Dodge 1500 Dead battery

10

Asked by Steve Nov 21, 2016 at 01:23 PM about the 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Something is draining the battery and I'm not sure what it could be.  Here are the things I've tried/replaced:

1.  When I bought the truck it didn't have a radio so I put in an factory aftermarket radio.  All the connectors worked as expected and I didn't have to splice any wires.

2.  I had the battery checked out and it appears fine with a solid charge.

3.  The ignition key comes out when the truck is running.  My mechanic said that when I turn off the truck, it was still stuck in the accessory position just enough to drain the battery.  Replaced the ignition switch...same problem.

I could go a week with no issues or it could happen overnight, it's totally unpredictable.

I haven't been able to determine what else could be draining it.  Troubleshooting tips to narrow it down are appreciated.

4 Answers

10

main battery cable could have acid in the wires itself and need replacing. guess you've already checked the alternator

10

Haven't checked the alternator. Is that something the local batteries plus can do or do I need to take it to my mechanic?

1 people found this helpful.
50

We recently bought a 2003 Ram 1500, and we had the same problem. Discovered that the green lights in the driver's door arm panel (mirror control and power window controls) sometimes stay on. Turns out that if the ignition key is turned all the way off (full counter clockwise), these door panel lights stay on and slowly drain the battery. From full off position, turn the ignition key (clockwise direction) a quarter of an inch so car is still completely off and door panel lights go off. Panel lights are hard to see when on, so check it out when it gets dark.

5 people found this helpful.
10

Ok not alternators....could it be a fuse

1 people found this helpful.

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