OEM batteries are junk

[Deleted member 995608]

I'm at 61k miles and its time for new batteries already.

I tried to remote start this morning.....no joy. Screen says remote start disabled, insert key to reset. After following instructions and waiting for heater grids, my truck will not start.

I click through the screen to find my batteries reading 8 volts. I confirmed this with my own testers and sure enough, the OEM batt's are low.

 

[Cummins12V98]

My Son's 15 Limited went 80K+ and died. Our trucks were built same time, mine are fine with 60k. He is in colder temps DFW area.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Knock on wood, but the batteries in my ‘14 are one of the only things I haven’t had trouble with. 109K miles on mine.

 

[S.Morris]

I know of 2 MY 14’s and a 16 that have already needed new batteries.

The OEM batteries in my 04 were changed at 14yrs , but only as I was getting nervous.

The cheapest bid for the 4th Gen batteries is not going to gain any new business for Ram.

Unfortunately Ford is IMO beginning to kick Rams butt in quality and reliability.
Ram better wake up.

 

[kthaxton]

Mileage alone, is not a good measure of battery life.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I know of 2 MY 14’s and a 16 that have already needed new batteries.

The OEM batteries in my 04 were changed at 14yrs , but only as I was getting nervous.

My 3rd gen was the same. I swapped them after 100K or so just because I've never had batteries go that far.

I went to my local Napa this morning for some Legend AGM's ($177 each) but they did not have in stock so I have to wait until tomorrow. Supposedly, the Legend's are made from East Penn.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Mileage alone, is not a good measure of battery life.

I agree and after some thought, it dawned on me that these new trucks are using more battery than previous Gen Dodge/Rams so maybe they won't go the distance they used to??

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Mileage alone, is not a good measure of battery life.

I completely agree. I plug my truck in when it gets cold so it warms up faster, but more so it turns over easier. Constant cold cranking is a battery killer. Additional electronics not properly installed can severely drain batteries also.

 

[Lynx0849]

My Son's 15 Limited went 80K+ and died. Our trucks were built same time, mine are fine with 60k. He is in colder temps DFW area.

DFW, TX...? Cold?


Pro

 

[Newsa]

I wondered if my batteries had been partly stressed and their life shortened by the recalled 220 amp alternators. They lasted just shy of 4 years.

Not really sure why such short life. Probably only 37,000 miles at that point.

 

[TCDiesel]

When/IF Truck sits (More than 3-5 Days) I plug in My Solar Charger, It sits on My Dash, Its hard wired to Driver side Battery, I only Buy Deka 9A94R or East Penn Origin Batteries Only.

 

[nukegm]

my last HD 2500 2016 - made it less than 1 year on the factory battery. it was a 6.4. i hope the batteries in the 18 ctd i have now lasts longer than the last truck. cheers!

 

[Hoefler]

I have never had my OE batteries last any longer than 2 years before one or the other goes bad

 

[p-Bar]

The grid heaters tear up batteries. Smart idea to plug in as mentioned.

 

[gsbrockman]

Mileage alone, is not a good measure of battery life.

Correct.
I received only 34 months out of my OEM batteries in The Radio Flyer, but 200,193 miles, 318 idle hours, and 3,709 drive hours. I opted to go back with OEM MOPAR’s with a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty. The part number was BB94R750CA.

 

[JPM]

The grid heaters tear up batteries. Smart idea to plug in as mentioned.

Does the block heater have a thermostat? Can I leave it plugged in all the time?

 

[gsbrockman]

Does the block heater have a thermostat? Can I leave it plugged in all the time?

The block heater has no thermostat. Leaving it plugged in all the time will hurt nothing but your electric bill. The block heater draws about 750 watts.

 

[p-Bar]

I put my block heater on a timer to turn on at 4 in the morning at least my old Ford with the glow plugs that were shot.

 

[Cummins12V98]

DFW, TX...? Cold?


Pro

Very erratic temps.

 

[EDankievitch]

I just had to order new batts for my 13. They haven't been right since my alt burned up two years ago. Above 35 degrees they will start normal below it'll barely crank and throws all kinds of strange codes and the CEL lamp. Rock Auto had the best price even with the shipping only funny thing was both batts were shipped at the same time the same day one showed up two days early the other still on it's way... FED EX is very lacking.....