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BATTERY LIGHT!

Tiny
KMASS24
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 JEEP COMPASS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 147,000 MILES
Hello all! Today I was driving in a rainstorm, and suddenly, randomly, the battery light came on. I was worried, but ignored my feelings and continued to drive. All of the sudden, the ABS light came on, followed by the yellow EBS light at the bottom, followed by the swerving car light, followed by the airbag light, and then the red BRAKE light to the right of the dash. That was when the car died, right in the middle of traffic. I had the alternator replaced a year ago, along with all the pulleys, and the belt. The mechanic said I should be good for another 100,000 miles with all those brand new parts. When the tow truck arrived, I had him take me to Advance Autoparts, and they said the battery was dead. I bought a brand new battery, and drove off. Not 2 miles down the road, the battery light came on AGAIN! I am terrified to drive in this car. What else could the problem possibly be? A fuse? Bad connection? I really don't want to take my car in and hear, "alternator" from some dumb idiot trying to take my $$. Please let me know what else to check. Thank you in advance!
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Thursday, August 27th, 2015 AT 2:25 PM

19 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
You do need to test alternator output voltage, do you have a multi meter?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator
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Thursday, August 27th, 2015 AT 2:44 PM
Tiny
MZCUPIICAKE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2007 JEEP COMPASS
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,100 MILES
Bought a 2007 Jeep Compass used 3 wks ago, So far after 2 days engine light came on, dealer replaced catalytic converter. I get it back 5 days later I hear crackling noises. Upper and lower pulleys were replaced. 2 days later car still runs funny, I hear the crackling noise, took Car back, they replaced the alternator. Now the battery light stays comes on after I drive it 15 minutes, I shut car off, start it up light goes off, drive it another 10 battery light comes back on. Had the car checked out and battery tested. They found nothing?
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Friday, March 29th, 2019 AT 3:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
This may be a tpim module which only a pro can test that auto parts can't with their scanners. There is a fusible link that may be burnt out or hanging by one wire. See pic. They are available at auto parts.
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Friday, March 29th, 2019 AT 3:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MZCUPIICAKE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you, I had to take it back to the shop. Now they changed the idler pulley, and now that I have it back it seems like when I hit 60 mph on the freeway it idles past 3 almost to 4, and sounds horrible. Wish I can give this car back.
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Friday, March 29th, 2019 AT 3:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Try cleaning throttle plate on both sides an d iac hole by throttle and check for a vacuum leak like a hose off, cracked etc.
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Friday, March 29th, 2019 AT 3:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
9000COMPASS
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
  • 2007 JEEP COMPASS
  • 100 MILES
Car died--grinding noise, battery light, engine system lights. Alternator bearings. Replaced alternator(due diligence before re-assy). Battery 12.7V -good- Started car, dropped to 11.8V--battery light and engine light on. No voltage at post of alternator. Checked all fuses in TIPM box. Battery drops to 12V when in access-mode). Replaced battery. Still batt and engine light. No burnt wires or connectors on alternator hook ups. Simple replacement. Whate else is there? Fuselink? Where? Relay? Where? IS there something hidden on this vehicle?
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Look in the underhood fuse box. There is a heavy fuse, maybe 100-120 amp. It is the power for the heavy wire to the back of the alternator.

Roy
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
9000COMPASS
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
In the fuse box? Must be another location or underneath because I think I checked everything in the box using an ohmmeter. I guess this is what serves as a fuesable link? I love this--2 weeks after the warranty expired--like clockwork. If you can lead me I can follow. (And aside-Anywhere online I can get a charging system layout for this?)
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Check this schematic. It shows a link between the starter and the alternator.

Roy
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
9000COMPASS
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
Information makes things so simple. I took one look this morning at the starter, saw the alternator cable, and verified that the fusible link was indeed, fried. I verifed the cable with the ohmmeter. Took 5 minutes. I tried to bypass directly to the battery positive BUT battery light and engine light in car still come on voltage is still 11.8V indicating no charging(do I really need to rev up to 2500RPM's).

Am I missing something else? Powertrain Control Mod at the Field control and Gen Sense?? It still starts well and revs well.

I know the Dealership vampires are foaming at the mouth if this turns into a $1000 plus adventure if I fail. The $6 140AMP fuse has a shipping cost of about $25.00(total $31.00).

Thanks for the wiring layout and your help.
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Ok, first I would remove the new alternator and have it checked to verify that it did not frie the link. There are times we get bad new parts.

Roy
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
9000COMPASS
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
I just wanted to give you an update. Your information has been very helpful.

So far so good. Removed the ALternator(40 minutes) and ADAVANCE AUTOPARTS had the correct attachment to test it. Turned out to be good. Cable is 10gauge, purchased 14guage Fusible linkwire. Just waiting to remove starter to attach link then reinstall everything and try it. When completed I will reply again when just to update you. Thank you again.
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good luck

Roy
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
9000COMPASS
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
SUCCESS! This morning I went out, removed starter, wired fusible link wire(14ga), reassembled, rechecked connections(due diligence), started it up, and every light went off on dash board except engine light. I drove vehicle for abut 3 miles, shut it down, went to work, started it again in 3hours and the engine light extinguished itself.

Thank you so much for your help, your patience, your wisdom. Can I suggestive sell the website? I already told one person who has a Patriot who is interested --IF they have a problem.

Thanks again
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Thanks for the feedback. Let us know if we can help you again

Roy
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SBUCHANAN442
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
2007 Jeep Compass about a month ago started hearing grinding. No indicator lights no problems with performance. Yesterday got louder and this morning batt light came on added water to batt started the car waited a while turned it off tried to start again all indicator lights remained on and car would not start. Would not even crank. I thought it was alternator but then waited lights came on security system works radio works. Could this be the starter?
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
It could be but you have to verify voltage to the small wire on the starter motor when the key is in the start position.

Roy
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACKWILSON7272
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Have a 2014 jeep compass. Couple of weeks ago I was replacing battery and I crossed the battery like a D. A. Since then I now have a new battery and the 2nd alternator was installed this morning, but battery light stays on. Someone told me to take it to the dealership (which I don't want to do) and have them hook it up to their computer to check the Master Fuse. Is this a difficult and expensive situation? Do I have any alternative? Thanks
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,005 POSTS
I'd investigate the fusible link 1st.

I grabbed you a diagram from "Prodemand"

With limited info provided, I used a 2.4L Limited for my search, many times the diagrams are identical. If I guessed wrong, Give me the correct info, I'll dive in again!

The Medic
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)

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