Cars these days are like super smart gadgets on wheels, with fantastic features to save gas and help the environment. One of these features is the Start/Stop system. This nifty system shuts off the car engine when you’re not moving and fires it back up when you hit the gas.

Now, imagine you’re cruising in your 2019 or 2020 Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator, feeling all tech-savvy with the Start/Stop system. But, uh-oh, you might run into a hiccup. Your ride could pop up a message saying something like Start Stop Not Ready Battery Charging. If this happens, it’s probably because the original batteries in your Jeep aren’t up to snuff. 

They might get weak or even kick the bucket, triggering that warning message. Other reasons could be a wonky IBS sensor, your driving habits, or simply needing to charge the batteries more.

Now, if you’re scratching your head, wondering why your auto Stop/Start isn’t doing its thing, and you’re curious about the root cause and what might happen, don’t worry. In this article, we’ll break down the error, figure out why it happens, and give you some troubleshooting tips. 

Get ready we dive into the world of car tech, exploring the ins and outs of the Start/Stop system and that all-too-familiar Start/Stop Not Ready Battery Charging warning. But before we rev our engines.

Let’s first understand what that warning is trying to tell us.

What Does the Start/Stop Not Ready Battery Charging Mean?

Your Jeep’s Start/Stop system is fantastic for saving fuel and being eco-friendly. Ever had your Jeep suddenly throw a message at you like Start Stop Not Ready Battery Charging? What is that about?

Well, don’t panic—it’s just your car’s way of saying, Hey, I can’t charge the battery when the engine’s off. This could be due to a hiccup in a car part, the battery, or the whole system. Usually, it’s a battery issue when you see this error.

So, no need to sound the alarms; it’s just a heads-up that your battery isn’t charging. Your ESS system (Energy Storage System) needs a bit of juice to store energy and power other car electronics. When the battery is low, the Start/Stop system takes a break to charge, and that’s when the error message pops up.

When your Jeep is giving you this heads-up, just check if everything’s cool for the ESS system:

1. Make sure you’ve got at least 11.5 volts and a 70% charge for both batteries.
2. Keep the weather not too hot (below 140 degrees) and not too cool (above -8 degrees).
3. Don’t worry; dealing with ESS issues is like being in a Jeep club. Everyone faces it, especially if you drive a 2020 Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Gladiator.

Now, if you’re still seeing the Start Stop Not Ready Battery Charging message, it might be time to troubleshoot. It could be a battery replacement or a glitch in the charging system. Let’s dive into how you can tackle those Start/Stop system issues.

Why Does Your Jeep Say Start to Stop Not Ready Battery Charging?

Alright, so when you see the Start/Stop Not Ready Battery Charging error, it means your car batteries need more time to charge up. They don’t have enough power to activate the ESS system. After driving for over 30 minutes, the ESS or AUX battery should be good to go, and the Stop/Start system should start working.

But if it still needs to kick in, there’s a deeper problem preventing the ESS system from charging or functioning properly. In that case, you’ll keep encountering the Start Stop Not Ready Battery Charging error every time you start your Jeep. Usually, this message is linked to issues with the charging system or the battery. Let’s dive into those details.

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1. Faulty AUX or Main Battery

Your Jeep is pretty smart, but like anything, it can have issues. If you ever see Start/Stop Not Ready Battery Charging on your Jeep’s screen, it’s a sign that your battery might be acting up.

The battery in your Jeep powers its electrical system. When it’s in good shape, everything runs smoothly. However, if it’s struggling, your Jeep might refuse to cooperate, and that’s when this warning message appears.

Typically, batteries last around 3 to 5 years, but extreme conditions like hot summers or freezing winters can make them give up early. If your battery isn’t doing well, your Jeep’s electronics won’t play nice, triggering the error message.

Your Jeep has an AUX (auxiliary) battery that helps power up the engine. But, this little battery can be a troublemaker, especially if it faces extreme conditions or electrical issues.

When your Jeep’s battery isn’t delivering enough power to start the engine, that’s when the warning message becomes a frequent visitor.

If it’s the AUX battery causing trouble, it’s a good idea to replace it with a new one. But, if you need help with how to go about it, it’s best to seek help. Making a mistake in the replacement process can not only affect the AUX battery but potentially cause problems for your entire Jeep.

As a Jeep owner, it’s essential to know that if the AUX battery is acting up, it can also impact the main battery, leading to a double battery problem. Sometimes, dealerships might replace different parts before realizing that the real issue lies with both the main and AUX batteries.

Jeep batteries, to be honest, could be better. If your Jeep keeps flashing the Start Stop Not Ready Battery Charging message, it might be a good time to consider swapping out the battery for a better one that can keep the problem at bay for a longer time.

2. Malfunctioning/Re-Learning IBS Sensor

Ever seen that Start/Stop Not Ready Battery Charging message pop up in your Jeep? Well, one sneaky reason for that might be a wonky IBS (Intelligent Battery Sensor) Sensor.

