Hey guys I have a issue I hope someone can help with. I have a 2004 dodge ram 1500 quad cab 4.7l V8. The issue is the battery keeps dieing I charge the battery and let it run for a while but when I shut it off the battery drains overnight. I've replaced the battery. But it's still doing it anyone else have this issue? I've checked all the connections and everything seems to be tight. I'm going to test the alternator next. The previous owner did say he replaced the fuel pump 3 times. so maybe it has something to do with that? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated thanks jeff.

 

Either the alternator is not charging the battery, or, you have a draw somewhere, that drains it overnight. The underhood light staying on, will kill a battery overnight.... or the ashtray light, or the glovebox light... etc. If the charging system works the way it should, then you will have to go looking for the draw.

 

OK I will check everything. Sometimes a red dot stays on the dash after it's shut off so maybe the cluster? I'll check everything over and let you know if I find anything. I'm charging the battery back up now.

 

What is the red dot??

 

I'm not sure either. I think it may be the low battery indicator. Which means something is up with the charging system correct? I'll start with what you said check for lights and if everything is ok go from there. There's a light under the hood?

 

Maybe. Some have 'em, some don't.

 

I rec that you first check that your basic electrical system is good.
Battery should read at least 12.6V static, and drop to no lower than 9.5V during start.
When running, your battery should read at least 13.5V.
Check battery voltage again after running the truck.
Check grounds coming from your battery that grounding points are clean and tight.
Confusing electrical symptoms are usually caused by the basics.
Also, have you made any mods to the truck? New radio, lighting, anything with a wire? Any obvious mods made by previous owner?

 

So is it truly dying while the truck sits overnight, or just dying period? If you measure the voltage when you shut it off and it's good, but much lower in the morning (before you start it), then you have some type of parasitic draw going on. If not the case and you suspect the alternator, the 4.7 alternator is the easiest thing to pull. Pull it off and take it to a store to be tested. Don't test while running in the truck, you have a very high chance of a bad reading.

 

Sorry I haven't responded I had a family emergency so I haven't had time to log on. But since my last post I've replaced the battery and alternator and it's still doing the same thing I also did the big 3 upgrade with 0 gauge wire. It's fine when running and if I go out and let it run for a few everyday but the first time I let it sit the battery dies. I've checked all the fuses and relays for power draws and nothing I've also triple checked all the wiring and everythings good. It's been doing this since I bought the truck I do know the previous owner put in 3 fuel pumps within a year because they kept going bad. It does have a aftermarket Kenwood head unit which was in it when I bought it. But I'm starting to think somethings up with the tipm. What do you guys think?

 

Ok I did test the voltage while running and it's 13.6v and while off I get a 12.8v draw from the battery is this normal?