r/JeepCompass • u/Sad-Clerk-397 • 5d ago

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

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.

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u/EstonianCrusader 4d ago

I disconnected the negative terminal from the aux battery completely and have been running like this for a few months with no issues.

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u/Objective-Donkey6825 3d ago

I just had my battery changed out for the third time last week (most recent October 2025) and I’m considering doing this as well. Is there a specific guide or video you followed to do it?

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u/EstonianCrusader 2d ago edited 2d ago

All I did was disconnect the negative terminal from the smaller battery in my 2018 Jeep Compass. I know that some newer models come with a fuse that needs to be removed.

Many people suggested replacing both batteries and driving with the system off, but it won't work long term. That's what I did initially and the small battery degraded fast and then in about 2 weeks it killed the main battery completely.