Battery swap?

[Drogan]

After reading multiple threads about our battery concerns, this appears to be a hot topic.

Has anyone swapped the stock batteries for these? If so, what is your experience?

To provide some context and a bit of a repeat of what I have posted in a previous thread:

"I have also been tracking my battery voltage. When it is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit it starts out around 14.1 volts. However, it then fluctuates when driving between 14.1 and 13.5. On a 100-degree day, it went down to 12.9, but fluctuating back up to 13.5. To my spouse it is the daily battery voltage report.

I had a dealer check the system and perform a load test on the batteries, and they advised there was no issue with them. However, when I took it in, it was a cooler day. They advised if I am not getting a warning light, the batteries should be okay....

I also asked their thoughts on upgrading the battery to something non-Mopar, and they did not recommend it. They thought it could impact the electrical system, going with a battery with higher cranking amps. This did not sound right to me."

 

[Webbo]

I too was obsessed with the voltage “lower” and fluctuating until I schooled myself on our trucks. We have PCM controlled alternators with AGM batteries, our voltage fluctuation is normal for this setup.

With that said, I’m still considering changing mine due to others reporting dead batteries down the line with more miles. I wouldn’t be changing them due to voltage, purely for reliability concerns.

I haven’t heard of anyone using those specific batteries, just the Duralast Platinums and reports have been positive. I’d be willing to bet they might be the same battery with different labels since there are only a few battery manufacturers. Duralast and Interstate don’t make their batteries. For example, Johnson Controls makes the Duralast batteries. Interstate also uses Johnson Controls but they also use Exide.

Hope this helps!

 

[AusputzerAri]

I too was obsessed with the voltage “lower” and fluctuating until I schooled myself on our trucks. We have PCM controlled alternators with AGM batteries, our voltage fluctuation is normal for this setup.

With that said, I’m still considering changing mine due to others reporting dead batteries down the line with more miles. I wouldn’t be changing them due to voltage, purely for reliability concerns.

I haven’t heard of anyone using those specific batteries, just the Duralast Platinums and reports have been positive. I’d be willing to bet they might be the same battery with different labels since there are only a few battery manufacturers. Duralast and Interstate don’t make their batteries. For example, Johnson Controls makes the Duralast batteries. Interstate also uses Johnson Controls but they also use Exide.

Hope this helps!

I had my battery replaced two months ago due to electrical issues. Now it is at the dealer again. Roadside guy told me the new battery was completely dead. So besides putting another new battery in, the dealer said they will do more troubleshooting this time.

 

[Drogan]

I had my battery replaced two months ago due to electrical issues. Now it is at the dealer again. Roadside guy told me the new battery was completely dead. So besides putting another new battery in, the dealer said they will do more troubleshooting this time.

Good to know. Thank you!

 

[Drogan]

I too was obsessed with the voltage “lower” and fluctuating until I schooled myself on our trucks. We have PCM controlled alternators with AGM batteries, our voltage fluctuation is normal for this setup.

With that said, I’m still considering changing mine due to others reporting dead batteries down the line with more miles. I wouldn’t be changing them due to voltage, purely for reliability concerns.

I haven’t heard of anyone using those specific batteries, just the Duralast Platinums and reports have been positive. I’d be willing to bet they might be the same battery with different labels since there are only a few battery manufacturers. Duralast and Interstate don’t make their batteries. For example, Johnson Controls makes the Duralast batteries. Interstate also uses Johnson Controls but they also use Exide.

Hope this helps!

Great information, thanks!

 

[Drogan]

I have seen some cases where fault codes (not sure if this is the exact terminology) need to be cleared after a battery swap through RAM.

If the battery swap goes smoothly and there are no hick-ups, do I need to return to RAM to clear anything?

Thinking of swapping it myself.

 

[Webbo]

I had my battery replaced two months ago due to electrical issues. Now it is at the dealer again. Roadside guy told me the new battery was completely dead. So besides putting another new battery in, the dealer said they will do more troubleshooting this time.

So the second dealer replaced battery died? RAM batteries are made by Johnson Controls just like the Duralast Platinums but I believe they have slighting different components being a “platinum” battery. I think that’s why people are seeing a better success rate with the Duralast from AutoZone.

 

[Webbo]

I have seen some cases where fault codes (not sure if this is the exact terminology) need to be cleared after a battery swap through RAM.

If the battery swap goes smoothly and there are no hick-ups, would I have to return to RAM to clear anything?

No, you just have to disconnect the battery sensors prior to disconnecting the batteries. But before disconnecting the two battery sensors, pop the hood and let the truck sit/go to sleep (30min?). Then prior to reconnecting the terminals to the new batteries, reconnect the two battery sensors and it won’t produce a CEL.

 

[Bigram]

agm

 

[Myers1981]

I wonder if its some of the new tech draining batteries due to the features still drawing power when the truck is off. Has anyone seen if its only the level 1 trucks with the self driving and other techs having issues? Are any of the trucks with the battery issues level 0 trucks?

