Battery Save Mode

[whoopsumbass]

RAM Duelly 2014 6.7 Cummins, started while on engine heater, in 7 degree cold, and a message "Battery Save Mode" appeared on the dash. I ran around town and it stayed on thru 3-4 stop and goes....and let it sit in teen temps overnight again on the engine heater, and the message was not there today. Seems no one knows about this message. Dealer says bring it in, they never saw the message, so it is there now. Can't get message to repeat. Has anyone seen this message and know OFFICIALLY FROM RAM, OR CUMMINS what it is or means. My rig still under warranty until Jan 2018.

 

[mwilson]

Some good reading in this thread, post # 5 and #15 directly address "Battery Save Mode"...

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/257292-Battery-Saving-Mode

 

[gsbrockman]

RAM Duelly 2014 6.7 Cummins, started while on engine heater, in 7 degree cold, and a message "Battery Save Mode" appeared on the dash. I ran around town and it stayed on thru 3-4 stop and goes....and let it sit in teen temps overnight again on the engine heater, and the message was not there today. Seems no one knows about this message. Dealer says bring it in, they never saw the message, so it is there now. Can't get message to repeat. Has anyone seen this message and know OFFICIALLY FROM RAM, OR CUMMINS what it is or means. My rig still under warranty until Jan 2018.

A search within this forum.....
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https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/257292-Battery-Saving-Mode

 

[TCDiesel]

The Factory AGMs just cannot handle cold for long periods ......Replace them with Deka (9A94R) Intimidator...Or Have the Dealer install New OEM Batteries....When all My Vehicles reach 35900 miles or 35.5 Months the batteries are dead..... or killed....The Factory OEM will fail shortly after this...Ram will just continue to put the china low standards Batteries in every Ram 6.7 until it cost them to stop, Or install Quality units. Just to show How bad this is there was only 4 (9A94R) batteries at the Auto-value Warehouse In Eagan MN... (The Only seller around Here) I bought 2 and the other 2 were spoken for within Minutes of My Order...

Another Tip DO NOT TRY AND START THE TRUCK BY JUST JUMPING 1 BATTERY IN THE COLD. YOU MUST JUMP BOTH BATTERERIES, Or jump pack both. the IBS checks both batteries push this pass the default clock and it will suck up your wallet, in electronic gremlins and Module Flashes and re-settings.

 

[EDankievitch]

I had the Batt safe message show up the day my alt burned up.Did you have your alt checked to see if it was part of the recall? The one in question was the 200 amp unit most of our RAMs came with if you have the cold weather/snow plow upgrade package.

 

[Newsa]

Mine entered "Battery Saver Mode" for the first time in over 4 years. I think it had something to do with the -17 °F anbient (not wind chill) raw temps. It stayed on Battery saver mode until I turned it off and restarted it after 80-90 mins of hwy driving

 

[DonFitzwater]

I’ve never seen this message, even at -45 ambient. Sounds like it’s time to test batteries for you lads.

To the OP, how long had your truck been off before you started it? Any reason that your batteries might have been discharged?

 

[Newsa]

I’ve never seen this message, even at -45 ambient. Sounds like it’s time to test batteries for you lads.

To the OP, how long had your truck been off before you started it? Any reason that your batteries might have been discharged?

Yes, there are other conditions that could cause the Battery Saver Mode. We had driven almost 1400 miles from Miami, FL to Peoria IL. Which should have charged the batteries. But had sat for 4 days and had been started several times for short trips to the dog park, grocery, and resraurants... as well as a 20 min drives to visit my parents.

Thanks for the info. These discussions provide us with info that helps us understand what to expect from our trucks.

I replaced my batteries about 6 months ago (with OEM from the dealer). So I don't expect that the batteries are bad as of yet. But I didn't get any BS mode or other warning when the batteries died last summer.

 

[Benito]

I am just adding to the conversation. Funny timing- I never saw this message before even when 1 battery went bad over the summer. I read this post on the 31st, I got in my truck after it sat for 3 day and what do I get -“ Battery Saver Mode”. The message is saved in the EVIC under stored messages.

