2800 miles and bad batteries or sumpin else?

[David Hoffman]

Since you purchased it brand new, you’re still under the 3/36. Have the dealer replace both batteries.

Better yet........” kill” both batteries, then arrange Roadside Service to tow your truck to the dealer for TWO new batteries.

I'm dropping it off next week to have them look at it. They were commenting in email how before they replace them they want to ensure there is nothing else wrong.

 

[JR]

I'm dropping it off next week to have them look at it. They were commenting in email how before they replace them they want to ensure there is nothing else wrong.

Since it is a new truck this is usually the best path forward but unless it comes in on the hook dont expect new batteries out of your visit, hence the recommendation to trickle charge and load test individually. Unless you have a seasoned diesel tech at your dealership I'd bet breakfast they won't even load test your batteries seperately which will give them false results. Tested individually will show a weak battery, load testing paired up will mask a weak battery in many instances If the other is still good. In which case you will be sent out the door with the same problem.
When you go in for your appointment if it were me I would politely make it known I expect results of TWO load tests. It will be obvious if they comply or not, no two batteries test exactly the same.

 

[JPM]

can I attach a BatteryTender to the truck, and leave it on all the time , with those two batteries?

 

[Bob4x4]

Since it is a new truck this is usually the best path forward but unless it comes in on the hook dont expect new batteries out of your visit, hence the recommendation to trickle charge and load test individually. Unless you have a seasoned diesel tech at your dealership I'd bet breakfast they won't even load test your batteries seperately which will give them false results. Tested individually will show a weak battery, load testing paired up will mask a weak battery in many instances If the other is still good. In which case you will be sent out the door with the same problem.
When you go in for your appointment if it were me I would politely make it known I expect results of TWO load tests. It will be obvious if they comply or not, no two batteries test exactly the same.

The dealer must use the correct procedure by vin# to get paid on a warranty claim,this includes using a hi tech machine that requires the batteries to be isolated,if the batteries are at a low soc a charge is performed before testing.The results are uploaded to FCA and they will send a code to authorize battery(s) replacement if called for

 

[JR]

can I attach a BatteryTender to the truck, and leave it on all the time , with those two batteries?

Yes, just make sure it's a quality tender so as not to over charge your batteries.

 

[JR]

The dealer must use the correct procedure by vin# to get paid on a warranty claim,this includes using a hi tech machine that requires the batteries to be isolated,if the batteries are at a low soc a charge is performed before testing.The results are uploaded to FCA and they will send a code to authorize battery(s) replacement if called for

Good to know, I guess I've had too many bad experiences with my locals to expect a proper job.

If one battery is bad will they authorize replacement of both batteries or just the bad one?

 

[TCDiesel]

I wonder how long before vehicles have solar panels in Back windows.

 

[Ozymandias]

I wonder how long before vehicles have solar panels in Back windows.

Audi has them in the sunroof from factory as an upgrade, load the battery and also there is a little fan built into that sucks hot air out of the car in summertime.
I think they started it around 2005 or so..

https://www.google.com/search?q=sol....34.mobile-heirloom-serp..0.5.863.2hA4eLaYY2w

 

[Dan_69GTX]

I wonder how long before vehicles have solar panels in Back windows.

Certain model Priuses have them in the roof.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Yes, just make sure it's a quality tender so as not to over charge your batteries.

As in don't get the Harbor Freight $5 special. I was trying to convince my Dad they are not as good as the "real" tenders. Well, after frying 2 batteries he agreed.

I wouldn't get the .75A version for your truck. I got the 3A from Costco for a really good deal.

 

[Bob4x4]

I wonder how long before vehicles have solar panels in Back windows.

Just the one that failed

 

[Crank]

Batteries are replacable. Still on my originals and the tires are still sound. The new gizmos today are something else. Enough to drain your wallet.

 

[CSeugling]

My 2016 3500 is keyless/go. Truck sits in the heated garage for weeks at a time, never have the batteries not started the truck. The key fob is always in the cup holder. I tried walking around the truck and not once did the dash light up, it has front and rear sensors.

 

[JPM]

when I wash my truck it flashes the lights on the mirrors (maybe more too),like it can feel the water

 

[TCDiesel]

My Summit , Cherokee , Ecodiesel, Hemi 1500, Chargers all do it.

CSeugling , consider yourself fortunate.

 

[Ozymandias]

when I wash my truck it flashes the lights on the mirrors (maybe more too),like it can feel the water

Mine to does it, funny Feature.