Draining battery

[CUBS_WIN]

I have a 2014 Ram 1500 4x4 Big Horn. Seems like every once in a while I go out to my truck to start it and the battery is dead. I have had 3 batteries swapped out but find it hard to believe that the batteries are all bad batteries. I still have an OEM Mopar battery. Anyone else have this problem?


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[JohnnyMac]

You'll have to put an amp meter on the battery and measure current to see if there is a parasitic draw. Then pull each fuse individually until you pull one that makes it stop. That will probably lead you to what's drawing the power.

 

[Shellkamp]

I have a 2014 Ram 1500 4x4 Big Horn. Seems like every once in a while I go out to my truck to start it and the battery is dead. I have had 3 batteries swapped out but find it hard to believe that the batteries are all bad batteries. I still have an OEM Mopar battery. Anyone else have this problem?


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Could be the alternator, associated wiring, or a parasitic drain.

You shouldn't be going through 3 batteries in 4 years.

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[cbsmith]

Have you added any aftermarket electrical items to your truck? Dash Cam, stereo amp, light bar, etc?

 

[CUBS_WIN]

No aftermarket add-ons at all.


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[CUBS_WIN]

I will get a meter on the battery and see what I come up with. What kind of reading should I be looking for?


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[Shellkamp]

I will get a meter on the battery and see what I come up with. What kind of reading should I be looking for?


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Under 50 milliamps, 30 minutes after the vehicle is turned off.

Just remember that if you do anything to "wake up" the computer system, like open a door, you have to start over.

The easiest way I have found to accomplish this is to install a manual cutoff switch at the battery, put gator clips on either side of the switch, and then after letting the car sit for 30 minutes, turn the meter on (leads connected) and disconnect the battery via the switch. That way you won't disrupt the connection, which will also require you to start over again.

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[Tray Burge]

Somethings pulling it down, I put a really cool LED voltage meter on mine like the stereo guys do (glowing light on right terminal) and if I don't crank it at least once every other week this little amp reader will drain my battery dead. Now, I keep a battery tender on it and problem solved. It could be as little as a light staying lit on a power source in your case, i.e.- a cell phone charger light indicator?

 

[Shellkamp]

Somethings pulling it down, I put a really cool LED voltage meter on mine like the stereo guys do (glowing light on right terminal) and if I don't crank it at least once every other week this little amp reader will drain my battery dead. Now, I keep a battery tender on it and problem solved. It could be as little as a light staying lit on a power source in your case, i.e.- a cell phone charger light indicator?View attachment 149448

I find it hard to believe the LED indicator is draining your battery - do you have an actual figure for the amp draw?

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[Tray Burge]

I find it hard to believe the LED indicator is draining your battery - do you have an actual figure for the amp draw?

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Yep, sure does. Never had an issue until I installed it. Takes about two weeks to drain it down unless I drive it at least once a week, battery tender fixed the problem.

 

[turkeybird56]

CUBS, Oreilly, Auto Zone, other reputable places can actually check your battery and charging system for U for free. Sounds like something pulling power when off. I guess U could put an amp meter on and pull fuse one at a time, hmmmmmmmmmm...

 

[Shellkamp]

Yep, sure does. Never had an issue until I installed it. Takes about two weeks to drain it down unless I drive it at least once a week, battery tender fixed the problem.

I think you and I have different ideas on the meaning of "solving" a problem. :Grin:

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[CostaRam]

I think you and I have different ideas on the meaning of "solving" a problem. :Grin:

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LOL, solving the problem would basically mean that you eliminate your glowing thingies so nthat your truck is working fine as she did before you added this cool gadget ....

Chris

 

[Tray Burge]

Nah! I like my "glowing thingy" way cool. Battery tender just plugs in the cigar lighter and I'm good to go.