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2020 Dodge Charger R/T Battery Draining Overnight - Parasitic Draw?

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Ryan M. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:45 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Dodge Charger R/T

Hey everyone,

I'm having a really frustrating issue with my 2020 Dodge Charger R/T. For the past few weeks, if I leave it parked overnight, the battery is completely dead by morning. I've had to jump-start it multiple times, and it's getting old fast.

I've checked the obvious things like making sure all lights are off, doors are fully closed, and nothing is plugged into the accessory ports. The battery itself is relatively new, less than a year old, and tests fine after a charge. It seems like something is constantly drawing power even when the car is off.

Could this be a parasitic draw? Are there any common modules or sensors in these Chargers that tend to fail and cause this? I'm trying to avoid a costly diagnostic at the dealership if it's something I can troubleshoot myself. Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated!

✓ 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 definitely dealing with a parasitic draw on your 2020 Dodge Charger R/T. This is a common issue where an electrical component continues to draw power even when the vehicle is turned off, leading to a dead battery.

Here's how you can approach diagnosing it:

  1. Confirm the Draw: Charge your battery fully. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and connect a multimeter in series between the negative battery post and the negative battery cable. Set the multimeter to measure amps. A normal draw should be around 20-50 milliamps (0.02-0.05 amps) after the vehicle's modules have gone to sleep (which can take 15-30 minutes). If you see a significantly higher reading (e.g., 0.5 amps or more), you have a parasitic draw.

  2. Isolate the Circuit: While the multimeter is connected and showing a high draw, start pulling fuses one by one from the fuse box (both under the hood and inside the cabin). Watch the multimeter. When the amperage reading drops significantly, you've found the circuit responsible for the draw. This narrows down the potential culprits.

  3. Common Culprits for Dodge Chargers:

    • Radio/Infotainment System: Sometimes the Uconnect system can fail to fully shut down.
    • Body Control Module (BCM): A faulty BCM can sometimes stay awake or improperly control other modules.
    • Alternator Diode Failure: A failing diode in the alternator can cause a small current leak back to the battery.
    • Aftermarket Accessories: If you have any aftermarket alarms, stereos, or other electronics, these are often prime suspects.
    • Glove Box/Trunk Lights: Ensure these are turning off completely when closed.

When to See a Shop:

If you've pulled all the fuses and can't find a significant drop, or if the draw is on a critical circuit (like the BCM) that's difficult to diagnose further without specialized tools, it's time to visit a qualified automotive technician. They have advanced diagnostic equipment that can pinpoint module failures and complex wiring issues more efficiently. They can also check for specific technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to parasitic draws for your 2020 Charger model.

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