Is your car showing the “Stop/Start Unavailable” message and you’re wondering why? You’re in the right place! Let’s dive into what’s going on.
So, why is your Jeep showing this annoying message? It’s often due to the battery or other electrical issues. Extreme weather and varying temperatures can also be culprits.
That’s why it’s important to look into every problem and fix it quickly. Leaving issues unresolved can leave you in a tough spot later on. Stay ahead and tackle things early.
That’s why we’re here to help. Let’s break down what the Stop/Start Unavailable Service message means and why it appears.
Next, we’ll explore the main causes of this issue and how to fix it. Let’s jump right in and get started.
What Is A Stop/Start System?
Let’s go over the basics of stop/start technology to understand what it does. This will be helpful for those who are new to cars and unfamiliar with this feature.
If you’re new to this topic, you’re in the right place! This chapter is your starting point. If it’s old news to you, feel free to skip ahead. Later chapters dive deeper into what’s going on and why.
Ever wondered about the stop/start system? It’s been around for over a decade! This tech isn’t exactly brand new.
Here’s the lowdown: When your ride’s not rolling, the system shuts down the engine. No fuel, no ignition, the engine takes a break.
When you’re good to go, just ease off the brake or shift into gear, and voila! The start/stop kicks in, firing up the engine for action.
So, just keep on cruising ahead. Some folks find it irritating to keep hitting the brakes in traffic. No worries, you can just switch it off and that hassle is gone! Easy fix for a smoother ride.
Wondering about the perks of this tech? Simple: it saves fuel, meaning more cash stays in your pocket. With start/stop, you’ll notice those gas savings adding up nicely.
Gas prices these days can really pinch your wallet. So, having this feature is a lifesaver for trimming down those fuel bills.
Plus, it’s eco-friendly. When the engine’s off, no pollution. And hey, it’s super quiet too! Good for you and the environment.
What Causes the Stop/Start Unavailable Service Error in Jeep Compass/Wrangler?
After we talked about stop/start tech and got the lowdown on what it does and how it works…
Let’s dive deeper into this issue and explore how it affects you as a driver. Understanding it will definitely help us solve it more smoothly.
When you see the “Stop/Start Unavailable Service Stop/Start System Grand Cherokee” message, it means the stop/start feature isn’t working.
Look out for the “A” icon on the dashboard.
So, if you see this message, your starting or stopping won’t work until you fix the issue.
Just so you know, this issue won’t impact your driving at all. So, feel free to keep driving with the warning light on for as long as you need.
Well, the flip side is that your car won’t have the start/stop feature, and it might not be as good on gas as it used to be.
The silver lining here is that this issue could be a sign that your car battery is on its last legs and needs replacing soon.
Keeping this in mind might prevent you from getting stuck in the middle of nowhere.
But there’s more to understand about this issue. In the next chapters, we’ll explore what causes it and how to fix it effectively.
6 Ways to Fix Stop/Start Unavailable Service Stop/Start System
Alright, let’s dive into why you might be seeing that pesky “Stop/Start Unavailable Service” message. It’s important to know there could be a couple of different reasons behind it.
Alright, now we’ll dig into each possible cause one by one to understand them better.
1. Battery Related Problems
The issue starts with the battery, referring to the extra one in your vehicle.
This battery is what gets your Jeep going. If it’s not in good shape, starting your Jeep will be tough.
The battery for start/stop systems is usually AGM or sometimes EFB, not the regular lead acid type most people think of. AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat, and EFB is Enhanced Flooded Battery.
Traditional designs lose power quicker than AGM and EFB batteries in start/stop setups.
So, these batteries deliver the same 12.6 volts as your standard lead acid ones. The only thing that sets them apart is the use of more advanced technology.
However, start/stop systems work hard because your car stops frequently throughout the day, putting the battery through numerous cycles.
And it’ll wear out after a couple of years. When it does, you might notice some of these signs:
- Battery Light
- Stop/Start Unavailable
- Difficulty Starting
Alright, first step: see how much juice your battery’s got. Grab a multimeter to check it out.
A multimeter is like a magic tool for checking electricity. Just switch it to volts to measure.
When your battery’s juicing up, aim for around 12.6 volts—it’s the sweet spot. If it’s dipping below 12, it’s probably time for a new one.
