Like other motor vehicles, a Jeep Grand Cherokee is a blessing on many occasions but chasing down the cause of flickering headlights is an exercise in frustration, especially on the first Monday of the month. Such an issue would trigger a mental checklist of the potential culprits in your mind as you engage in self-monologues with intense frustrations. Fret not, however, as this guide will help you to identify common Jeep grand Cherokeebad grounds symptoms which is one of the culprits for electrical issues in the vehicle.
Top 5 Common Jeep Grand Cherokee Bad Ground Symptoms
First of all, car owners need to understand that a bad ground implies errors along with the vehicle’s internal wire connection instead of its engine parts. Therefore, the secondary outcomes of a bad ground in a Grand Cherokee would reflect a poor state of the electrical connection of the vehicle.
1. Failure to start the vehicle
A bad ground increases input on an ignition coil as it significantly lowers the necessary current to convert low-voltage/high current electricity from the primary cook into high-voltage/low-current power in the secondary windings. The continuous strain of the ignition coil will eventually lead to the total failure of the component. On the surface, this may manifest as difficult to start the vehicle or having to repeatedly do so to kickstart the engine.
2. Dimming or flickering lights
Typically, a headlight that dims occasionally is contributed by the bulb issue or a damaged circuit. However, if you have just recently replaced your bulb, then this would raise suspicion of a faulty ground wire.
3. Dead battery
A ground forms the connection between the battery and vehicle, which is responsible for delivering an adequate amount of charge to the battery through an alternator. With repeated cycles of inadequate charge, the battery will drain much faster and eventually die.
4. Sudden malfunction of electrical devices
Most components in the vehicle cabin like the panoramic sunroof or windows are mechanically independent but depend on a functional circuit connection for current flow. If you notice that driving on uneven terrain may cause sporadic malfunction of these electrical devices, you should be suspicious of a poor connection caused by a loose or damaged engine ground strap.
5. Introduction of radio noises
A citizen’s band (CB) radio antenna is an indispensable tool to spice up any Jeep ride. The CB antenna needs to be installed via a ground wire to transmit the vehicle’s current for operation. As such, you can add a declining transmission of your Jeep’s CB radio to your list of bad ground symptoms.
What Should I Do if I Suspect That My Jeep grand Cherokee Has Bad Grounds?
So, now you have suspicions that your Jeep grand Cherokee may suffers from bad grounds. If you are wondering what to do next, read on for a list of suggestions on steps to undertake if your Jeep experiences bad grounds.
- Rule out other culprits to the issue you are experiencing with your vehicle and ensure that bad grounds are the root cause of the problem.
- Clean off the connecting plugs and cables from debris and dust by using a dry, simple plug to allow for further inspection of the components.
- Check for the integrity of basic electrical, engine, chassis, and transmissions grounds by reconnecting them where possible if you have the technical knowledge to do so. Avoid disconnecting your vehicle’s wire and cables if you are unsure. A general view on a basic introduction on how to diagnose an automotive electrical ground issue and a ground wiring of your Cherokee is also recommended for those who wish to gain more knowledge in the area.
- Inspect your Jeep’s battery and alternator to ensure that they are well-functioning.
- If all things fail, reach out for professional help for full inspection and replacement of the whole ground cable if necessary.
Can a Faulty Ground Bring About a Misfire?
Yes, a faculty ground can often bring about an English misfire. And this happens due to an interrupted electrical supply back to the battery of your Jeep.
Now, when the ground wire in your Jeep becomes damaged or corroded, this will bring insufficient electricity supply to the engine cylinder, not cause it not to ignite correctly. And for this, an engine misfire takes place. When there is less electrical voltage to the ignition coils, they are supposed to create misfires.
If the ignition coils are not able to transfer low voltage electricity to high voltage electricity in order to create smooth sparks, the engine misfire can be the result of this. So, along with some other components, the ground wire in your Jeep should be out of any issue in order to ensure engine performance.
Can Bad Ground Cause Overcharging?
A bad ground can cause overcharging. When the ground becomes bad, this can cause the voltage regulator to read false readings of the battery level. And as the alternative doesn’t know the exact battery level, it can be overcharged.
The alternator in your vehicle should perform based on the battery level. If the battery level is high, the alternator won’t charge the battery.
But when the battery level goes down, the alternator charges the battery. A bad ground can’t flow the correct electricity. Due to this, the alternator’s voltage regulator can’t determine the exact voltage of the battery.
The alternator then thinks the vehicle’s battery needs more charge to operate. So, it sends electrical energy to the battery that causes overcharges. In the same way, the alternator can be undercharged as well. Both scenarios are bad for the battery to function correctly.
Note: Your vehicle’s battery can be overcharged for other reasons, along with bad ground. So, you need to check those issues as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What would cause my Jeep grand Cherokee to experience difficulty starting the engine?
When a Jeep grand Cherokee doesn’t start, there are numerous potential causes, including a ground issue. It is initially advised that the car owners should ensure that both the engine and batteries are in good shape in such cases. However, if the vehicle still won’t start, you should proceed to examine the ground connections and wires attached to the steering to address the problem.
2. Can I drive my Jeep Grand Cherokee with an electrical system problem like bad grounds?
The severity of an electrical problem is determined by its symptoms, but since many of them can worsen the problem, any electrical problem, no matter how minor, should be checked if new symptoms start to arise. If there are solely comfort-related issues, they can wait to be resolved until they no longer affect other components such as dependability, safety, or drivability. However, if any of those three areas are impacted, the issue needs to be addressed right away.
3. How much would an automotive electrical system check cost?
Where necessary, your vehicle may also be subjected to a full electrical system check which may cost approximately between $90-$111 depending on the regionality, make, and model of your vehicle.
4. How often should my car undergo testing of the electrical system?
Due to the unpredictable nature of electrical issues, inspections will only be conducted occasionally in cases of breakdowns. Even though there is no way to predict when electrical problems may arise, the majority of cars start having issues with the electrical system. several years of operation.
5. Can I perform an electrical system solution including a bad ground repair myself?
The rule of thumb is; that if you are feeling unsure it would be best to leave it to professionals. Leave any electrical repairs other than those for blown fuses, visible wire damage, unclean connectors, and defective relays to the experts.
In addition, comprehension of electrical circuit diagrams and component operation is essential in many circumstances where a vehicle electrical system is concerned, and should not be undertaken without specific electrical systems expertise.
Conclusion
An encounter with an electrical issue with the Jeep Grand Cherokee can be challenging. Unlike a deflated tire or a broken axle, you may not visibly observe the point of damage. However, this guide will assist you to detect the symptoms associated with a bad charge and a few suggestions on steps to take when encountering the problem.