Does anybody else have a problem with their batteries going dead if you leave the key in the ignition, in the off position, without starting it for 3 to 5 days? Mine has done it 2-3 times now. The dealership told me I need to pull the keys out if I am going to let it set for a while. This last time my batteries went dead I jump started the truck, and made it 10 miles down the road before my alternator went out. By the way my truck is a 2006 dodge 3/4 ton 4wd with 11,000 miles on it.

 

leaving the keys in it in the off position should have no effect.. sounds like the alternator isnt charging.. the jump added just enough voltage to let it run a few minutes

 

If I leave the key in the ignition, but pull it out a 1/4 inch it will start up fine after sitting 4 days. It is only if I leave the key pushed in all theway it goes dead. Plus after I started it the volt meter was showing 14 volts and working fine, then all of a sudden it started going down and my check guage light came on. The dealership said they could not tell me what was draining my batteries but they have had a number of people come in with this problem.

 

you are probably enabling a security feature by pushing the key all the way in. once it is on, it'll start draining the battery. Does your key have the chip (or something like it) in it?

 

I would agree with Steve. There was some chatter on here a few moons ago about this thing. The keys for the 2006, and some other years, have a chip programmed to run your truck only. If you leave it pushed all the way in, the key and the security sensor just talk back and forth slowly draining the battery.