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2022 Durango Battery Drain & Random Warning Lights

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 4:19 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Dodge Durango GT Plus

I'm experiencing some really frustrating electrical issues with my 2022 Dodge Durango GT Plus, which only has about 30,000 miles on it. The battery seems to drain overnight sometimes, leaving me stranded in the morning. I've had to jump-start it more times than I can count in the last month.

On top of that, I've had random warning lights pop up on the dash – ABS, traction control, sometimes even the check engine light – only for them to disappear after a restart or a short drive. It's very intermittent, which makes it hard to diagnose.

Could this just be a bad battery already, or is it something more serious like a parasitic draw or a faulty module? I'm trying to figure out what to tell the dealership when I take it in.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 4:19 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Intermittent battery drain and random warning lights on a relatively new vehicle like your 2022 Dodge Durango GT Plus are strong indicators of an underlying electrical problem. Here's a systematic approach to understanding and addressing it:

  1. Battery Health Check: Even a new battery can fail prematurely. Start by having the battery professionally tested for its cold cranking amps (CCA) and overall health. A failing battery can indeed cause a cascade of electrical gremlins, including false warning lights due to low voltage.
  2. Parasitic Draw Test: If the battery tests good, the next step is to test for a parasitic draw. This means a component is staying active and drawing power even when the vehicle is off. Common culprits include infotainment systems, aftermarket accessories, faulty body control modules (BCM), or even a glovebox light staying on.
  3. Alternator Output: Ensure the alternator is charging the battery correctly when the engine is running. A weak alternator won't keep the battery topped up, leading to eventual drain.
  4. Module Communication Issues: Random warning lights often point to communication errors between various control modules (e.g., ABS module, BCM, powertrain control module). These can be caused by low voltage, loose connections, or a faulty module itself. Diagnostic scanners can often reveal 'U-codes' (e.g., U0100, U0140) indicating communication bus failures.
  5. TSBs & Recalls: Check for any Technical Service Bulletins or recalls related to electrical systems or battery drain for your specific model year. Dodge may have identified known issues and provided official fixes.

When to see a shop: Given the intermittency and the potential for complex electrical diagnostics, it's highly recommended to take your Durango to a Dodge dealership or a reputable automotive electrical specialist. They have the specialized tools and wiring diagrams to accurately diagnose parasitic draws and module faults.

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