Is it possible for my battery to be too weak to start my car while having no trouble with the console, locks, radio, and windows? It died a couple months back because the trunk was open for several days without my noticing (it doesn't actually open when the button is pressed, merely unlatches) but hasn't had any issues since then. But after going for a short drive today I can't get more than a single weak sounding crank from it.

 

I would say the battery is shot. Probably has a dry cell and not taking a charge. Take it to your local auto parts store and they should be able to test it for you for free.

 

I bought a new battery at the nearest Part Source and carried it back to the car. Took a bit to switch them as I couldn't get my hands into the space to remove the bracket. Car starts fine now.

Took the factory battery into the store to get my 15 dollar deposit back and asked him to check it; he said it should hold a charge fine, but was down to 20%. Hopefully there isn't any other issue - I'm keeping the new battery in place.

On a possibly related note, ever since it died three first time, the ABS and ESP lights have been on. I assume that something needs to be reset because of the power loss but don't know what.

 

Yes. the steering angle sensor has to be initialized. A full turn left, full right, full left, then back to center. Shut the car off then start it back, the light should go out. If not, you may have to drive it some. Make sure you didn't unseat any fuses or diodes while in the trunk messing around.

Congrats on getting 6 years from your battery. That trunk is a pretty posh environment for a battery to live.

Welcome to Dodge Forum BTW !

 

Thanks TNTech. I'll try that tomorrow. I've been thinking about joining the forum to ask the latter question for a while now, and today's problem just gave me the incentive to finally do so.

Is six years a long time for the factory battery? I've never had to replace a battery before, but this is the longest I've owned any single vehicle so I don't really have anything to compare it to.

 

alternator!