|
|
|
2009 Dodge Ram 1500 dead battery
|
|
|
| |
|
|
spucelik
New User
Nov 21, 2016, 10:28 AM
Post #1 of 7
(2863 views)
|
|
2009 Dodge Ram 1500 dead battery
|
Sign In
|
|
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.
|
|
| |
|
|
kev2
Veteran
Nov 21, 2016, 10:47 AM
Post #2 of 7
(2853 views)
|
|
Re: 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 dead battery
|
Sign In
|
|
scan for codes - even if light is off.
Do you feel comfortable using a DVOM and wiring diagrams to check for draw? We can help with tips and diagrams,
you said"Replaced the ignition switch...same problem." replaced key/lock assy or elec switch ?
Any added electric devices - remote start, lighting, GPS, anything added or aftermarket is first suspect.
|
|
| |
|
|
Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 21, 2016, 10:51 AM
Post #3 of 7
(2852 views)
|
|
Re: 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 dead battery
|
Sign In
|
|
What did you replace, the ignition switch or the lock cylinder? It's the lock cylinder that can't only allow key to come out in total OFF position not the switch.
Guessing that was it if a mechanic (this was checked and found to be the only possible draw?) checked it.
So does the key still come out now? It should if you replaced the incorrect part and it is in fact in an accessory position highly likely still.
There's a procedure to find a parasitic drain but until that is right wouldn't check elsewhere yet.
BTW - Try hard not to allow battery to go dead as even a good one if drained down to nothing a few times is going to really harm it and be the next problem,
T
|
|
| |
|
|
spucelik
New User
Nov 21, 2016, 10:59 AM
Post #4 of 7
(2847 views)
|
|
Re: 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 dead battery
|
Sign In
|
|
I don't have equipment to check for codes? Not sure what a DVOM is.
I believe it was the key/lock assy that was replaced.
No other after market devices added that I know of.
Thanks for the tips, I'm not that familiar with cars.
|
|
| |
|
|
spucelik
New User
Nov 21, 2016, 11:01 AM
Post #5 of 7
(2845 views)
|
|
Re: 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 dead battery
|
Sign In
|
|
THe key doesn't come out anymore so I assume it's the key/lock assy. What technique do you have to find the drain? I'm trying to start it every day just to keep from damaging the battery. Another forum suggested this:
"After a dead battery is charged you need to do the following to reset your computer chip: 1) disconnect neg cable 2) turn key to start position and hold for 30 seconds while pushing your gas to the floor. 3) reconnect your neg terminal. 4) restart your engine and it will run fine."
Trying it now to see if it works.
|
|
| |
|
|
Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 21, 2016, 1:17 PM
Post #6 of 7
(2829 views)
|
|
Re: 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 dead battery
|
Sign In
|
|
DVOM means "Digital Volt + Ohm Meter."
You could get an analog one if this is a fast enough drain but it's intermittent it seems if you run it every day.
What's with the no radio when you got this truck? Missing one or somehow a radio delete option but ready for one or something? Whatever you put in should have also and separately purchased a plug adaptor so you don't mess with the vehicle's wiring and sounds like you did but not following you very well.
Did YOU put the ignition lock cylinder in or your mechanic that told you what the problem was?
How are you charging this battery to use this truck at all or just a jump when found dead this many times? It matters - just jumping a stone dead battery when and if it's charging it back up by running it's working way too hard for the alternator not really meant to charge a battery up from close to dead meaning zero reaction from it.
What do you want to do? Get at least a volt/ohm meter and let's do some tests or just send this out?
If nothing else your radio "aftermarket" should have had a fuse in line or something if not very vehicle specific and doubt that but they aren't my thing - aftermarket that is.
Look in owner's manual for the fuse for it and pull it out and do without and if no other tools or data for it and never does it again it was that and not the ignition lock cylinder at all but may have problems with that fix? Can't know - when keys just pull out anywhere (not often to me) it was probably forced to for some reason?
Lots of unknowns and if YOU are doing all this need to get at least the volt/ohm meter and if not already using one an automatic shut off battery charger highly suggested and can go from there.
I'm not convinced this battery however tested is any good now and they can short inside themselves especially if older and stressed out like this,
T
|
|
| |
|
|
Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 21, 2016, 1:23 PM
Post #7 of 7
(2825 views)
|
|
Re: 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 dead battery
|
Sign In
|
|
I think you should have your mechanic or a reputable repair shop check it out. You're not familiar with vehicles and don't have the equipment to diagnose your issue. Resetting control modules will probably not solve your issue. You have to have somewhat of a level of aptitude to repair automobiles.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
|
|
| |
|
Auto Repair Home
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 
1989 toyota pickup 3.0 crank no start
Please Help - Knock sound & engine fail
