So we have a 2013 Wrangler Sahara Unlimited. For the most part this has been a great vehicle and we have had a lot of fun with it! This summer, we were in a car accident, fender bender with no substantial damage. From the accident, I took the payout and installed a new bumper, grille, head/fog lights and the grille has LED lights as well. This is the only mod we have done to it at this point in time which I believe is important to this.
About a month ago the battery light came on, we went to a box store and they tested it saying the alternator is bad. Shortly after, replaced alternator, same light came on. Swapped the alternator again as the battery was testing fine. This did nothing, replaced the serpentine belt as it was really worn. Same issue. Battery was from 17, so we replaced it to rule that out, same issue. This is where I saw conflicting stories on what it could be and decided it may be the PCM. We didn't have the money to replace it so opted for an external voltage regulator kit.
In the kit, there is a new driver for the alternator, wire that goes to the starter for running power, and the previous wire for the PCM is connected to a fuse on both ends. Now we have a new problem that we didn't have before. I can confirm the battery is good, and charging while running but we have a parasitic draw. Jeep runs after a jump with no issues, park turn it off and it will start right up. After about 30mins or so the battery will be completely dead needing a charge.
I have seen ways to look for parasitic draw and testing some of the obvious culprits, new head lights, cab lights, grille lights etc. I have not been able to find out what is drawing power when off yet though. At one point, the K1 fuse was clicking but I have ruled that out as not draining. When off it was weird that it was clicking but that was with the old battery in the jeep which was only at 3v and I read that it could make different accessories do weird things being that low. My question is, should I keep pulling fuses and testing for parasitic draw or could it be the computer going out? My thinking, it was the PCM/ECM all along, maybe it is drawing power or telling a accessory to draw when it shouldn't be? Please give me something else to test, diagnose etc. I can give any readings with my multimeter if you give me a request. I am handy, but not an expert by any means. Thank you in advance to anyone who sees this and suggestions something!
Wes.
About a month ago the battery light came on, we went to a box store and they tested it saying the alternator is bad. Shortly after, replaced alternator, same light came on. Swapped the alternator again as the battery was testing fine. This did nothing, replaced the serpentine belt as it was really worn. Same issue. Battery was from 17, so we replaced it to rule that out, same issue. This is where I saw conflicting stories on what it could be and decided it may be the PCM. We didn't have the money to replace it so opted for an external voltage regulator kit.
In the kit, there is a new driver for the alternator, wire that goes to the starter for running power, and the previous wire for the PCM is connected to a fuse on both ends. Now we have a new problem that we didn't have before. I can confirm the battery is good, and charging while running but we have a parasitic draw. Jeep runs after a jump with no issues, park turn it off and it will start right up. After about 30mins or so the battery will be completely dead needing a charge.
I have seen ways to look for parasitic draw and testing some of the obvious culprits, new head lights, cab lights, grille lights etc. I have not been able to find out what is drawing power when off yet though. At one point, the K1 fuse was clicking but I have ruled that out as not draining. When off it was weird that it was clicking but that was with the old battery in the jeep which was only at 3v and I read that it could make different accessories do weird things being that low. My question is, should I keep pulling fuses and testing for parasitic draw or could it be the computer going out? My thinking, it was the PCM/ECM all along, maybe it is drawing power or telling a accessory to draw when it shouldn't be? Please give me something else to test, diagnose etc. I can give any readings with my multimeter if you give me a request. I am handy, but not an expert by any means. Thank you in advance to anyone who sees this and suggestions something!
Wes.
