2001 Ram 1500 5.9l V8. Dead battery again. Alternator seems to be putting out plenty. I have replaced the battery twice. Starts fine for a month or so after replacing batteries. 1st battery was found to be faulty. Now same thing with 2nd battery. Maybe not the batteries. All the connections between alternator and battery are clean and no breaks in wires. Any ideas From the forum? Thanks

 

Check and see how much of a draw there is on the battery with nothing on. (key out, engine NOT running.) May have a relay that sticks..... leaving something on. (which means, if the problem isn't present when you go looking, you won't find it..... fun huh?)

 

Have you had the alternator checked? Does the truck sit a lot?

FWIW, my battery died this morning.....

 

Get it all tested for free at a parts store, autozone, etc. If you have AAA, they will also come out and test for you. In addition, replace battery on the spot. You just pay for the battery.

 

Make sure the glove box switch isn't broke and the light is not on all the time.

 

What would be considered too much off state current draw on a stock truck?

 

Just guessing, but should be less than 1 amp. Don't know if that is listed in the FSM or not. I think I'll check.

I have another vehicle that drains battery, but doesn't kill it. (any Jag experts out there?)

 

Fully charged the battery. Turned over with plenty of crank. Had to pump the gas pedal hard and hold it down to keep it running. If I let off to try to idle truck would just die.

 

Dirty or malfunctioning IAC will keep it form idling properly.

 

have you tried removing the o2 sensor? it almost sounds like your cat might be clogged.