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2020 Durango GT Battery Drains Overnight – Suspect Parasitic Draw

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 4:17 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Dodge Durango GT

I'm having a persistent issue with my 2020 Dodge Durango GT where the battery keeps draining overnight. If I don't drive it for a day, it's often dead the next morning. I've replaced the battery, and had the alternator checked, both are fine and testing good.

It feels like something is constantly drawing power even when the car is off and all accessories are supposed to be shut down. What could be causing this parasitic draw? I'm worried about getting stranded, and jump-starting it every other day is getting old.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 4:17 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A parasitic draw on your 2020 Dodge Durango GT can be incredibly frustrating, especially when the battery and alternator are confirmed healthy. This indicates a component is staying 'awake' or drawing power when it shouldn't be.

Here's how to approach diagnosing and resolving a parasitic draw:

  1. Perform a Parasitic Draw Test:
    • Ensure all doors are closed, lights off, and the key is out of the ignition. Wait at least 30 minutes for all modules to 'sleep'.
    • Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
    • Connect a multimeter in series between the negative battery post and the disconnected negative battery cable (set to Amps). A normal draw should be under 50 milliamps (0.05 amps).
  2. Isolate the Circuit:
    • If the draw is high, start pulling fuses one by one from the fuse box (both under the hood and inside the cabin). Watch the multimeter reading. When the draw drops significantly, you've found the circuit responsible.
  3. Common Culprits for Parasitic Draws:
    • Aftermarket Accessories: Anything installed after the factory (remote start, alarm, stereo, dash cam) is a prime suspect.
    • Infotainment/Radio Modules: These can sometimes fail to power down correctly.
    • Body Control Module (BCM): A faulty BCM can keep various systems active.
    • Interior/Trunk Lights: A switch stuck 'on' or a faulty sensor can keep lights on, even if dim.
    • Relays: A stuck relay can keep a circuit energized.
    • USB Chargers/Ports: Even if nothing is plugged in, a faulty USB port could draw power.

When to See a Shop: If you're uncomfortable performing a parasitic draw test or can't pinpoint the source, it's best to take your Durango to a professional technician. They have specialized tools and diagnostic procedures to quickly identify and rectify the issue, preventing further battery damage or inconvenience.

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