Jeep Grand Cherokee Stop-Start Problems: Diagnosing and Fixing

Jeep Grand Cherokee Stop-Start systems are great for helping you save fuel. However, they are also finicky to maintain. If you are having problems with your Stop-Start system, it is important to know what possible issues could be the cause. In this article, we will explore the various problems that can occur with your stop-start system and how to fix them.

What is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Stop-Start system, and what are its benefits?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Stop-Start system is a vehicle feature that automatically turns the engine off when the vehicle comes to a stop. This helps to save fuel and reduce emissions, making it a popular feature among drivers.

This system has a second battery that is separate from the main vehicle battery. This second battery keeps all of the necessary electronics running when the engine is turned off, and it powers up the engine again when the vehicle begins to move.

While this system can be very useful and fuel-saving in many situations, it is also somewhat delicate. If there are problems with the stop-start system, it can lead to a number of issues, including poor fuel economy, power loss, and reliability problems.

How do I know if my Jeep Grand Cherokee Stop-Start system isn't working properly?

There are a number of common issues that can occur with your stop-start system, including:

• Issues with the second battery or its charging circuit, which can lead to poor performance and power loss in other systems as well.
• Problems with the engine control unit (ECU), which can prevent the Stop-Start system from turning the engine on or off as it should.
• Issues with the ignition system, particularly if a key cylinder is defective or broken.
• Problems with the starter motor, which can prevent the engine from turning over properly.

If you are experiencing any of these issues or other problems with your stop-start system, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. A mechanic or technician with experience working on stop-start systems will be able to diagnose and repair the problem quickly, ensuring that your vehicle is back to optimal performance.

What are the most common causes of Jeep Grand Cherokee Stop-Start system problems?

1) Battery problems

This is probably the most widespread cause of stop-start system problems in Jeep Grand Cherokees. The second battery is typically located under the hood of the vehicle, and it can be damaged by severe temperature fluctuations, corrosion, or other factors. It can also degrade over time and become unable to hold a charge. When your battery charge falls below 50%-75%, it can prevent the Stop-Start system from working properly.

You can easily fix the Stop-Start system problem caused by a dead battery yourself by replacing the battery or battery cable or taking your vehicle to a mechanic who can perform these repairs. The price of the battery is about $200, so it won't cost you much to get your vehicle running again. After replacing the battery, you may need to drive the vehicle for a few minutes in order to get the Stop-Start system working properly again.

Before trying to replace the battery, you can also try to charge it or perform other basic maintenance, such as checking and cleaning the battery terminals. However, if these steps do not correct the problem, you may need to have the battery replaced.

Some Jeep Cherokee owners have reported that their stop-start systems worked properly for several months or even years before suddenly failing. When they got their battery replaced, it often stopped working again after just a few weeks or months. This may be due to a manufacturing defect in the system. It seems that poor battery quality of the batteries in the Jeep Grand Cherokee Stop-Start system is a common problem that many owners have reported.

2) Faulty Intelligent battery sensor

Another common cause of stop-start system problems in the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a faulty intelligent battery sensor (IBS). This sensor monitors and controls the operation of the stop-start system, so it is crucial for proper functioning. The main purpose of this sensor is to ensure that the secondary battery is sufficiently charged to use a stop-start system. If, for some reason, this sensor is not working properly, it can result in stop-start system problems.

You can purchase this sensor from your local auto parts store for around $50-$100, and most mechanics will be able to install it for a small additional fee.

3) Electronics problems

Another common cause of stop-start system problems is issues with the electronics in the system, particularly the engine control unit. This can happen due to a defect or faulty component, or it can occur if components are improperly installed or connected to each other.

While this can be a more difficult problem to fix, there are still several options available. You can try to diagnose the issue yourself by checking the electrical connections, but if this does not work, you may need to take your vehicle to a mechanic or specialist who can perform advanced diagnostics and repairs. This may be more expensive, but it will ensure that your system is working properly again.

4) Defective or broken parts

Another common cause of stop-start system issues is problems with other parts of the engine or ignition system. This can include a broken key cylinder, a defective starter motor, problems with the ignition coil, or other issues.

If you suspect that one of these components may be causing the problem with your stop-start system, it is important to have your vehicle diagnosed by a mechanic or specialist as soon as possible.

Interestingly, the stop-start system may not be working when A/C is on. This is because the system requires a certain amount of available power, and when you turn on A/C, your Jeep Grand Cherokee may use up more power than it can generate.

5) Cold temperatures

If you are having trouble with your stop-start system in colder weather, it could be due to the temperature. The second battery and other components in the system can be more vulnerable to cold temperatures, so it is important to make sure that your vehicle is properly winterized and protected.

6) Your stop-start system is deactivated

In some cases, your stop-start system may not be working because it is deactivated. This can happen if you have recently had work done on your vehicle or if the system has been turned off for some reason.

How to diagnose Jeep Grand Cherokee Stop-Start system issues?

Newer Jeep Grand Cherokee models are typically equipped with advanced diagnostics tools and systems that can help you quickly identify the cause of problems with your Stop-Start system. You will see a warning light on your dashboard indicating a problem, and a message will be displayed to help you better understand the source of the issue.

Error codes will also be stored in the vehicle's computer system, which can help your mechanic or technician identify the source of the problem with greater accuracy.

What should I do if my Jeep Grand Cherokee Stop-Start system experiences a major failure or stops working altogether?

If your stop-start system experiences a major failure or stops working altogether, it is important to seek professional help right away. A mechanic or technician with experience working on these systems will be able to diagnose and fix the problem quickly, ensuring that your vehicle is back up and running.

In some cases, you may also need to replace damaged or defective parts of the system, which can be costly. However, depending on the nature of your vehicle's failure and the extent of the damage, it may be possible to get your vehicle repaired at a lower cost. Additionally, some insurance companies may cover some or all of the cost of repairs, depending on your vehicle's warranty coverage.

To learn more about your options and to get a quote for any necessary repairs, you should contact a mechanic or specialized shop in your area as soon as possible.

However you decide to proceed, it is important to act quickly and take the necessary steps to get your vehicle back up and running. This will not only help you to reduce costs and avoid further issues, but it will also help you to stay safe and ensure that you are able to get where you need to go on time.

Bottom Line

If your Jeep Grand Cherokee Stop-Start system experiences a major failure or stops working altogether, it is likely to be caused by battery issues. However, this can also be the result of a variety of other issues, including electronics problems, defective or damaged parts, or simply normal wear and tear over time. Whatever the cause, it is important to seek professional help right away in order to get your vehicle repaired as quickly and efficiently as possible.