2. Corroded Wires Or Loose Terminals
Sometimes, rusty wires or loose connections are the culprits. Just make sure your battery’s snugly hooked up to the terminals—that usually does the trick.
Terminals get gunky quick, especially if you’re cruising salty winter roads or living by the coast. That salty air loves to mess with them.
Sometimes, the battery can overheat and let out acid, which eats away at the terminals. Not great, to say the least.
In those cases, the car battery doesn’t connect well with the wires that give power and ground. It’s like a missed handshake.
Clean the wires and terminals with a wire brush or sandpaper. Reassemble and tighten everything. This should resolve the stop/start issue.
Loose wires can cause a poor connection and trigger a warning on the dashboard.
If you encounter this issue, ensure the wires are securely tightened to the terminals.
3. Bad Alternator
A faulty alternator can cause the start/stop unavailable message. The alternator is essential for keeping your battery charged.
If the alternator doesn’t produce enough power, the battery will stay drained, causing the start/stop system to malfunction.
This is why we recommend thoroughly checking the alternator. You can use a multimeter for this test.
Test the alternator while the engine runs. A healthy alternator should show between 13.7 and 14.5 volts.
If the voltage is below this range, the battery might be weak or the alternator faulty. Try charging the battery to see if it holds power.
Alternator replacement is costly, so test it twice before deciding.
4. Weather Conditions
Weather can impact car performance. Extreme temperatures, whether too high or too low, can affect all systems in the vehicle.
The AC consumes a lot of engine power when it kicks in, which can interfere with the stop/start system.
If the issue only arises when the engine warms up, just be patient; it should clear from the dashboard soon.
5. Engine/Cabin Temperature
This issue could also be because of the engine getting too hot.
If the engine’s not warm enough, the computer turns off the stop/start system.
If you’re driving on scorching days and your car’s fan is on full blast but there’s not enough breeze, your stop/start feature might take a break too. It’s like the car’s cooling down and chilling out, so the stop/start’s like, “Okay, I’ll give you a break too.”
Plus, if the cabin doesn’t get warm enough, the system won’t work.
Basically, for the start/stop thing to kick in, the cabin has to be just right temperature-wise.
6. Other Possible Culprits For This Problem
Sometimes, there might be other issues at play causing this problem, although they’re not usually the main troublemakers. But they can still be a nuisance, popping up unexpectedly.
If the car’s brain, the PCM, goes haywire, it could trigger issues like this. Basically, when that computer acts up, it might start sending out strange messages, just like what’s happening here.
Other causes for this problem include:
- A Bad Hood Switch
- Blown Fuses
- Blown Relays
- Check Engine Light
- Malfunctioning HVAC Control Module
- Bad Solar Sensor
- Loose Gas Cap
- Overloaded Ventilation
- Open Door
- Unfastened Seat Belt
- Heated Windshield
- Bad Battery Sensor, and
- Bad Maf Sensor
How To Diagnose and Fix Start/Stop Unavailable?
Properly diagnose what’s up, you’ll want to grab a multimeter. It’s like a handy tool that helps you check out electric things.
Alright, think of this tool as your car’s health check-up. You want around 12.6 volts for a happy battery and about 13.5 volts when your car’s running smoothly. It’s like checking your car’s heartbeat!
You can check out the video to see how these tests are done, whether you’re a newbie or a pro. It’s easy to follow along.
If any of these parts are the culprit, they’ll need swapping out. But if they’re all okay, your Jeep might be facing electrical hiccups, or maybe it’s the weather messing with the sensors.
In this situation, stopping by a store or auto expert could be the way to go.
FAQs
Why Is My Auto Start/Stop Not Available?
Here are a few reasons why your auto start/stop might not be working:
- Low Battery Charge
- High Electrical Load
- The Engine Has Not Fully Warmed Up
- Ambient Conditions
- Faulty Sensors or Components
Why Has My Stop/Start Stopped Working?
Your stop/start might be acting up due to a tired battery, a grumpy starter motor, issues with the engine control unit, or a hiccup in the stop/start system itself.
Conclusion
Most issues with that message boil down to either the battery or the alternator. Sometimes it could be something else, but that’s not usually the case. The best bet is to start by checking the electrical system and making sure the battery is in good shape.