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2020 Ram 1500 Rebel - Battery Drain Mystery & Electrical Glitches

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 24, 1:28 PM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel

Hey everyone,

I'm pulling my hair out with my 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel. For the past few weeks, I've been dealing with a persistent battery drain. If I let it sit for more than a day, the battery is completely dead. I've had it jump-started so many times, I'm worried about damaging other components.

Beyond the drain, I've noticed some weird electrical glitches. The radio sometimes cuts out briefly, the interior lights occasionally flicker, and the power windows seem a bit sluggish at times. It feels like something is constantly drawing power, even when the truck is off.

I've checked the battery itself, and it seems fine after a full charge. Could this be a bad module, a short somewhere, or something else entirely? Any advice on where to start looking would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 24, 1:28 PM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like your 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel is experiencing a classic parasitic draw, where an electrical component continues to consume power even when the vehicle is turned off. The flickering lights and sluggish windows are strong indicators of low system voltage.

Here’s a breakdown of common causes and diagnostic steps:

  1. Check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Start by scanning your vehicle's onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) system. While a parasitic draw might not always trigger a specific code, you might find codes related to low voltage (e.g., P0562 - System Voltage Low) or issues with specific modules that could indicate the culprit.

  2. Perform a Parasitic Draw Test:

    • Connect a multimeter in series between the negative battery terminal and the negative battery cable (make sure the vehicle is off and all doors are closed).
    • Wait for the vehicle's modules to "go to sleep" (this can take 15-30 minutes for modern Rams). The draw should ideally drop to under 50 milliamps (0.05 amps).
    • If the draw is high, start pulling fuses one by one while monitoring the multimeter. When the amperage drops significantly, you've found the circuit responsible.

  3. Common Sources of Parasitic Draw:

    • Aftermarket Accessories: Anything installed after the factory (e.g., remote starters, dash cams, sound systems) can be a common culprit if wired incorrectly.
    • Faulty Modules: Modern Rams have numerous control modules (e.g., Body Control Module, Radio Control Module, HVAC module). A module that fails to power down correctly can cause a draw.
    • Stuck Relays: A relay that remains energized can keep a circuit active.
    • Glove Box/Underhood Lights: A light that stays on due to a faulty switch.
    • Infotainment System: Issues with the Uconnect system or its associated modules are not uncommon.

When to See a Shop:

If you're uncomfortable performing electrical diagnostic tests or if you can't pinpoint the source of the draw after basic checks, it's best to take your Ram to a qualified automotive technician. Diagnosing parasitic draws can be time-consuming and requires specialized knowledge of the vehicle's electrical system. They have advanced diagnostic tools that can communicate with individual modules and identify the exact source of the problem, preventing further damage to your battery or other electrical components.

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