Picture this in mind: you haul your Jeep to the dealer, they do their thing, assure you the batteries are A-OK, and send you on your way. But surprise, surprise, the message makes a comeback. Back to the dealer, and this time, they scratch their heads, find nothing wrong, but still swap out the IBS Sensor, taking cues from the tech mentors at Chrysler STAR.

Now, with the shiny new IBS Sensor in place, both batteries start showing low readings. The dealer blames it on the sensor throwing shade on the charge, even though the batteries supposedly got a full recharge.

Here’s the deal: A haywire sensor equals incorrect readings. So, your car’s brain gets befuddled and throws an error message at you.

To keep the peace, you need two top-notch batteries and an IBS Sensor that’s been through its learning process. This learning thing? It’s like a little ritual where you start and stop the engine a bunch of times, take breaks, and repeat. Plan on 2 to 5 restarts, with breaks lasting 4 to 8 hours.

For the IBS to be on its A-game, both batteries must be in shipshape and fully charged when the re-learning kicks off. Otherwise, the IBS might miss the memo on what a full charge looks like. Result? Your auxiliary battery gets stuck with the wrong info, and it’s never fully charged.

So, if your Jeep’s flashing that battery charging sign because of a selective IBS Sensor, the fix is simple: juice up both batteries and make sure the IBS is acing its re-learning sessions. 

3. Your Daily Commute Is Only a Short Distance

If your Jeep keeps showing the message Start/Stop Not Ready Battery Charging, it might be because of how you drive, especially the length of your trips.

Using your Jeep every day is cool, but what matters is how long you’re on the road. If your drives are short, around 10-15 minutes, it doesn’t give enough time for the ESS (Energy Storage System) battery to charge fully.

Quick trips can be harsh on the ESS/AUX battery. It’s a bit like expecting your phone to go from 0% to 100% in just 5 minutes – not gonna happen.

And it gets trickier in certain situations. For instance, cold weather makes things worse. Cold temperatures and short drives together make it even harder for the battery.

Another thing to think about is how old your battery is. Even if tests say it’s OK, using it a lot over a couple of years can wear it down. Regular tests might say it’s okay, but the real situation could be more serious. And those short drives won’t make it any better.

If your Jeep keeps telling you about the Start Stop Not Ready Battery Charging thing, mix up your routine. Throw in some longer drives, like 30 minutes or more, now and then. It’ll give the ESS battery a good workout and keep your Jeep performing at its best.

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4. You Don’t Drive Your Jeep Frequently

Ever get annoyed by that Start/Stop Not Ready Battery Charging message in your Jeep? The culprit might be that your Jeep needs more road time. If you’re only taking it out once in a while, leaving it in the garage, the batteries might need to be fully charged.

The Start/Stop system likes well-charged batteries to do its job right. If your Jeep is just sitting around, the batteries might not hit their full charge potential, causing that warning message.

Tip from the owner’s manual: if you’re parking your Jeep for a while, disconnect the batteries. A parked Jeep has a thing called a parasitic draw, which slowly eats up your batteries. Not cool, right? This can lead to your Jeep not starting or trigger that annoying Start Stop Not Ready Battery Charging alert.

The bottom line, stick to the Jeep rules. If your Jeep’s taking a break, think about disconnecting the batteries to stop parasitic draw and avoid a dead battery. Or, use a trickle charger to keep those batteries in top shape.

5. Your Batteries Are Not Charged Enough

One reason your Jeep might show a warning about the battery not being ready for charging is that the battery isn’t getting charged enough. This might seem simple, but it can happen on and off for various reasons.

If your batteries don’t get enough charge, the warning message might appear and disappear sometimes. Your Jeep might work again at times, and sometimes it won’t. When you take it to the dealer, they might say everything is fine; it just needs a reasonable charge. There are no immediate problems.

This happens because there’s a known issue with the aux battery setup in JLs. These Jeeps, in particular, are known for having a tricky AUX battery system. Even if all tests show everything is okay, the batteries often need a deliberate boost in charging.

Many JL owners use a 10-amp battery tender or maintainer to deal with the problem of not getting enough charge. This is a proactive way to make sure the 12-volt batteries stay charged enough, especially when everyday driving might not be enough to keep both batteries healthy. This helps avoid any issues with the Electronic Start-Stop (ESS) system.

6. Harsh Weather

Cold weather can cause a warning message in Jeeps that says Start/Stop Not Ready Battery Charging. In winter, this message may appear because the cold affects the Jeep’s electrical systems, especially the battery.

When it’s cold, the battery in the Jeep may not work as well. The chemical reactions that make electricity in the battery slow down when it’s cold. This can make the battery struggle to hold a charge and provide power.

The Start/Stop system needs a good battery to work properly. When it’s freezing outside, the Start/Stop feature in Jeeps can have problems.

Even if you drive for 30 minutes on the highway, the system might not work during winter. But when the weather gets warmer, the Start/Stop feature starts working again.

The cold affects electrical systems, especially batteries. If you live in a place with cold weather, you should be careful and do things to prevent problems with your Jeep’s battery.

