Help Needed with Repeated Dead Battery

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mbross

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Ya'll,

I've been reading the parasitic draw and other dead battery posts. I'm hitting a bit of a dead end. I'm going to list all the info I can about the problem. Any advice you have on solutions to similar problems would be greatly appreciated. I'll put in more details as I think of them.

1. 2018 1500 Big Horn 5.7 4x4 and trailer package.90,500 miles- no warrantees.
2. When shut off, the truck will drain it's battery (except when its at the dealership of course)
3. The instrument cluster back light will stay on. This is not a consistent symptom, but it's happening more often.
4. There is a high pitch whine coming from somewhere between the transmission and the engine. Link to a video of the noise.
5. Pulling fuse- F52, a 5amp, related to the battery sensor stops both the whine and the cluster back light. Can I drive without the fuse and not hurt the truck?
6. Putting the fuse back in starts the whine and the back light.
7. It's throwing a P1DCA code and for a time, a B0007 code(not sure if this one is still there). My OBD2 sensor kicked the bucket and it's tool late to go to O'reilly's.
7b. P1CDA-
  • Park Sense Circuit harness is open or shorted
  • Park Sense Circuit circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM)
8. The dash says my rear parksense sensors need servicing.

Thanks so much for any help you can provide.
 

jkerwick

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Hopefully you found out what was causing this to happen and can share it. My 2016 Rebel has the same issue with the dash lights. It also overcharged a battery, and had the front airsuspension dropping overnight. Fortunately I have the lifetime warranty but.....................they have had my truck at Dodge dealer for over six weeks and still not fixed. They ave replaced a instrument cluster circuit board, alternator and a computer? I have lost total confidence in the service department. Anything you found out would be appreciated!!

Thanks.
 
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mbross

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I turned clicked off the front and back ParkSense sensors by using the buttons on the dash. While the root issue isn't resolved, I no longer have dead batteries.
 

jerryt1967

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I turned clicked off the front and back ParkSense sensors by using the buttons on the dash. While the root issue isn't resolved, I no longer have dead batteries.
What made you think to go the park sense being turned off to stop the battery drain?
 

STich

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I've been researching this forever and you are the first to include the whining noise in addition all the other symptoms. You describe my situation exactly. My Ram does not have park assist so that is not an option for me. Did you ever find the root cause of the battery drain? Thanks, sam
 
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mbross

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Jerry and Stitch,

I turned off the park sense as it was linked to the error code my OBD2 was throwing.

Stitch,
The whining noise came from the top front of the transmission. I wonder if that is where the TCM is located. The TCM is indicated in the same OBD2 as the parksense. My suspicion is that my parksense wiring problem/service need is causing my tcm to freak out. Your TCM may be faulty. When I finally have a mechanic fix it, ill report back.

I have a new obd2, but I don't want to turn on my parksense as I dont have time to fix it in case I can't turn it back off.

Good luck
 

QuincyRich

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I am having similar issue with my 2016 Ram 1500. Replaced OEM battery Feb22 with Interstate battery. This past Sunday, it was dead. Still under warranty, so replaced by AAA for no charge. 6pm Sunday evening, 3 hours after replacement, I noticed speedo and tach backlight on. Has never happened before. Started looking at this forum, pulled fuse F49, light went off. Walked away. Drove truck Tuesday for short errands, no issue. Put fuse back.

Tried to leave yesterday and battery dead. Not stone dead but not enough to crank.

I don't think alternator is bad. Been reading about TIPM issues. Hesitant to replace without knowing for sure since it is $300 plus for new one. Truck is totally stock except for Stinger Heigh10 head unit installed in December. I called them yesterday to ask if anyone else has same issue, they say no.

Can anyone help? I don't want to go to dealer and pay arm & leg for diagnostics and no fix.

Thanks!

Update - Thursday AM Followed instructions to tie battery cables together to drain system. Let sit for 30 minutes. Jump started, ran fine. Drove for 45 minutes including highway speed. Got home, shut off truck and could hear clicking noise coming from TIPM and near throttle body. Took to mechanic but could not replicate clicking although showed him video. Let sit overnight, today, Friday, started truck and got Service Electronic Throttle Control error. Drove for 30 minutes, no issues, no hesitation. Now back, and speedo and tach still lit after parked and locked for 1 hour.

Any help is appreciated.
 
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RamCares

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We see that you have received some great advice from your fellow forum members! However, if these suggestions do not address your concern and you decide to visit your dealer, our team would be happy to offer additional assistance throughout that process! We're available via private message.

Callie
Ram Cares
 
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