Jeep Gladiator Won’t Turn Off – Why And What To Do?

If your Jeep Gladiator fails to turn off, you may be wondering about the cause of the problem and how to fix it, Luckily, we have done some research for you, and here is what we found.

A defective ignition switch, fuel pump relay, push button, or blown fuse can cause your Jeep Gladiator to not turn off. Depending on the source of the problem, you may need to:

  • Repair or replace the ignition switch if necessary
  • Replace the power relay
  • Check the stop/start button
  • Replace blown fuse
  • Call a mechanic

If you notice that your Jeep Gladiator is not turning off, make sure to deal with the problem as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Keep reading to get detailed information on how to fix a Jeep Gladiator that won't turn off.

A vibrant blue Jeep Gladiator Rubicon truck 4x4 off road and parked on the side of a hill with the blue ocean, Jeep Gladiator Won't Turn Off - Why And What To Do?

Why Is My Jeep Gladiator Not Turning Off?

When you turn off the ignition key of your Jeep Gladiator, you expect that the engine will also stop. When it doesn't, it might be quite frustrating. The following are possible reasons why your Jeep Gladiator is not turning off :

Jeep Gladiator display at a Jeep Ram dealer

Defective Ignition Switch

hand's man plug in a key, starting the engine of a car

The ignition switch in your Jeep Gladiator is among the most critical components. In most vehicles, the ignition switch can be found on the steering column, right next to the ignition lock cylinder.

When you want to turn the ignition switch on or off, you have to insert your keys into the keyhole that is part of the ignition lock cylinder. In the event that the ignition switch is faulty, neither the switch nor the cylinder will function as it should.

However, because the ignition switch in your vehicle is used frequently, it can eventually wear down and stop functioning properly. A faulty ignition switch could be a result of different issues, including broken springs and worn contacts on the ignition switch.

Faulty Fuel Pump Relay

Diesel Fuel car Pump

A fuel pump relay is comparable to a large fuse in its function. They are all based on the same basic idea, and it's likely that you have at least a number of them on your Jeep Gladiator.

The primary relay is responsible for controlling both the vehicle's computer and the gas pump. In the event that the primary relay fails, none of your other devices will function.

The most common cause of a broken or damaged fuel pump relay is simply old age, even if it is possible for a fuel pump relay to fail as a result of a short circuit or other types of electrical problems.

After driving your Jeep Gladiator for some time, there might have been a significant number of clicks, which results in the relay wearing down slightly more with each transition. It eventually becomes too much for it to handle, at which point it will either stop clicking over or stop returning to its original position. 

Bad Push Button

car interior, key, start&stop

The start-stop technology improves fuel economy and reduces an automobile's impact on the environment. As a result of this, one automobile out of every three vehicles driving on our roads has been fitted with this technology.

However, when operating a Jeep Gladiator model with a Start/Stop button function, such as the 2022 model, it is possible that the vehicle's engine will not turn off even when the button is pressed to the "STOP" position.

It's possible that the button in question is broken or faulty. If the Start/Stop button on this device ever stops working, you may need a replacement. The knob is an integral part of the ignition unit, in which case it would need to be replaced at the same time.

Blown Fuse

Man hand holding Automotive blown fuse on blurred car in repair shop

You are may be unable to switch off your engine for another reason, and that can be because the fuses are not responding. If the fuses in your automobile aren't functioning properly, you will see a significant decrease in the performance of your vehicle.

Your Jeep Gladiator will not respond to the command given by the ignition if one of the fuses that are part of the system that works in conjunction with it is faulty or has blown. 

However, you should never be reluctant to get your automobile checked by a professional so that you will not end up paying for extra damages even if your vehicle is having minor issues that can be easily detected.

What To Do If My Jeep Gladiator Won't Turn Off?

The following are actions you can take if your Jeep Gladiator won't turn off:

Check For Electrical Problems and Faulty Ignition

There are a few electrical checks you can do yourself. Check if the accessories in your automobile continue to function after the key has been removed from the ignition. Try to set your automobile into motion by engaging the gear and start driving, you should check to see if the engine is operating effectively.

If yes, it's possible that your automobile has an electrical problem; in that case, you will need to repair or replace the ignition switch. If it is no, then proceed to the next possible solution.

Check The Power Relay

If after checking your vehicle for an electrical problem you found out that the issue isn't the ignition switch, then it's possibly a relay problem.

If this is the case, you will need to find the power relay that controls the ignition and the fuel system.

Take out the primary relay, and see whether the engine of your automobile will finally turn off. In the event that the power suddenly goes out, you will need to replace the primary relay. 

If the engine didn't turn off, proceed to the next step in this troubleshooting process.

Check The Stop/Start Button

Push buttons are becoming more widespread. Three out of four cars driving on our roads are fitted with this technology. However, the push stop/start buttons have an extremely high degree of dependability, but just like any other machine, they are susceptible to wear and tear over time.

As a result, it is possible that you will need to diagnose your push button if your vehicle has one. There is also a possibility that the issue is associated with a faulty battery in addition to other electrical issues.

Replace Blown Fuse

Fuses are a type of electrical safety device used to protect machinery from the potentially damaging effects of a short circuit or an electric surge.

If the issue is not with the push start/stop button, then it is possible that a fuse has blown and has stopped responding. A blown fuse can prevent communication from being established between the engine and the ignition.

Due to this, the engine might not get the signal to stop functioning if a fuse blows because of the possibility that the communication line has been severed.

Call A Mechanic

When all else fails, it's your best bet to call a mechanic. A good mechanic will have the tools and expertise to diagnose your specific problem.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix The Ignition Switch In A Jeep Gladiator?

The price of a new ignition switch for your Jeep Gladiator depends on different factors, including the switch's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) status, the switch's aftermarket provenance, and the type of switch.

However, the average price associated with replacing an ignition switch is $135 to $250. The price of labor is estimated between $75 and $97, while the cost of parts is $60 and $100.

Not included in this estimate are costs associated with licensing, registration, and other documentation, as well as any applicable taxes or fees for your state.

How Do I Know If My Jeep Gladiator Has A Bad Ignition Switch?

The following are some of the warning signs that mean you may have to replace your Jeep Gladiator ignition switch:

  • The Gladiator won’t start
  • Dashboard lights flicker
  • Accessories won’t power on
  • Car stalls while driving

If you notice any of these warning signals, you need to run a diagnostic on your car as soon as possible so the problem doesn't get worse.

Can A Bad Ignition Switch Drain Your Battery?

Yes, if the ignition switch in your vehicle is malfunctioning, this could result in a rapid discharge of the battery. 

If the switch is defective or broken, the connection will become problematic, and it is possible that some devices will remain connected even after the switch has been turned off. So, the battery will drain rapidly, and in the long run, it will cause the battery to become defective.

To Wrap Up

A vibrant blue Jeep Gladiator Rubicon truck 4x4 off road and parked on the side of a hill with the blue ocean

If your Jeep Gladiator fails to turn off, this could be a result of a defective ignition switch, fuel pump relay, push button, or fuse.

To fix this problem, all you have to do is check for electrical problems, examine the power relay, and replace the blown fuse. Don't hesitate to call a mechanic if you cannot solve the problem alone.

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