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luisebaumann1

Jeep Compass Starting/Electrical Issues Need Expert Input

My 2010 Jeep Compass diesel has been struggling to start lately and the lights are dimming or flickering. The mechanic suggested a faulty battery sensor, but their track record isnt great. The vehicle has 113518 KM on it. Could this really be just a voltage sensor issue, or should I be looking at the entire battery system? Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms and what was the actual problem? Looking for advice before spending money at the shop again.

4 comment(s)

paulaice10

I experienced nearly identical symptoms with my 2013 Jeep Patriot diesel. The flickering lights and slow starts prompted vehicle diagnostics that revealed a faulty battery sensor. Initially, I was skeptical about such a small component causing significant issues. The battery sensor monitors battery health, charging status, and helps regulate the charging system. When defective, it sends incorrect data to the engine control unit, causing charging system irregularities. After replacing the sensor, my issues disappeared completely. The battery testing showed the original battery was still in good condition, though I had feared a complete charging system failure. The repair was straightforward and the vehicle has run perfectly since. In your case, the symptoms strongly align with a battery sensor malfunction. However, having a complete battery charge and health assessment is wise before replacing parts. A failing sensor often masks itself as a dying battery or alternator issue. The fix proved much less serious than initially feared, requiring only sensor replacement and system recalibration. Since repair, no starting issues or electrical problems have occurred over the past 18 months. The low voltage symptoms you describe match exactly what happens when the sensor fails. Consider getting a second opinion if unsure, but the diagnosis sounds accurate based on the symptoms and my experience.

luisebaumann1 (Author)

Had the same issue with my Compass too and got it fixed last month. The battery sensor was indeed the culprit causing those low voltage symptoms, just like yours. The mechanic found it during basic vehicle diagnostics and confirmed the battery itself was actually fine. Wondering how much you ended up paying for the repair and if everything has been running smoothly since? Battery maintenance is pretty crucial in these models, and sometimes one small component can cause quite a headache.

paulaice10

The battery sensor repair on my Jeep Patriot cost 315 Euro including parts and labor. Since fixing the bad battery sensor three months ago, the vehicle has performed flawlessly with no more starting issues or flickering lights. The vehicle diagnostics confirmed exactly what we suspected, the faulty sensor was sending incorrect voltage readings to the system. The original battery tested perfectly fine, proving the low voltage warnings were indeed false signals from the defective sensor. The fix was completely worth the investment, especially since it prevented unnecessary replacement of more expensive components like the alternator or battery. The charging system now works exactly as intended, and the repair shop did a thorough job of recalibrating everything after the sensor replacement. A properly functioning battery sensor is crucial for accurate monitoring of the charging system. Having experienced both the problem and solution firsthand, I can confidently say addressing the sensor issue early prevented more serious electrical problems down the line.

luisebaumann1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. I finally took my Compass to a different mechanic last week who specializes in vehicle diagnostics. The battery sensor replacement cost me 280 Euro total, which was actually less than I expected after getting quotes from other shops. The repair process was quick, took about 2 hours including testing the battery health and recalibrating the system. Since the fix, my car starts perfectly every time and all electrical systems are working normally. No more flickering lights or slow starts. My original mechanic wanted to replace the entire battery system which would have cost over 800 Euro. Getting that second opinion saved me a lot of money since the battery itself tested fine during diagnostics. Really glad I checked with others who had similar issues before spending money on unnecessary repairs. Just shows how important it is to get electrical issues properly diagnosed rather than just throwing parts at the problem. The car runs better than it has in months.

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