2010 Wrangler Power Problems

My 2010 Wrangler’s battery light turned on all of a sudden. Turned off the the vehicle for about 30 minutes. Started it again and the light was no longer on. 10 mins down the road it turns back on. Figured it was just time for a new battery. As i was heading for a new battery my abs, passenger seat and “brakes”. The last light to turn on before it shut off on me was the voltage light. I replaced the battery and still wouldnt start. Got towed to a shop where I got told I needed a new alternator.
New battery and new alternator and still nothing.
When the battery is disconnected from the Jeep it reads a good battery. As soon as you connect it it reads faulty. What should be the next step? Dont need it to be 100%. Just need it fixed to trade it in for a newer one.

 

Like Chris said above, IMO the first step is the basic stuff. I've read post after post on forums (and experienced myself) about the same symptoms being loose connections. Start with the +/- terminal and battery post connections. They are slightly tapered so loosen the connection, then use a large socket (slightly larger than the posts) and rubber mallet to GENTLY tap it all the way down on the post until its fully seated.

If you're still having issues once those are secure then start checking grounds, I don't know if they've changed over the years so I would google their location for your year Jeep.

Please post back and let us know how it's going.

Good luck!!!

 

Update:
The new battery that I bought to begin with ended up being faulty. So we replaced it and it started working. But now after a few minutes of driving the “battery” light turns on and stays on until I turn the vehicle off. Now when we test the batterys voltage it reads 12s and high 11s on and off.
Yall have any advice about that one?

 

All the grounds were good.

 

Welcome! That statement about the first replacement battery directed me to suspect the battery not able to "handle" a load. With the 2nd replacement battery scenario I would get the alternator checked out. Auto parts stores like Advance can test the alternator and/or battery on the spot.

 

So with the Alternator I replaced it on Saturday, when i first started having problems. I went to Advance and bought a new one. Then had to take that one back cause it was faulty. When i got the one i currently have in the Jeep I made sure they tested it when I bought it and when they installed it.

 

My suggestion to get the alternator checked out is because there is the chance that the new alternator coupled with a "new" defective battery may have caused alternator premature failure. For example a battery with a short in it can make the alternator run at full output for an extended period resulting in failure.

 

Alright guys. Well last night I found out at Advance that the alternator they gave me the 2nd was indeed faulty, even though they tested it when I got it and said it was good. So today when i get a chance I will replace the alternator AGAIN and to be on the safe side recharge and retest the battery. Really hoping this is the last steps to getting the Jeep back up. Wish me luck!!!

 

The quality of replacement parts supply seem to be going down the drain. Low quality rebuilds or imported crap....NAPA has been good in the past but things are changing

 

And Napa recently purchased Advance auto. I bought a rebuilt starter from Advance auto and it came in a Napa box. I almost always go to Oreilly's and buy their lifetime warranty parts. They will price match other stores lifetime warranty parts of the same ilk.

 

So even with the new battery and new alternator and good grounds Im still running i to the same problem. A buddy of mine is saying it could be my belt and belt tensioner. The belt does seem lose but seems in good condition. Project for tonight is replacing the belt tensioner with the new pully and a new belt.
Wish me luck!!

 

New belt tensioner and pully and a new belt just to still get the same results. Battery is still losing power. Even from just a few minutes of running. I honestly have no idea what else it could be.

 

Welcome to the forum @jessej88m .

I'm subbed. Can't add anything that hasn't been said. Except here in NJ. We have Advanced, Pep Boys, and Auto Zone. Advanced I've used, but don't recommend. AZ, gave me the wrong size battery once. Pep Boys, if I choose to go to any big box store. Is my first choice. My point. It all depends on your local choices and repair shops. Personally. I prefer to build a relationship with a local shop. A good shop will take the time to know you and your vehicle. They want your cash as much as you want to spend it on your Jeep. And....find a good shop for your build that will help with your build. Just sayin.

 

Just to verify, the +/- terminal and battery post connections are fully seated and tight. Sorry to harp on this simple thing, I've just had too many friends that they weren't all the way down on the post and gave them the same symptoms.

 

Youre good. Yes. They are. Tonight we are going over the basics. Gonna re check grounds and look for cabels. We are just hoping its not the computer. Fingers crossed.

 

Do you have any aftermarket electronics? I.E. High watt stereo, winch, lights, etc? Something is putting a major drain on your battery. disconnect any aftermarket electronics 1 at a time and see if it fixes your issue. You said that your ABS light came on before it wouldn't start. Pull the ABS fuse out of the main power block and see if that fixes it.

 

No aftermarket parts. Thanks Ill try that this evening. Really appreciate it.