Background- I have a ‘14 Laramie. The original batteries went bad in June, (1 month after 3yearsmark). No messages then, just went. Was traveling at the time, the local dealer would not cover under warranty because of mileage, (60k), and they did not have any available. I went to the local Advanced and picked up 2 850CCA AGM batteries, (originals are 730CCA). When I installed them I immediately noticed the charge voltage went from 14 to 13.8 and was pretty consistant there. I remote started the truck this morning as it was a bit colder this morning-for GA, I know this is nothing for some of you. When I got in I saw the message and noticed it was back up to 14v charge.

I have not been able to look into more yet with work but I will see if I can find out anything more this afternoon.

I realize this does not answer any questions but I wanted to give my experience to see if this could help narrow things down.

If anyone else has any recommendations I am all ears.

 

[kthaxton]

I am just adding to the conversation. Funny timing- I never saw this message before even when 1 battery went bad over the summer. I read this post on the 31st, I got in my truck after it sat for 3 day and what do I get -“ Battery Saver Mode”. The message is saved in the EVIC under stored messages.

Background- I have a ‘14 Laramie. The original batteries went bad in June, (1 month after 3yearsmark). No messages then, just went. Was traveling at the time, the local dealer would not cover under warranty because of mileage, (60k), and they did not have any available. I went to the local Advanced and picked up 2 850CCA AGM batteries, (originals are 730CCA). When I installed them I immediately noticed the charge voltage went from 14 to 13.8 and was pretty consistant there. I remote started the truck this morning as it was a bit colder this morning-for GA, I know this is nothing for some of you. When I got in I saw the message and noticed it was back up to 14v charge.

I have not been able to look into more yet with work but I will see if I can find out anything more this afternoon.

I realize this does not answer any questions but I wanted to give my experience to see if this could help narrow things down.

If anyone else has any recommendations I am all ears.

Recommendations for what? It doesn't appear you have a problem. Are you assuming there is an issue because it is charging at 14 again? If so, it is not a problem, the PCM always adjusts charge voltage and temperature is one of the determining factors. The colder it is, the more voltage it will request.

 

[Benito]

Sorry, not the charge rate- The recommendation as to why the battery save mode appeared. I only noted the charge rate as it was a difference I noticed once the code came up. I realize the charge rates vary but a consistent 14v is not normal, at least not in my experience. Battery saver mode has never come up before even when I lived in NE PA where it was much colder than here in GA.

 

[TCDiesel]

I am just adding to the conversation. Funny timing- I never saw this message before even when 1 battery went bad over the summer. I read this post on the 31st, I got in my truck after it sat for 3 day and what do I get -“ Battery Saver Mode”. The message is saved in the EVIC under stored messages.

Background- I have a ‘14 Laramie. The original batteries went bad in June, (1 month after 3yearsmark). No messages then, just went. Was traveling at the time, the local dealer would not cover under warranty because of mileage, (60k), and they did not have any available. I went to the local Advanced and picked up 2 850CCA AGM batteries, (originals are 730CCA). When I installed them I immediately noticed the charge voltage went from 14 to 13.8 and was pretty consistant there. I remote started the truck this morning as it was a bit colder this morning-for GA, I know this is nothing for some of you. When I got in I saw the message and noticed it was back up to 14v charge.

I have not been able to look into more yet with work but I will see if I can find out anything more this afternoon.

I realize this does not answer any questions but I wanted to give my experience to see if this could help narrow things down.

If anyone else has any recommendations I am all ears.

Unless they were Deka's they won't out perform the factory Batteries or out live them.

 

[Newsa]

Unless they were Deka's they won't out perform the factory Batteries or out live them.

My factory batteries lasted 3.8 years. I did replace them with Mopar batteries from the dealer. Weird that the old batteries I traded in for core credit on the new batteries were a bit smaller. And I suspect not as sturdy as the "OEM" replacement that the dealer sold me.

I always think the batteries installed at the factory are a shade less capable than what anyone could sell as a replacement

 

[sag2]

There may be nothing wrong with the truck other than high demand being placed on the electrical system with the cold starts and the data the IBS has collected from the batteries over time.



