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2018 Charger R/T - Battery Draining & 'Service Shifter' Light

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Dan C. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:45 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Dodge Charger R/T

Hey everyone, hoping someone can help me out here. I've got a 2018 Dodge Charger R/T, and for the past few weeks, I've been dealing with a really frustrating battery drain issue. If I leave it parked for more than a day, the battery is completely dead. I've had to jump it multiple times.

What's even weirder is that sometimes when I do get it started, I get a 'Service Shifter' message on the dash. It usually goes away after a bit, but it's concerning. I've checked the battery terminals, and they seem clean and tight. The battery itself is only about a year old.

Could this be a bad alternator, or maybe something else is drawing power when the car is off? Any ideas on where to start looking? Thanks in advance!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like you're experiencing a classic parasitic battery drain, possibly compounded by a related module issue causing the 'Service Shifter' message. This is a common complaint for many modern vehicles, including your 2018 Dodge Charger R/T, due to the number of electronic modules.

Here are the steps to diagnose and potential causes:

  1. Test the Battery and Alternator:

    • Even if the battery is a year old, it could be faulty. Have it load tested at an auto parts store.
    • Check your alternator's output. A failing alternator won't properly charge the battery, leading to repeated drains. You should see around 13.5-14.5 volts across the battery terminals with the engine running.

  2. Check for Parasitic Draw:

    • This requires a multimeter. Connect it in series between the negative battery post and the negative battery cable.
    • Wait for all modules to 'go to sleep' (can take 15-30 minutes). A normal draw should be under 50 milliamps (0.05 amps).
    • If the draw is high, start pulling fuses one by one while monitoring the multimeter. When the draw drops significantly, you've found the circuit responsible. Common culprits include the Uconnect system, radio, door modules, or even the shifter module itself.

  3. Investigate the 'Service Shifter' Message:

    • This message often indicates a problem with the electronic shifter module or its communication with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
    • Potential OBD Codes:
      • P0562: System Voltage Low (could be a symptom of the battery drain).
      • P0563: System Voltage High (less likely with a drain, but indicates charging system issue).
      • U0401: Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM (often related to communication issues between modules, which could trigger the shifter warning if the shifter module isn't getting proper data).
      • U0100/U0101: Lost Communication with ECM/PCM/TCM (Transmission Control Module) – these are generic but point to communication problems.

When to See a Shop: If you're uncomfortable performing electrical diagnostics or if you've identified a circuit but can't pinpoint the exact component, it's best to take your Charger to a qualified mechanic. They have specialized diagnostic tools (like a scan tool that can read module-specific codes and perform module tests) to quickly identify the source of the parasitic draw and diagnose the 'Service Shifter' issue, which might require module replacement or reprogramming. Ignoring these issues can lead to further electrical damage or leave you stranded.

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