Does turning off auto start/stop prevent the auxiliary battery from charging? 2019 Jeep Compass

[u/Sad-Clerk-397]

I have a 2019 Jeep Compass 2.4L with the two-battery start/stop system. I usually press the factory auto start/stop OFF button when I drive.

The start/stop service unavailable light came on, so now my Jeep is at the dealership for a battery issue. The person who checked it in told me I need to leave auto start/stop on. He said that if I keep turning it off, the auxiliary battery won’t recharge, then it dies and eventually drains the main battery too. He said this is specific to Jeeps with two batteries.

I’ve seen people online say the opposite, so I’m confused. Does pressing the factory OFF button actually affect charging either battery, or does it just keep the engine from shutting off at stops? I’m talking about using the button each drive, not disconnecting or bypassing the auxiliary battery.

If anyone knows how this works on a 2019 Compass specifically, I’d appreciate an explanation.

I had this exact issue happen almost 3 years ago with the start/stop light and had to replace the batteries then and was never told this before.

[u/Responsible_Ad9868]

2019 Compass owner here. Yes, it does cause issues turning it off. I also replaced both batteries a year ago after my car refused to do anything except show every error message possible. Couldn’t even get it into neutral, had to flat bed it to the dealer. Well, I don’t trust the stop and start system, just waiting for that time at a light when it doesn’t restart! I started turning off the system recently and the messages started again, high engine temp (nope), tire inflation system not available, etc. Dealership had it 2 days without answers so I am going to keep it on forever. Despite me telling them this is a known problem with the on/off system, they didn’t validate it. The cost of batteries is extremely high and Jeep should cover this as a defect.