife to have to deal with a dead battery, and I know from my own experience that even after getting my jeep started with the 'brick' battery charger, I can get glitches in the electronics and the power steering feels 'off'. Not trying to be a wimp, but this feels like a true safety issue to wait for a battery to 'fully die' before my 8-year full extended mopar warranty will cover a replacement.

Now, to top it off (I think I've reached my wit's end at this point), after the last time I jump started it with the brick, my 8" touchscreen display/radio/bluetooth/backup cam etc. no longer works or will power on. Backing up without it, does suck.

Looking for any recommendations on how I can fix the 8" display unit, and also for how to handle the dealership to get new batteries in these jeeps. It's very ironic to have over $200k of HEMI powered jeeps in the garage, neither of which either of us can even take camping or off-road or trust to start. We feel like we are now 'hostages' to the trickle chargers.

Related, but unsure, but I'm pretty sure my alternator is not supplying full power to the engine on my jeep (not my wife's). While I do have more accessories on mine, I don't have to be using any lighting to feel when the alternator is putting out weak power...the way the jeep runs, 'misses' down down on the rpm band, the way the power steering feels, and all the gremlins I get after I drive it after it's been parked with out a trickle charger. Just a hunch.

We all know the stock Jeep battery is CRAP. Mine went out at 16 months. JMHO but I'd bite the bullet and buy a new battery and stop wasting your time with the dealer for a claim. Your time and aggravation is worth something. You should be able to check the alternator charging voltage on your gauges.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I quickly replaced mine with a bigger sized Odessey. Seems like you're chasing your tail for no reason.

 

[Judgementsrt8]

Don’t let being stuck on a principle drive you into misery. It’s a battery, yeah it sucks but why deal with the issues. Replace it and move on. Especially if you have ruled out any parasitic kind issues that maybe draining the battery. I have a 22 XR and only have issues if it’s sits a couple weeks or more. Still on the original factory battery with just over 41k on it. I don’t use a trickle charger at all. I have used my Ctek charger and completed the battery reconditioning with it. So far it’s been fine.

 

[Bobo57]

I quickly replaced mine with a bigger sized Odessey. Seems like you're chasing your tail for no reason.

I’m very happy with Odyssey Batteries…

 

[hardhat]

Walmart everstart platinum was under $200 and has 4y warranty. I have had it replaced by them for free 1 time. Probably bad cell in battery. Current battery is good. You should be able to look at voltage when running to see if alternator is doing its job. Mine runs around 14.1 volts when rpms are above idle. At idle, I can make voltage drop intermittently by moving steering wheel but that is just due to the large transient load from the electric power steering boost.

 

[5h4g]

What years are your Jeeps? Not uncommon to have a battery go out at 3 years. What cheap battery are they going to put in it anyway.
Costco agm $170. Mine is a 23 never a problem once I left the GMRS radio on for a weak the Jeep nearly didn’t start but it did , so because I was at fault on that one I’ll probably change my battery near the end of 25 or b4 any long 4x trip in cold weather.

the jeep with the screen out and battery issues is my '21 392. Only 15k miles, but yeah, more than 3 years. I just wish the dealership would agree the battery isn't holding a charge, or, the alternator is not keeping up with load.

 

[1875Outlaw]

I have a 21 392. Best investment was a reliable AGM battery tender. Keeps those batteries going 3-5 years longer. Plus invest in a Norelco USB jump starter. Just my .02

 

[Viking Jeeper]

I have a 21 and I had the battery replaced by the dealer on the last day of the 3 yr warranty. I knew the battery was going dead and stopped trickle charging, hoping it would help fail the test. I do have a jump starter so I was never really worried. In my case I wanted to take advantage of the warranty but if your dealer is being difficult it might be a better idea to replace it yourself.

You first reported the screen did not work in March, has the dealer looked at that?

BTW you can hook up a battery tender to the 7 pin trailer harness. Ive done it.

 

[Turboencabulator]

I've got the 8y/85k $0 deductible MOPAR MAXIMUM CARE plan. The good news it will cover the Uconnect system and the alternator if you end up needing that.

The bad news is that it wont cover the battery replacement. If you read under "This Plan will not cover" section #18 says:

But that's probably a good thing. My factory battery started to fail 6 months after I bought the jeep new. You'll know it cuz you get the "Aux Switches Temporarily Unavailable" message. Jeep will cover consumable parts like batteries/tires/wipers within the first 12 months so I had it replaced for free. They replaced the no-name OEM battery with a Mopar branded battery which has worked fine. I'd go with a better battery but free is free. I never plug it in but it's my daily driver. We do travel over the summer and it'll sit around for 3-4 weeks but it always starts right up.

 

[5h4g]

I've got the 8y/85k $0 deductible MOPAR MAXIMUM CARE plan. The good news it will cover the Uconnect system and the alternator if you end up needing that.
View attachment 46507
The bad news is that it wont cover the battery replacement. If you read under "This Plan will not cover" section #18 says:View attachment 46508
But that's probably a good thing. My factory battery started to fail 6 months after I bought the jeep new. You'll know it cuz you get the "Aux Switches Temporarily Unavailable" message. Jeep will cover consumable parts like batteries/tires/wipers within the first 12 months so I had it replaced for free. They replaced the no-name OEM battery with a Mopar branded battery which has worked fine. I'd go with a better battery but free is free. I never plug it in but it's my daily driver. We do travel over the summer and it'll sit around for 3-4 weeks but it always starts right up.

good stuff! thank you very much, but now I'm extra confused b/c the dealer said they WOULD replace it as long as / if /when the battery fails their 'test'.

Because I have to take it in now for the 8" display etc., I'm going to hope they do replace the battery too. if not, I'll have to what another posted suggested and "Just get a new battery ffs". He's not wrong.

 

[@WhiteBronze392]

You have more resolve than me i would have just bought a battery about 8 jumps ago

 

[Earl 392]

You have more resolve than me i would have just bought a battery about 8 jumps ago