7. Some Rare Issues

Usually, the warning Start/Stop Not Ready Battery Charging shows up when there’s a problem with the battery or charging. But sometimes, there are other reasons you should check.

Software Update Needed:

If your car’s computer (PCM) software is old, you might get the Start/Stop Not Ready Battery Charging warning. Even if your batteries seem fine and there are no error codes, updating the PCM software at the dealership can make the start-stop system work correctly.

Parasitic Draw:

In rare cases, the warning could be because of a parasitic draw. This means some electrical parts keep using power even when the car is off. There are many reasons for this. Sometimes it’s the AUX battery causing trouble, and replacing it might not solve the issue. Modifications to your Jeep, like connecting a dashcam or using a Switch Panel for offroad lights, can add extra wiring that causes an unintended parasitic draw. Even small modifications, seemingly harmless, can be the hidden problem draining the AUX battery and triggering warnings.

Jeep Complexity:

Jeeps are full of electronics, and even when the car is not running, some parts still use power, leading to a parasitic draw. If not addressed, this can harm the battery and cause warnings like Start/Stop Not Ready Battery Charging.

Fixing the Issue:

Finding the cause of the parasitic draw takes time and careful checking. You need to turn off the power to each modification, checking if it’s the main issue. By systematically testing and shutting down one system at a time, you can discover the root cause. It’s essential to identify and fix these draws, especially if you’ve made DIY modifications, to keep your Jeep’s start-stop system working well.

Table for easy understanding of Common Causes and Solutions for Start/Stop Not Ready Battery Charging

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Faulty AUX or Main Battery	Battery malfunctioning	Replace the faulty battery
Malfunctioning/Re-Learning IBS Sensor	IBS sensor issues	Diagnose and recalibrate the IBS sensor
Daily Commute Is Only a Short Distance	The system is not optimised for short trips	Understand system limitations; consider alternatives
Infrequent Use of Your Jeep	Batteries losing charge due to inactivity	Periodically start the vehicle and consider a trickle charger
Batteries Are Not Charged Enough	Insufficient charge due to various factors	Charge the batteries regularly and address underlying issues
Harsh Weather	Extreme temperatures affecting battery	Park in a sheltered area; consider battery insulation
Some Rare Issues	Uncommon system malfunctions	Consult with a professional mechanic for diagnostics

Pros and Cons of Start Stop Not Ready Battery Charging

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the start-stop system can provide valuable insights for Jeep owners. While it offers fuel savings and environmental benefits, there are also potential drawbacks, including increased wear on specific engine components and the need for more robust batteries.

Pros	Cons
Fuel Efficiency Improvement	Increased Wear on Starter and Battery
Environmental Benefits	Enhanced Wear on Engine Components
Reduced Emissions	Potential for Increased Maintenance Costs
Enhanced Long-Term Sustainability	Limited Effectiveness in Stop-and-Go Traffic

Future Innovations in Start-Stop Systems: Advancements in Battery Charging Technology

The future holds exciting advancements in start-stop systems, with a particular focus on innovations in battery charging technology. This development is poised to revolutionize the automotive industry, offering more efficient and sustainable vehicle solutions.

As we look ahead, integrating advanced battery charging technology in start-stop systems promises to enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and contribute to a greener environment. These innovations represent a significant step forward in the evolution of automotive technology, paving the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly driving experience.

Answer To Key Questions

Can a stop-start battery be recharged?

Yes, a stop-start battery can be recharged. Use an appropriate battery charger or drive the vehicle to allow the alternator to recharge the battery.

Is start-stop bad for the battery?

The frequent start-stop cycles can increase the demand on the battery, potentially reducing its lifespan. Regular maintenance and monitoring of battery health are advisable.

What battery charger do I need for a stop-start battery?

Use a smart charger. A charger with a microprocessor that can analyse, charge, and maintain the battery is recommended for stop-start batteries.

How long does a stop-start battery take to charge?

The charging time depends on the battery’s capacity, its current state of charge, and the charger’s output. It can take a few hours to charge fully.

Why is my start-stop not working after a battery change?

Reinitialisation may be needed. Some vehicles require a reinitialisation or calibration of the start-stop system after a battery change. Consult the vehicle’s manual or seek professional assistance for this process.

Final Words

In this article, I talk about how this issue can happen for different reasons, and each one needs a different way to fix. The good news is, it’s a problem you can solve. Most times, just changing both batteries can fix it.

If you own a 2019 or 2020 Jeep JL, you might face problems, like getting a message that says Start Stop Not Ready Battery Charging.

Don’t worry too much if you see the Stop Start Not Ready Battery Charging message. Sometimes it goes away on its own, and it just means the batteries need to charge fully. But it could also show there’s a problem with the charging system.

Seeing this message a lot might mean issues with the auxiliary battery, primary battery, IBS sensor, or how you drive. It’s a good idea to try and figure out and fix the problem yourself before going to a mechanic.

If you follow these instruction that i mention in this article, you can handle the challenges of the Start to Stop not ready battery charging message and get your Jeep back on the road without worries.