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2018 Charger R/T Battery Dies Overnight - Parasitic Draw?

0

Chris P. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:45 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Dodge Charger R/T

Hey everyone,

I'm having a really frustrating issue with my 2018 Dodge Charger R/T. For the past few weeks, the battery keeps dying overnight or after sitting for just a day. I've had to jump it multiple times.

I've already replaced the battery with a brand new one, and the alternator was tested and confirmed to be charging correctly. The problem persists even with the new battery. It seems like something is draining power while the car is off.

Has anyone experienced a similar parasitic draw on their Charger? Are there any common culprits I should check first? I'm thinking about getting a multimeter to test for a draw, but I'm not sure where to start looking. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:45 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like you're definitely dealing with a parasitic draw, which is when an electrical component continues to draw power from the battery even when the vehicle is turned off. This is a common issue and can be frustrating to diagnose, but here's a systematic approach:

  1. Perform a Parasitic Draw Test:

    • Ensure all doors are closed, interior lights are off, and the key is out of the ignition. Let the car sit for at least 15-30 minutes to allow all modules to 'go to sleep.'
    • Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
    • Connect a multimeter in series between the negative battery post and the negative battery cable. Set your multimeter to measure Amps (usually 10A or 20A range).
    • A normal parasitic draw should typically be under 50 milliamps (0.05 Amps). If you see a significantly higher reading, you have a draw.

  2. Isolate the Draw:

    • Once you've confirmed a high draw, start pulling fuses one by one from both the under-hood fuse box and the interior fuse box (usually on the side of the dash or under the glove box).
    • Monitor the multimeter as you pull each fuse. When the amperage reading drops significantly, you've found the circuit responsible for the draw.

  3. Common Causes in Dodge Vehicles (2016-2026):

    • Uconnect System: The infotainment system is a frequent culprit, sometimes failing to power down completely.
    • Radio/Amplifier: A faulty head unit or amplifier can stay active.
    • Interior/Trunk Lights: A malfunctioning door switch or trunk latch switch can keep a light on, even if it's not immediately visible.
    • Aftermarket Accessories: Any non-factory installed items like remote starters, alarms, dash cams, or sound systems can be a source if wired incorrectly or faulty.
    • Faulty Modules: While less common, a Body Control Module (BCM) or other control modules can sometimes fail to enter sleep mode.

When to See a Shop:

  • If you're uncomfortable working with electrical systems or using a multimeter.
  • If you've identified a circuit but can't pinpoint the exact component causing the draw.
  • If the draw is intermittent or very difficult to trace, as professional shops have advanced diagnostic tools that can monitor module activity.

OBD Codes:

While a parasitic draw itself doesn't usually trigger a specific OBD code, repeated low battery voltage can cause various 'low voltage' or 'undervoltage' codes (e.g., P0562 - System Voltage Low) for different modules. These might appear after the battery has been drained multiple times, indicating the system isn't receiving adequate power.

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