2020 RAM 1500 Battery Dead After Sitting? Here's the Fix

How to Fix a 2020 RAM 1500 Battery Issue

Experiencing battery problems with your 2020 RAM 1500 can be frustrating, especially when you're left stranded. These issues range from a dead battery on a cold morning to intermittent starting problems. Owners have reported various symptoms and troubleshooting steps, providing valuable insights into diagnosing and resolving these issues. As one owner put it, "Hella cold outside and battery around 2-3yrs old, I’m guessing replacing that sumbiscuit" --PhaTman7. This guide will walk you through the common symptoms, likely causes, diagnostic procedures, and repair steps based on real owner experiences to help you get your truck back on the road.

Symptoms

Several symptoms can indicate a battery issue in your 2020 RAM 1500. The most common complaint is a failure to start, especially in cold weather. This can manifest as the engine not turning over at all, or turning over very slowly. Owners often find that the dashboard lights illuminate, but the engine lacks the power to crank, leading to the conclusion that the battery is the culprit. As one owner stated: "I think it’s a battery that can light up a dash but not enough juice to even try to turn over. If it was starter I think it would at least be trying to start." --BCPDRSN

Another related symptom is an intermittent starting problem. This occurs when the truck starts fine some of the time, but fails to start at other times, often without any clear pattern. This can be particularly challenging to diagnose because the problem may not be present when you take the vehicle to a mechanic. One owner shared their experience with this: "The service advisor claims the tech checked all connections on the starter and tested the battery and everything was good. Hoping when they try it tomorrow it doesn’t just fire right up." --GadsdenYellow.

Furthermore, some owners have noted that these issues seem to be more prevalent during colder temperatures. This is because cold weather can reduce the battery's ability to deliver the necessary power to start the engine. Temperature's effect on battery performance is a significant factor. One owner emphasized the importance of checking connections in cold weather, noting: "Temperature affects both fastener clamp load & terminal contact (metal contracts when cold) which in turn affect the ability to carry load which in turn affect the ability to carry load." --CurrentlyatBDC

Finally, a less obvious symptom can be a rapidly draining battery, even when the vehicle is not in use. This could indicate a parasitic draw, where something in the vehicle is constantly drawing power from the battery, even when the ignition is off. Identifying and resolving parasitic draws can be more complex and may require professional assistance. As one owner mentioned, it could be due to: "You’ve got an intermittent ignition off draw, something is not properly powering down and keeping the bus awake or if you have anything aftermarket installed it’s running the battery down." --CurrentlyatBDC.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner reports, the most likely cause of battery issues in the 2020 RAM 1500 is a combination of a failing battery and poor electrical connections. Batteries typically have a lifespan of around 3-5 years, and as they age, their ability to hold a charge diminishes, especially in extreme temperatures. Therefore, an older battery is more susceptible to failure, particularly in cold weather.

The importance of proper electrical connections cannot be overstated. Loose or corroded connections can impede the flow of electricity, causing starting problems and contributing to a rapid battery drain. This issue is often exacerbated by temperature changes, as metal contracts in cold weather, further loosening connections.

It’s also important to remember that the battery may not always be the sole culprit. In some cases, the battery may be fine, but other components, such as the alternator or starter, may be contributing to the problem. A failing alternator may not properly charge the battery, leading to a gradual decrease in its charge level. Similarly, a faulty starter may draw excessive current from the battery, causing it to drain quickly.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a battery issue in your vehicle requires a systematic approach to identify the root cause.

1. Visual Inspection: Begin by visually inspecting the battery terminals and connections. Look for any signs of corrosion, loose connections, or damage to the battery casing. Clean any corrosion with a wire brush and ensure that all connections are tight. As per owner suggestions, check "every connection from the battery to the PDC to the starter B+ feed."
2. Battery Voltage Test: Use a multimeter to measure the battery voltage. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts. If the voltage is significantly lower (e.g., below 12 volts), the battery may be discharged or failing.
3. Load Test: A load test measures the battery's ability to deliver power under load. This can be done using a battery load tester, which is available at most auto parts stores. Follow the tester's instructions to perform the test. If the battery fails the load test, it likely needs to be replaced.
4. Alternator Test: If the battery seems to be in good condition but the vehicle continues to experience starting problems, the alternator may be the culprit. Use a multimeter to measure the alternator's output voltage while the engine is running. It should be between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. If the voltage is outside this range, the alternator may be failing.
5. Parasitic Draw Test: To check for a parasitic draw, use a multimeter to measure the current draw from the battery when the vehicle is turned off. Disconnect the negative battery cable and connect the multimeter in series between the cable and the battery terminal. The current draw should be less than 50 milliamps. If it's higher, something in the vehicle is drawing excessive power, and you'll need to isolate the circuit causing the draw.
6. Starter Test: Although less likely, the starter could also be the issue. If the battery tests good, and the vehicle makes a clicking sound when trying to start, the starter may be faulty. You can have the starter tested at most auto parts stores.

Tool Requirements:

• Multimeter
• Wire brush
• Wrench set
• Battery load tester (optional)

Step-by-Step Fix

Follow these steps to address battery issues in your 2020 RAM 1500. These steps are based on owner experiences and should help you resolve common battery-related problems.

