Losing power but the battery is fine?

MSABAT08

MEMBER
2014 JEEP CHEROKEE
2WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

I started my car and drove a little when the battery light came on, the dashboard message said "shift car into park and then desired gear" I did but she wasn't moving. I checked the battery, and the terminals were fine, and the battery was reading perfect. This morning I brought it to a mechanic. On the way she was puttering like she was going to shut off again but didn't. The mechanic checked the battery, alternator, and starter, and nothing back wrong with any of those. I had 0 problems heading from the mechanic to work but I am terrified of it happening while I'm on the interstate.

5 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

When they had the car, did they do a CAN scan?

here is more information on it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

The problem will probably come back, can I ask if the car was driven in heavy rain? If so, I have seen the BCM go out due to moisture if a CAN scan comes back that the BCM has codes I would install a rebuilt unit which will come preprogrammed. Have your VIN number ready. Here is how to change the BCM out make sure you disconnect the battery first. Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

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Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 AT 12:39 PM

MSABAT08

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5 POSTS

So, it was raining the first time it happened. But it just happened to me again, all 3 times after I filled my vehicle up with gas. I know there has to be a connection here.

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Monday, January 23rd, 2023 AT 4:51 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Yep, electronics do not like water, we should do a CAN scan to see what comes up. I am still leaning towards the BCM. It could be a bad fuel pump as well. When you say losing power do mean the engine or the electrical system?

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Tuesday, January 24th, 2023 AT 11:55 AM

MSABAT08

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I am losing engine power.

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Tuesday, January 24th, 2023 AT 12:10 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Okay, we need to do a CAN scan. Please follow the guides in the posts above. It sounds like the BCM is going out. When the engine is running try tapping on the BCM to see if you get a response, if so the BCM is bad.