Real Fixes from SureTrack® provides expert-based knowledge captured from millions of documented repairs and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you fix tricky issues that are not easily diagnosed with OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost within ProDemand®.
This fix illustrates the power of the SureTrack community to help a fellow tech quickly solve a tricky diagnosis. SureTrack community member, UNCLE BOBBY, had a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport roll into the shop. They posed the question to the community and resolved the issue quickly.
Modern vehicles are packed with features designed to improve efficiency, but sometimes those features create more headaches than benefits. The Stop/Start system is one such technology, and when it fails, it can leave customers frustrated and technicians scratching their heads. This case explores a common issue with Jeep Gladiator models and the steps taken to resolve it.
Complaint & Initial Observations
The customer reported that the Stop/Start system was disabled. This feature, designed to improve fuel efficiency, had become inoperative. The technician confirmed the complaint and began diagnostics.
Community Insight
Discussions around this issue revealed a broader industry trend: the Stop/Start system, once marketed as a fuel-saving innovation, is now considered by many to be obsolete due to advancements in engine efficiency. Technicians noted that while the feature remains on current vehicles, maintaining it adds cost and complexity without significant benefit.
This sparked a conversation about routine obsolescence in automotive technology—features come and go, but the burden of keeping them functional falls squarely on repair professionals. As one contributor pointed out, this is why technicians often have more invested in tools and training than most homeowners have in their houses.
Real Fix
The technician replaced the auxiliary battery, which is critical for the Stop/Start system’s operation. After replacement, the system required an extended test drive to reset and restore functionality. Once completed, the Stop/Start system operated as intended.
Conclusion
This case underscores the challenges of evolving automotive technology. While Stop/Start systems may soon disappear from new models, technicians must still maintain them on vehicles currently in service. The cost of tooling and expertise continues to rise, reflecting the complexity of modern vehicles and the ever-changing landscape of automotive features.
SureTrack® adds to the power of ProDemand® with an exclusive combination of real-world knowledge and powerful diagnostic tools, all wrapped in an interactive community of professional technicians. Designed to help automotive shops increase accuracy and efficiency from diagnosis to completed repair, the industry’s most comprehensive repair information resource is just a few clicks away.
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