1. Clean Battery Terminals: Disconnect the negative battery cable first, followed by the positive cable. Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the battery terminals and cable clamps. This removes corrosion that can impede electrical flow.
2. Tighten Connections: Ensure that all connections from the battery to the starter and ground points are tight. Use a wrench to tighten any loose connections. This is especially important in cold weather, as temperature changes can affect fastener clamp load.
3. Check Ground Connections: Inspect the ground connections for any signs of corrosion or looseness. Clean and tighten any suspect ground connections. Poor ground connections can cause a variety of electrical problems.
4. Battery Replacement: If the battery is old or fails a load test, replace it with a new battery that meets the vehicle's specifications. Ensure that the new battery is properly installed and that all connections are tight. One owner mentioned they were "guessing replacing that sumbiscuit" due to the cold and battery age.
5. Alternator Replacement (If Necessary): If the alternator is not charging the battery properly, replace it with a new or rebuilt unit. Ensure that the new alternator is compatible with the vehicle.
6. Parasitic Draw Diagnosis and Repair: If you suspect a parasitic draw, systematically disconnect fuses one at a time while monitoring the current draw with a multimeter. When the current draw drops significantly, you've identified the circuit causing the problem. Consult a wiring diagram to identify the components on that circuit and troubleshoot the issue. This may require professional assistance.
7. Check Fuses: Make sure that no fuses related to the starting system are blown. One owner found that replacing a fuse in the passenger side fuse panel solved their problem. "The dealership charged me $363 to put a fuse in slot F51 on the passenger side fuse panel."
8. Reseat PDC Connectors: PDC (Power Distribution Center) connectors can sometimes become loose or corroded. Check and reseat these connectors to ensure good electrical contact.

Parts and Tools Needed

• New battery (Group Size: As specified by your local auto parts store)
• Wire brush
• Wrench set
• Battery terminal cleaner
• Multimeter
• Battery load tester (optional)
• New alternator (if necessary)
• Replacement fuses (if necessary)

Real Owner Costs

The cost of addressing battery issues in the 2020 RAM 1500 can vary depending on the cause of the problem and whether you choose to do the work yourself or take it to a mechanic.

• New Battery: The cost of a new battery typically ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the brand and type of battery.
• Alternator Replacement: Replacing the alternator can cost between $300 and $600, including parts and labor.
• Parasitic Draw Diagnosis and Repair: Diagnosing and repairing a parasitic draw can be labor-intensive, with costs ranging from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the complexity of the problem.
• Fuse Replacement: As one owner shared: "The dealership charged me $363 to put a fuse in slot F51 on the passenger side fuse panel" which is a very expensive repair for what should be inexpensive parts and simple labor.

DIY vs Shop Comparison:

• DIY: Replacing the battery, cleaning connections, and tightening terminals can be done by yourself with basic tools and save you on labor costs.
• Shop: Diagnosing and repairing parasitic draws or replacing the alternator may require specialized tools and expertise, making it more suitable for a professional mechanic.

Prevention

Preventing battery issues in your 2020 RAM 1500 involves regular maintenance and proactive measures.

• Regular Battery Inspections: Periodically inspect the battery terminals and connections for corrosion and looseness. Clean and tighten as needed.
• Battery Load Testing: Have the battery load tested annually to assess its health and identify any potential problems before they lead to a failure.
• Avoid Short Trips: Short trips can be hard on the battery, as the alternator may not have enough time to fully recharge it. Try to take longer trips occasionally to allow the battery to recharge.
• Turn Off Accessories: Ensure that all accessories, such as lights, radio, and climate control, are turned off when the vehicle is not in use to minimize the load on the battery.
• Use a Battery Maintainer: If you don't drive the vehicle frequently, use a battery maintainer to keep the battery charged and prevent it from draining.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Park the vehicle in a garage or shaded area to protect it from extreme temperatures, which can shorten the battery's lifespan.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from RAM owners:

Owner Experiences

"Your symptoms scream poor connection(s) somewhere 99/100 times (the 1/100 a bad PDC but very rare…) Temperature affects both fastener clamp load & terminal contact (metal contracts when cold) which in turn affect the ability to carry load." — CurrentlyatBDC (source)

"Temperature affects both fastener clamp load & terminal contact (metal contracts when cold) which in turn affect the ability to carry load. If you/your dealer hasn’t already, every connection from the battery to the PDC to the starter B+ feed needs to be tightened, as do related grounds, PDC connectors checked & reseated as well." — CurrentlyatBDC (source)

"The service advisor claims the tech checked all connections on the starter and tested the battery and everything was good. Hoping when they try it tomorrow it doesn’t just fire right up." — GadsdenYellow (source)

Real Repair Costs

"Edit: I have an appointment, using my warranty for the 3rd time in a year, on Monday with the Chevy dealership. Edit 2: The dealership charged me $363 to put a fuse in slot F51 on the passenger side fuse panel." — sgt_rock_wall (source)

"Edit 2: The dealership charged me $363 to put a fuse in slot F51 on the passenger side fuse panel. Since I have Auto Stop/Start that slot, along with F52 are supposed to be empty or it throws error codes." — sgt_rock_wall (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a battery issue?

A: Simple fixes like cleaning terminals or replacing a battery can take less than an hour. More complex issues like parasitic draws or alternator replacement may take several hours or even days to diagnose and repair.

Q: Can I drive with a battery issue?

A: It depends on the severity of the issue. If the battery is simply weak, you may be able to jump-start the vehicle and drive it to a mechanic. However, if there is a parasitic draw or other underlying problem, driving the vehicle may cause further damage or leave you stranded.

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2020 RAM 1500?

A: While battery issues can occur on any vehicle, they are not necessarily more common on the 2020 RAM 1500 than on other similar vehicles. Many factors, such as battery age, driving habits, and environmental conditions, can contribute to battery problems.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: Simple tasks like cleaning terminals and replacing the battery can be done yourself. However, diagnosing and repairing complex issues like parasitic draws or alternator problems may require specialized tools and expertise, making it more suitable for a professional mechanic. If you're not comfortable working on your vehicle's electrical system, it's always best to seek professional assistance.