One of the most overlooked items in a Jeep Cherokee electrical system is the grounding of the system. Bad engine grounds prevent the battery from charging properly. It also prevents the headlights from illuminating and the Jeep’s computer from receiving signals.
Why is grounding necessary? Grounding causes lots of electrical problems with your Jeep Cherokee. It can lead to voltage drops. Surges in electricity and more issues while driving your Jeep Cherokee. So, What are the bad ground symptoms on your Jeep Cherokee?
In this post, we look at a Jeep Cherokee’s Bad Ground Symptoms.
What are the Bad Ground Symptoms on your Jeep Cherokee?
1. Low Voltage
One of the symptoms of bad grounding is low voltage. When your Jeep’s electrical components are fried your car won’t receive any power whatsoever. However, there will be electricity but the voltage won’t be as strong as in the case of proper grounding.
The first step you should take is to test the battery. All you need to do is carry out a regular voltage test. For that, you will need a multimeter which you can find at your local store or online store for less than $50.
Connect your multimeter to the positive and negative terminals of your Jeep Cherokee’s battery. If the multimeter does not show voltage readings of around 12.6 volts, then you’ve got a bad battery. Also, check the ground cable to ensure it’s not damaged.
2. Engine Start Failure
If your engine has trouble firing up, that’s a sign of bad grounding. The first thing you need to check is the ground cable. When you start your engine and you experience dimming or flickering lights, then that’s a sign of bad grounding.
There are other signs that may cause an engine start failure. They include clogged exhaust systems, faulty spark plugs, ignition cables, worn-out coils, and more. So, besides checking the ground cable and car battery, it would not hurt to check other components that may cause engine start failure.
Some drivers report hearing tapping and clunking sounds when you start your engine on bad ground. Wondering why this happens. Well, the starter’s solenoid makes the tapping and clunking noise as it opens and closes in an attempt to start your Jeep Cherokee.
3. Flickering Lights
One of the most annoying symptoms of a bad ground connection is flickering or dimming lighting. How does this happen? When you have a bad ground connection, the electrical circuit in your Jeep Cherokee meets high resistance. In fact, the resistance is usually higher than the circuit can handle, As a result, your headlights will flicker or dim.
This issue can go on forever unless you identify the cause of the malfunction. It’s critical to resolve this problem as flickering lights during night driving can lead to disastrous results.
In this case of flickering or dimming lights, the issue with the ground cable could be it’s not tightened properly or disconnected. Before testing your battery or replacing it, check if the ground cable is properly connected or tightened.
4. Dash Gauges not Working
What are the two most important gauges on the dashboard? Many drivers consider the fuel and speedometer as the most important gauges. However, other gauges such as the tachometer, oil pressure, and voltmeter are important too. If there is a problem with your car these gauges will display warning lights.
However, if they are not working, it will be difficult to know how much fuel is left in the vehicle, and more. But due to bad grounding, the gauges will not work. Start checking the grounding cable. Find out if it’s damaged, disconnected, or not tightened properly. If the ground cable is fine, find out if the fuse is blown or if you’ve faulty instrument clusters.
5. Battery Issues
If your Jeep Cherokee has a bad grounding, your battery may not charge properly. This is true, especially where the alternator functions well. When there is not enough electricity flowing through the ground strap, the alternator will not recharge the Jeep Cherokee’s car battery.
There are other factors that may prevent your car battery from recharging. They include loose battery connections. These connections can also become corroded. When this happens, your vehicle’s battery will not transmit power properly.
Still, on the car battery, check if it’s old. Frequent short trips, everyday use, and extreme temperatures can shorten the life your vehicle’s battery dies quickly after a jump start, it’s time to buy a new one.
How I Can Resolve Bad Grounds Issues?
If you notice your Jeep Cherokee displaying these bad ground symptoms, take the right steps to resolve them. First, do not drive your car until the bad ground problem is completely fixed. Lastly, seek the help of a professional mechanic.
Frequently Asked Question
What can a bad engine ground cause?
A bad engine ground can prevent the battery from charging properly. This will cause the
headlights to flicker, hard starting issues, and other faults.
Can bad ground cause high voltage?
Poor sensor and computer grounds can cause higher voltages and even false trouble codes.
This is because a bad ground prevents the computer or sensor from pulling the voltage to near
ground zero.
Will a car start with a bad ground?
A bad ground will lead to no starting and hard starting conditions. This is because the electrical
path for the starter motor is usually provided by the engine ground.
Can a bad ground drain your car battery?
A bad ground cannot drain your car battery, but it will prevent your battery from being charged
properly.