How to Reset Battery Saver Mode on Dodge Journey and Causes of Battery Saver Mode

The Dodge Journey has a feature called “battery-saver mode,” which turns on when the battery has low power and the electrical system isn’t working correctly. The battery-saver warning light pops up on the vehicle dashboard to let the driver know there is a problem with the battery.

If you have the same problem and want to know how to reset battery-saver mode, you are in the right place. If your battery-saver warning light has popped up and you want to find out the cause and solve it, don’t worry; I’ve got you covered.

I have discussed the causes and solutions of battery saver mode on the Dodge Journey in this article.

What is Battery Saver Mode on Dodge Journey?

Battery-saver mode on the Dodge Journey is basically a restriction on battery use. The battery-saver mode is turned on when the car’s battery doesn’t have enough power to do everything.

When the battery-saver mode appears, the operating power of some parts will be limited. Your Dodge Journey’s heater, air conditioning, infotainment system, and steering wheel will not function properly.

Also Read More > All About Dodge Caliber Battery Compatibility.

How to Reset Battery Saver Mode on Dodge Journey (03 Simple Methods)

A Dodge Journey battery-saver mode reset is not a permanent solution. It just cleans error codes but does not solve the problem. The warning light will appear repeatedly.

It is recommended to fix the issues that are triggering the battery-saver mode to appear. After solving the issue, the warning light will stop appearing on your dashboard. The Dodge Journey’s battery-saver mode can be reset in 3 ways.

01. How to Reset Battery Saver Mode Through OBD-2 Scanner

The easiest way to reset the Dodge Journey’s battery-saver mode is by using an OBD-II scanner and clearing the codes.

Sometimes, the warning light may still illuminate after repairing the faulty parts.

In this case, you need to use a diagnosis device to clear the error codes from the instrument cluster.

02. Resetting Battery Saver Mode Through Disconnecting Battery Cables

Resetting error codes is also possible if diagnostic devices like OBD-II are unavailable. You can reset the battery-saver mode warning light by disconnecting the battery cables.

This method sometimes works and sometimes fails to solve the issue. Disconnect the battery’s negative and positive terminals for 3-5 minutes. Then press the horn multiple times and try to switch on the vehicle’s headlights.

The action will release the rest of the vehicle’s energy. Now, reconnect the battery terminals after 3 minutes. In this way, the battery-saver mode warning light may disappear.

03. Identify the Faulty Part and Resolve the Problem

The best way to turn off battery saver mode is to find the part that isn’t working right and fix it.

First, check everything that has to do with the battery. This includes the alternator, the cables that connect them, the serpentine belt, and the sensor. If there is dust and rust on the connecting terminals, clean them.

If any part seems faulty, replace it. And finally, if the battery is old enough, replace the old battery with a new one.

What Causes Battery Saver Mode (05 Common Causes)

When the car’s electrical components fail, the battery-saver mode on the instrument cluster usually activates. The battery-saver warning light activates due to 06 causes. Let’s discuss these causes briefly:

01. Faulty Alternator

A faulty alternator is one of the most common causes of battery saver mode. The alternator is responsible for converting the engine’s mechanical energy into electricity.

The alternator charges the vehicle’s battery and helps to supply electricity to the other necessary components. A malfunctioning alternator means the battery is not charging properly, but the battery has to supply all the electricity.

So the battery drains more quickly. As a result, the battery-saver mode is activated. Generally, a Dodge Journey’s alternator can last up to 100,000 miles. So, before replacing the alternator, inspect it properly to determine whether it is faulty or not.

02. Faulty Cable Connection

Sometimes the alternator and battery both work properly, but due to a poor connection, the warning light illuminates. When the battery connection cable is old enough, it reduces the electricity flow from the alternator to the battery.

Sometimes damaged cables are also responsible for activating the battery-saver warning light. If the installed battery is 1.5 to 2 years old, corrosion starts at the battery terminals.

Corrosion causes connection loss or electric supply reduction. As a result, the battery-saver mode illuminates. Check the battery terminals and clean them if corroded.

03. Bad Ground Connection

A negative terminal connects the battery and the vehicle body, known as the ground connection. Both the battery and the engine require a ground connection to function properly. Electrical issues occur if the ground connection fails due to corrosion or rust.

If there is a problem with the ground connection, the alternator’s electric supply can go up and down, which turns on the battery-saving mode. To fix the problem, make sure the ground connections are clean and tightly attached to the car.

04. Faulty Serpentine Belt

The serpentine belt is the fundamental part of an alternator. If the serpentine belt is shiny or damaged, it reduces the alternator’s performance.

As a result, the battery will not charge properly and sometimes cause the car to shut down while driving. That’s why you must inspect the serpentine belt and replace it if any flaws are discovered.

05. Faulty Sensor

If the IBS (Intelligent Battery Sensor) isn’t installed correctly or the sensor is faulty, it causes a battery-saver warning light to pop on the instrument cluster.

The intelligent battery sensor is located at the negative terminal of the battery. You should check the sensor and replace it if it is faulty.

You can also hire an experienced mechanic or go to the dealer for the process to be done. Replacing IBS costs around $300 to $320, including labor costs.

06. Issues with the Battery

If there is an issue with the battery or the battery is old enough, it causes the battery saver mode to turn on. Vehicles with weak batteries cannot supply enough voltage to run their electrical systems.

So, use a multimeter to check the battery voltage, and the voltage should be 12 to 13 volts, which is idle. If the voltage is lower or higher than 12 to 13 volts, the battery is faulty and must be replaced.

Generally, a Dodge Journey battery lasts about 4 to 6 years. The Dodge Journey battery should be replaced if it has already reached its life expectancy. It means even if the battery is working perfectly fine but is 6 years old, you should replace it before it gets faulty.

People Also Ask

What is the Purpose of Battery Saver Mode on?

The battery-saver mode helps to save battery power by limiting some features of the Dodge Journey. Also, it indicates that the battery drains too fast and that something is wrong with the charging system.

Can I drive with the battery saver mode active?

It is not recommended to drive when the battery-saver mode is activated. The battery saver mode indicates the battery is draining quickly, and there is not enough charge left to supply the necessary power to the vehicle.

If you continue driving, your engine may shut down between 25 minutes to 2 hours. So, if you see the warning light on your dashboard, stop driving and try to resolve the problem.

Does battery saver mode mean I need a new battery?

No, battery saver mode does not mean you need a new battery. The battery-saver mode can be turned on by problems with the alternator, connecting cables, or sensors, among other things. So, check and fix the faulty parts before buying a new battery.

Final Words

You now understand that simply resetting will not resolve the battery-saver mode issue.First, identify what is triggering the battery-saver warning light. To determine the cause, thoroughly inspect all necessary components and resolve the battery-saver mode issue.

You can also take your Dodge Journey to an experienced mechanic shop for proper treatment if you are not a greasy monkey.

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