I had a 96 ZJ and now a 99 WJ, once they were past 180,000 on the odometer they both started eating starter batteries.

With both it's gotten so bad that I disconnect the battery if I know I won't be driving it for a few days.

I've tried everything from cheap to expensive batteries and I've read that there are really only three battery makers in the country anyway so they're all really about the same.... I've used Optima, Interstate, Dura Crap and Wally World.

The alternator is fine, as long as I don't let the Jeep sit for more than a week, it usually starts up.

Are there any common items that draw power when the vehicle is off that I should check? I'm pretty good with mechanical things but know very little about tracking down electrical issues.

Maybe I'll just pick up a cheap solar power battery tender if I can't track down the problem.

In comparison, my 1997 Ford van can sit three months at a time without running and always starts right up. It's had the same Wally World el'cheapO battery in it for the last 6 years. .

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

You need to do a parasitic draw and start pulling fuses.

 

There are 2 things that will kill it quick. One is an amplifier that doesn't turn off and the other is a door that doesn't latch enough to turn the BCM off. Then there's little things like a glovebox light or underhood light that stays on.