Diagnosis And Testing - Battery System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 RAM 3500 HD and 2019 RAM 2500 HD. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The battery, starting, and charging systems in the vehicle operate with one another and must be tested as a complete system. In order for the engine to start and the battery to maintain its charge properly, all of the components that are used in these systems must perform within specifications. It is important that the battery, starting, and charging systems be thoroughly tested and inspected any time a battery needs to be charged or replaced. The cause of abnormal battery discharge, overcharging or early battery failure must be diagnosed and corrected before a battery is replaced and before a vehicle is returned to service. The service information for these systems has been separated within this service information to make it easier to locate the specific information you are seeking. However, when attempting to diagnose any of these systems, it is important that you keep their interdependency in mind.

The diagnostic procedures used for the battery, starting, and charging systems include the most basic conventional diagnostic methods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere ammeter, a volt/ohmmeter, a battery charger, a carbon pile rheostat (load tester) and a 12-volt test lamp may be required. All OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in electronic memory for any inoperative system it detects. For the proper charging system on-board diagnostic test procedures. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .

BATTERY SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION	POSSIBLE CAUSES	CORRECTION
THE BATTERY SEEMS WEAK OR DEAD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE.	1. The electrical system ignition-off draw is excessive.	1. For the proper test procedures. Refer to BATTERY, STANDARD PROCEDURE . Repair the excessive ignition-off draw, as required.
	2. The charging system is inoperative.	2. Determine if the charging system is performing to specifications. Repair the inoperative charging system, as required.
	3. The battery is discharged.	3. Determine the battery state-of-charge using the GR8 Battery Tester / Charger. Refer to BATTERY, STANDARD PROCEDURE . Charge the inoperative battery as required.
	4. The battery terminal connections are loose or corroded.	4. Clean and tighten the battery terminal connections, as required.
	5. The battery has an incorrect size or rating for this vehicle.	5. For the proper size and rating. Refer to TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS . Replace an incorrect battery, as required.
	6. The battery is inoperative.	6. Determine the battery cranking capacity using the GR8 Battery Tester / Charger. Refer to BATTERY, STANDARD PROCEDURE . Replace the inoperative battery, as required.
	7. The starting system is inoperative.	7. Determine if the starting system is performing to specifications. Repair the inoperative starting system, as required.
	8. The battery is physically damaged.	8. Inspect the battery for loose terminal posts or a cracked and leaking case. Replace the damaged battery, as required.
	9. Stuck or Sticking 911 Call Button (if equipped).	9. Inspect the Call Button for damage or foreign material, clean as required. Replace the button if it is damaged or unable to be cleaned, as required.
THE BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE CANNOT BE MAINTAINED.	1. The battery has an incorrect size or rating for this vehicle.	1. For the proper size and rating. Refer to TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS . Replace an incorrect battery, as required.
	2. The battery terminal connections are loose or corroded.	2. Clean and tighten the battery terminal connections, as required.
	3. The electrical system ignition-off draw is excessive.	3. For the proper test procedures. Refer to BATTERY, STANDARD PROCEDURE . Repair the inoperative electrical system, as required.
	4. The battery is inoperative.	4. Test the battery using the GR8 Battery Tester / Charger. Refer to BATTERY, STANDARD PROCEDURE . Replace the inoperative battery, as required.
	5. The starting system is inoperative.	5. Determine if the starting system is performing to specifications. Repair the inoperative starting system, as required.
	6. The charging system is inoperative.	6. Determine if the charging system is performing to specifications. Repair the inoperative charging system, as required.
	7. Electrical loads exceed the output of the charging system.	7. Inspect the vehicle for aftermarket electrical equipment which might cause excessive electrical loads.
	8. Slow driving or prolonged idling with high-amperage draw systems in use.	8. Advise the vehicle operator, as required.
THE BATTERY WILL NOT ACCEPT A CHARGE.	1. The battery is inoperative.	1. Test the battery using the GR8 Battery Tester / Charger. Refer to BATTERY, STANDARD PROCEDURE . Replace the inoperative battery, as required.