Electrical/Battery Issue Prevention?

[hemismith]

I'm trying to see if there is anything I should do to try to prevent getting stranded somewhere due to electrical issues, which a lot of people seem to be having around my mileage (18k).

It seems the most common issues are due to battery failure, and the main cause of that is key proximity features causing frequent drain. My understanding is the aux battery goes bad which then causes the main battery to go bad. Many people have suggested taking the aux battery out and replacing the main batter with a bigger one, which requires some code work. It seems there is some failure of the battery sensor as well though.

However, I just have a Big Horn, and I don't think my truck has any proximity detect features. I also always turn off auto stop-start (it has finally become a habit). So am I "immune" to some of the failures people are experiencing?

Note that I did get stranded briefly once already -- on a trip but luckily in a parking lot, a bunch of warning lights went on and I had no power steering. After several restarts I disconnected the battery ground for a bit, let it sit, and then everything was fine. The dealer said there were no particular codes, but they tightened all the grounds. I've been a little afraid to take it on any big trips since.

 

[johnarm1]

I have a 2026 Ram 1500 Bighorn which sits idle for 2-4 weeks at times. During these periods the battery will drain down considerabily. There is a 'Storage Mode' that can be set to minimiize battery drain. I have measured the battery drain at 2.2 - 2.6 amps with the vehicle off. In 'Battery Saver' mode the battery drain is 0.2 - 0.5 amps. I hope this info hhelps ssomeone.

 

[G/T jonny]

The majority of the battery issues seem to be related to the low quality factory installed battery. If yours is weak or fails at 18k miles the dealer will replace it under the basic 3/36 warranty. The factory battery is size H7. It can be upgraded to an H8 size by simply removing a 1 bolt spacer in the battery tray. The dealer won’t upgrade under warranty though. In cold country some owners like to put a battery maintainer (.75 to 1.5 amp) on he battery if the truck sits for days without being driven.