OhareFred

What were the numbers on the battery and alternator tests? A proper newer testing device will give you a printout with the numbers. I agree, you will kill the battery if you are trying to drive it around with a bad alternator. Put the battery on a slow,smart charger until it reads full, then go get the alternator tested again. Tell use what the results are. Good luck!!

AutoZone or other auto parts stores usually can test your battery and alternator for no charge. If the battery was bad and you replaced it, and you still have a charging/starting issue, an alternator test would be the next step. Also, if you just bought it, if it was from a dealer I’d be calling them to deal with it.

Do you have a sunroof? I think the drain is next to gas pedal, not sure. I know someone will chime in, seen this many times. I have a sunroof but -knock wood- never had this issue...someone will jump in.....

Here is the correct link... https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KZ6PRTC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am SSOOOO GRATEFUL I bought the lifetime warranty when I got my 09. I would have touched it by now! great write up for those of you brave enough to attempt this!

Super easy to replace. Took about a minute each. Got mine from Amazon. The link says Jeep Patriot but it’s what I ordered for my DJ.... https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B078ZWPTK4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 look through the list, it shows for Dodge. Not worth messing with glue.

Glad it was a simple fix (relatively anyway) and under warranty!

It’s a PIA, but not that terrible. Do you know anyone with a portable jump start unit? Easy to get to the jump terminals, and if you can get it in the open taking the tire off will be a lot easier. I changed my battery in about 30 mins including jacking it up. Make sure you get the cable ends clean and tight!

You stated you installed a battery “that looked new”. Was it new or not? Outer looks mean nothing. Batteries can go bad in 3 weeks. You need to have the battery tested. You can have it on a charger from now till doomsday and if you have a shorted cell it will never hold a charge or start the car. Newer cars are very voltage sensitive. Did you check the battery cables to make sure they are tight and clean? Have you tried jump starting the car? If you jump it and it starts you can have the battery properly tested, otherwise you may need to remove it and take it to be tested. AutoZone, O’Rielys, NAPA all have new electronic battery testers with print outs of battery test results. I really think you need to look into the battery first. If that checks good then you can move to the under hood fuse box and relays...

For what it’s worth, I pulled the factory fog lamps out and installed these in my Cherokee and my 09 Journey. Used the Halos as DRL’s as my Journey doesn’t have them. No issues with flickering, etc. and the light output is way better..... https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B017922APE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Engine oil dipstick.....

Which engine do you have, 4 or 6 cylinder?

Not the end of the world, the car is 12 years old after all. Just glad it wasn’t worse, or someone between the car & the door!

Happened while I was in the store. Passenger rear door, quarter panel, bumper. Would you believe $2,200.00 in damage! Goes in next Thursday....

What exactly does pounding on the cats supposed to do? If the code is for the cats, the cat are bad. Looking at them and pounding on them tells you nothing. Get the EXACT code so we can help....

For once someone has an issue and furnishes us with plenty of information! Thank you for not having us play 60 questions.. Now, was the water pump replaced or just flushed? Honestly it wouldn’t make sense not to replace it but.... Did you replace the engine temp sensor? You didn’t mention a boil over, so could the sensor be jacked up? If your still having issues with the heat in front, were the blend doors ever checked/replaced? That being said, if it isn’t any of the above I’d lean towards a head gasket...... let us know!!

On my 09 I had a stalling issue when shifting from R to D when it was cold out. Only did it once, first thing in the morning. The dealer replaced the intake plenum because some kind of valve went bad inside. That fixed it. I have the 3.5 V6.....

Have you tried the old disconnect the battery for 45 mins? Seems to work on a lot of DJ electrical issues....

I have the 2.4 in my Jeep Cherokee and from forums there the oil on the air filter seems to be a common issue. I haven’t seen it on mine, it only have 14K miles. Keep an eye on your oil level, some 2.4’s use oil like drinking water (that’s a entire other thread) but other then that, it’s considered normal....gotta love FCA...

Was the alternator the cause of your issues? How’s the rebuilt working,fine?

Did you charge the battery with a charger, then check the alternator?

Check the wire loom at the top of the rear hatch. Know issue or wires breaking inside.

I know on Jeeps when that happened it’s a shifter malfunction, maybe the same? You could try disconnecting the battery for 30-45 mins, sometimes that clears weird electrical issues but this might require a trip to The dealer....

When the fob battery is low I believe it will turn on. AFAIK there is no option to activate this, it’s automatic.