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.

Your Answer:

RAM 1500

Looking for a Used RAM 1500 in your area?

CarGurus has 85 nationwide RAM 1500 listings starting at $5,000.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Dan Connell
    Reputation
    19,920
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    15,170
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    11,710
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
283 Great Deals out of 14,200 listings starting at $3,888
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
209 Great Deals out of 7,300 listings starting at $995
Used GMC Sierra 1500
146 Great Deals out of 8,253 listings starting at $2,888
Used Dodge RAM 2500
3 Great Deals out of 31 listings starting at $7,900
Used Toyota Tundra
48 Great Deals out of 954 listings starting at $9,890
Used Dodge Charger
54 Great Deals out of 837 listings starting at $6,999
Used Toyota Tacoma
47 Great Deals out of 889 listings starting at $9,975
Used Dodge Challenger
25 Great Deals out of 735 listings starting at $12,979
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
36 Great Deals out of 1,540 listings starting at $5,990
Used Dodge Durango
71 Great Deals out of 1,893 listings starting at $880
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
25 Great Deals out of 909 listings starting at $9,995
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
108 Great Deals out of 3,867 listings starting at $3,922
Used Jeep Wrangler
158 Great Deals out of 5,997 listings starting at $2,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.