 

[RAM-Ranch-MT]

Ill die before i spend a dime on batteries for a brand new truck. LOL

 

[AusputzerAri]

So the second dealer replaced battery died? RAM batteries are made by Johnson Controls just like the Duralast Platinums but I believe they have slighting different components being a “platinum” battery. I think that’s why people are seeing a better success rate with the Duralast from AutoZone.

Hey Webbo, the replacement battery only lasted two months. The dealer was kind of surprised when I showed up again with the dead battery issue. Will keep up to date with what they find.

 

[Myers1981]

Ill die before i spend a dime on batteries for a brand new truck. LOL

Well you're truck might die lol

 

[Drogan]

I wonder if its some of the new tech draining batteries due to the features still drawing power when the truck is off. Has anyone seen if its only the level 1 trucks with the self driving and other techs having issues? Are any of the trucks with the battery issues level 0 trucks?

Level one here, 1,350 miles.

Thought i would mention that when battery dips bellow 13.5, I somtimes loose a tire psi level displ. Othertimes it was the forward collision breaking system light, and or lane management display. After the truck sits overnight the functions appear to resolve themselves.

This does not occur all the time though...

 

[Myers1981]

Level one here.
Thought I would mention that when battery dips bellow 13.5, I somtimes loose a tire psi level display. Once it was the forward collision breaking system, and or lane management. After the truck sits overnight the functions appear to resolve themselves.

Very weird. It seems this board has some very knowledgeable members though and even some that may have ties to the factory. Hopefully they see all this and are working on a solution. Resolve the 25 issues and hopefully the 26s will be less effected. Its such a cool truck but after spending that kind of money and dealing with bs like that its quite disheartening and really kills the passion for the brand and truck.

 

[RAM-Ranch-MT]

Well you're truck might die lol

My trucks alive and well actually. And if it does die Ram can pay for new batteries under warranty, not me. Why Spend $500 out of fear from a forum? LOL Bruh.

 

[Myers1981]

My trucks alive and well actually. And if it does die Ram can pay for new batteries under warranty, not me. Why Spend $500 out of fear from a forum? LOL Bruh.

Maybe I was misunderstood. I don't mean if you're not having any issues to go ahead and replace the batteries due to things you read on the forum. I'm simply saying if I was one of the owners having these issues (and knowing my luck I will be) I would rather spend a few hundred bucks, go out and buy the best batteries I can. Charge them alllllll the way up and install them. Once that is done if it solved the issues and the truck is now perfect it's money well spent. I'd rather do that then have to worry about the truck not starting when I need to get somewhere or pick someone up. Having to have it towed, having to deal with someone in the service center that clearly doesn't give a shit. It just seems to make more sense to me. Again not sayin I'm right I'm just saying that's how I feel. I am glad your truck is alive and well!

 

[gram10]

Maybe I was misunderstood. I don't mean if you're not having any issues to go ahead and replace the batteries due to things you read on the forum. I'm simply saying if I was one of the owners having these issues (and knowing my luck I will be) I would rather spend a few hundred bucks, go out and buy the best batteries I can. Charge them alllllll the way up and install them. Once that is done if it solved the issues and the truck is now perfect it's money well spent. I'd rather do that then have to worry about the truck not starting when I need to get somewhere or pick someone up. Having to have it towed, having to deal with someone in the service center that clearly doesn't give a shit. It just seems to make more sense to me. Again not sayin I'm right I'm just saying that's how I feel. I am glad your truck is alive and well!

Battery Dead

Is that from just deleting the mobile app? I parked after going out to lunch, warnigns fpr bli d spot, etc. were still present, as well as the checl engine light. After I parked and went back into the office I deleted the app after seeing comments in this thread. When I left work, I honestly...

www.ram-rho.com

Battery Dead

Is that from just deleting the mobile app? I parked after going out to lunch, warnigns fpr bli d spot, etc. were still present, as well as the checl engine light. After I parked and went back into the office I deleted the app after seeing comments in this thread. When I left work, I honestly...

www.ram-rho.com

my exact thoughts

 

[RAM-Ranch-MT]

Maybe I was misunderstood. I don't mean if you're not having any issues to go ahead and replace the batteries due to things you read on the forum. I'm simply saying if I was one of the owners having these issues (and knowing my luck I will be) I would rather spend a few hundred bucks, go out and buy the best batteries I can. Charge them alllllll the way up and install them. Once that is done if it solved the issues and the truck is now perfect it's money well spent. I'd rather do that then have to worry about the truck not starting when I need to get somewhere or pick someone up. Having to have it towed, having to deal with someone in the service center that clearly doesn't give a shit. It just seems to make more sense to me. Again not sayin I'm right I'm just saying that's how I feel. I am glad your truck is alive and well!

For sure brother, nobody will fault you for that, its your truck do whatever you like. If your having issues and the dealership can't fix it I guess throw some batteries in it. All I'm saying is I paid nearly 6 figures for a truck, it would leave a bad taste in my mouth to spend more on batteries for a brand new truck. Lol! I should shut my mouth because I'm going to walk out to a dead truck when I go to use it this weekend! Lol . Oreillys isn't far at least. Cheers rho gang