The “Aux Switches Temporarily Unavailable Battery Charging” warning message is a safety procedure that protects the engine and electronic components in your Jeeps.
If you see this error, your Jeep batteries have voltages below the specified 12.6 Volt, and noth batteries are at risk of getting damaged.
I will work you through some of the primary causes of the warning message and steps to fix this issue. Also, you can identify when your batteries need to be replaced or just charged. Let’s dive into it!
“Aux Switches Temporarily Unavailable Battery Charging Error” is a warning message peculiar to the Jeep models. The warning message indicates something wrong with the Auxiliary battery. It is also possible that the main battery triggers the warning message.
Jeeps come with two batteries—the main battery for your engine powering the ignition process.
On the other hand, the Auxiliary battery powers the electronic components in the car. The auxiliary battery is much smaller than the main battery.
Having a voltage of less than 12 volts will trigger the error message. During such situations, your vehicle’s computer system automatically turns off non-essential electronic components.
The failing battery may also affect your vehicle’s stop/start system. You will experience a much slower starting and stopping.
Any issue that stops the auxiliary or main battery from adequately charging and sending electric current will trigger the “Aux Switches Temporarily Unavailable Battery Charging” warning.
Several factors could be responsible for the warning message, including the following.
1. Cold weather
During the freezing season, a majority of the power from the battery is used up during ignition. This process could trigger a warning message.
However, the warning should vanish after driving as the alternator charges the battery.
Something might be wrong if the Message remains or repeatedly shows up while driving. You might have a bad battery, and it might need replacement.
2. Worn-out battery
If you have a worn-out battery, it may drain quickly, no matter how much it is charged. The battery cannot hold charges, so the alternator cannot keep the battery charged.
Worn-out batteries require replacement. We recommend performing a load battery test to check the battery condition.
Batteries have a limited life usage and can not be used forever. Most auxiliary batteries can only last between 3 to 5 years. After this, the battery will begin to malfunction and lose charge faster.
3. Wiring problem
Another problem that can trigger the warning message is wiring issues. It could be shorts in the connector, electronic component corrosion, and wires connecting the battery to the alternator.
Anything could damage the wiring connection in your vehicle. It could be pests in the car, water, age, and more. Once the wire is corroded or there is a disconnection, the error message will appear on your dashboard.
4. Damaged alternator
The alternator ensures that the primary and auxiliary batteries are charged when using your vehicle. Once the alternator is damaged in any way, you will have a completely drained battery.
Your battery needs to be charged above 12V at all times. Having a constantly dead battery will eventually damage it.
There are many ways to fix an Aux Switches Temporarily Unavailable Battery Charging error. Before attempting to fix your car, perform a diagnostic test on your vehicle.
We recommend carrying out a battery load test to examine the battery condition.
To do this, you can physically examine the factors that trigger the warning message, like battery, wiring, and alternator.
Below are ways to fix an Aux Switches Temporarily Unavailable Battery Charging error.
1. Charge or replace the battery
Examine both the primary and auxiliary batteries. If you do not see any apparent damages, try to get them charged immediately. After charging, if you still end up with a drained battery, it could mean the battery is damaged.
If you drive with an old battery between 3 to 5 years of usage, then it is most likely that the battery is worn out. The best way to solve this problem is to have the battery replaced. Ensure to get a compatible battery for your car.
2. Fix the wiring issue
Examine the wires connected to both the primary and auxiliary batteries. Observe corrosion, disconnection, and other damages. If you notice any of these damages, do not try to fix them by cutting and joining wires. What you need to do is replace the wire immediately.
Cutting, joining, and trying to fix wire damages instead of replacing them reduces the quality of the connection. It could cause even more severe damage.
3. Fix the alternator
The alternator belt or serpentine belt is a significant cause of the alternator problem. The belt delivers power from the engine to the alternator. When the belt is damaged, or no longer in place, the alternator will not work.
Examine the serpentine belt; if it is out of position, try to put it back into place. If the belt is damaged, replace it.
If the belt is not the problem, you are dealing with a damaged alternator. Please take it to a professional to have it properly diagnosed, fixed, or replaced.
Final Thought!
Once the message appears and does not go away even after driving for a while, it is essential that once you reach your destination, avoid driving the vehicle. The error message can result in a completely drained battery, and you could also get stranded. Remember, if you continuously have drained the battery due to an alternator issue or other reasons, it could damage the battery.
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