Quad Cab 2001, having problems with something (seems to possibly be in the lighting system?) draining the battery. Anyone else experiencing a similiar problem? Dealer is clueless (in more ways than one). Thanks for any info...

 

Oops...meant a 2002....

 

alternator going bad? Have they checked that? I'm just asking because you said the dealer was clueless..

 

Disconnect the battery, check for draw with a meter and/or check for arcing at night. It is not uncommon for an alarm or small light to slowly drain the battery. The stealership can charge up to $70/hr. to find the problem; besides I won't let most dealer techs touch any of my vehicles, too many bad experiences with stealerships.

 

It might be the under hood light if you have one. I just unplug it when I am not doing any under the hood or the hood is closed. My truck used to drain the battery until I couldn't start the truck just in a few hours.

Also check to see if the wires under the floormat are not shorting out because of water or a screw through a wire. Dirt builds up under there, holds water and can rust the floor pans.

 

I know its a problem with them so did you check the glove box light. they get stuck some times and stay on.

 

had a similar problem w/ a 1999 1500. the Pcm wasn't powering down as it was supposed to. It was a bugger to find and required the pcm to be replaced but after that it was fixed.