Battery Saver Mode/Battery Saver On Message — If Equipped

Electrical Load Reduction Actions
This vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) to perform additional monitoring of the electrical system and status of the vehicle battery.
In cases when the IBS detects charging system failure, or the vehicle battery conditions are deteriorating, an electrical load reduction actions will take place to extend the driving time and distance of the vehicle. This is done by reducing power to or turning off non-essential electrical loads.
Load reduction is only active when the engine is running. It will display a message if there is a risk of battery depletion to the point where the vehicle may stall due to lack of electrical supply, or will not restart after the current drive cycle.
When load reduction is activated, the message “Battery Saver On” or “Battery Saver Mode” will appear in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) or Driver Information Display (DID).
These messages indicate the vehicle battery has a low state of charge and continues to lose electrical charge at a rate that the charging system cannot sustain.

NOTE:
The charging system is independent from load reduction. The charging system performs a diagnostic on the charging system continuously.
If the Charging System Light is on it may indicate a problem with the charging system.

The electrical loads that may be switched off (if equipped), and vehicle functions which can be effected by load reduction:
Heated Seat/Vented Seats/Heated Wheel
Heated/Cooled Cup Holders
Rear Defroster And Heated Mirrors
HVAC System
115V AC Power Inverter System
Audio and Telematics System


Loss of the battery charge may indicate one or more of the following:
The charging system cannot deliver enough electrical power to the vehicle system because the electrical loads are larger than the capability of charging system. The charging system is still functioning properly.
Turning on all possible vehicle electrical loads (e.g. HVAC to max settings, exterior and interior lights, overloaded power outlets +12V, 115V AC, USB ports) during certain driving conditions (city driving, towing, frequent stopping).
Installing options like additional lights, up-fitters, audio systems, alarms and similar devices.
Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated by long parking periods).
The battery aging.
The vehicle was parking for extended period of time (weeks, months).
The battery was recently replaced and was not charged completely.
The battery was discharged by an electrical load left on when the vehicle is parked.
The battery was used during parking time to supply radio, lights, chargers, +12V portable appliances like vacuum cleaner’s, game consoles and similar devices.


What to do when the electrical load reduction actions message is present (“Battery Saver On” or “Battery Saver Mode”) - During trip, reduce power to unnecessary loads if possible:
Turn off redundant lights (interior or exterior)
Check what may be plugged in to power outlets +12V, 115V AC, USB ports
Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature)
Check the audio settings (volume)

After trip:
Check if any aftermarket equipment was installed (additional lights, up-fitters, audio systems, alarms) and review specifications if any (load and Ignition Off Draw currents).
Evaluate the latest driving cycles (distance, driving time and parking time).
Review the chapter of this owner’s manual regarding the battery maintenance.

 

[Benito]

I did not claim to buy the best batteries, just larger than the originals. I realize there are better options but as I said, the local dealership did not have any and my truck was down. Only the dealership and 2 auto parts stores in the area and only 1 had batteries I could use in stock. I bought the best available.
You may be right on the batteries but the originals only lasted 3 years- not a very high bar to reach.

 

[Benito]

I did not claim to buy the best batteries, just larger than the originals. I realize there are better options but as I said, the local dealership did not have any and my truck was down. Only the dealership and 2 auto parts stores in the area and only 1 had batteries I could use in stock. I bought the best available. You may be right on the batteries but the originals only lasted 3 years- not a very high bar to reach.

 

[TCDiesel]

Batteries are more important in todays trucks then ever before...Batteries Poor/bad Batteries will reek havoc on ALL the electronics. The parasitic draw will affect the battery life. It won't be long and battery maintainers will be standard equipment (Solar panels in windows, etc).

 

[CLynch]

I had the same thing happen on my '17 when it was 8°F outside. It was very annoying not being able to use the heated seats and steering wheel on the coldest days of the year. Happened several times over the course of a few cold days. On top of that, and maybe unrelated, the dash lights stayed on for a couple of days draining the batteries. This happened after battery saver mode came on. Dealer reset the message and said good luck; didn't actually fix anything.

 

[ScottWillard]

Had to have the carpet replaced on my 2018 due to it wouldn't stay tucked in under the door seals, after replacement of the carpet and the recall for the shifter I get the Battery Saver Mode message almost every day warming the truck up with everything turned off, this started at 541 miles.

 

[Flash1034]

As a related question, if you put a battery charger on one battery, will it charge both batteries since they are in Series on the Ram?