Mechanic Help

[erikm1981]

Test the battery with a hydrometer.

Would it make that much of a difference as opposed to a obd scanner/tester and multimeter? I had my son take it to oreilys to test it and then I tested it with my scanner and multimeter and she checked out.

[Walker]

Would it make that much of a difference as opposed to a obd scanner/tester and multimeter? I had my son take it to oreilys to test it and then I tested it with my scanner and multimeter and she checked out.

Sure could. I've had bad batteries test good at autozone. A hydrometer will read each individual cell. You can probably get one for $10 at the auto parts store.

[RMW]

Did you check for parasitic draw? With my issue not turning up a true small drain somewhere I can only then lead to an actual mechanical issue I guess. It would’ve been nice if the test revealed a more specific area but since there isn’t a small leak somewhere i can only think of a couple other things that would cause a hard start and drain battery

That’s my next step, would like to get it figured out

[RMW]

That’s my next step, would like to get it figured out

Has new batteries, alternator and starter

[mooney_ag]

There was never a real parasitic draw. The battery dieing I’m thinking is a starter issue. No codes ever come up on the code reader but he tells me it does take a couple key turns sometimes to get it to turn over. Knowing alt and battery are both good I’m leaning starter issue. I’m not hearing any clicking from the starter but with the symptoms of hard start and dead battery every so often that’s kind of where I’m leaning now. After not finding any draw anywhere else

Look into the battery ground cable. The design of the crimp is a known failure point. Many time causes other systems to freak out. Lights blink doors lock and unlock etc.

when it happens, does it turn over at all? Next time it fails to turn over, stop and pop the hood to wiggle the ground vocable at the battery. If that seems to fix then replace the cable.

[mooney_ag]

Ok gotcha, I’m having the same issue with a 2006 f250 that I swapped a 24valve Cummins into it. It’s got dual batteries so it takes 2-3 weeks for batteries to drain down. If I drove it everyday wouldn’t be a problem I guess.

Are you using oem ground cables off the dodge? Any issues to suspect the pcm as the culprit?

[erikm1981]

Look into the battery ground cable. The design of the crimp is a known failure point. Many time causes other systems to freak out. Lights blink doors lock and unlock etc.

when it happens, does it turn over at all? Next time it fails to turn over, stop and pop the hood to wiggle the ground vocable at the battery. If that seems to fix then replace the cable.

He has mentioned the radio goes in and out and dash lights will flicker sometimes.

his explanation of he hard start is it takes a couple key turns on and off to get it to fire. I’ve had it for 5 days and yet to experience it. The best I could get was a very slight hesitation/delay start on one turn early in the morning.

Let me check the main grounds today.

[RMW]

Are you using oem ground cables off the dodge? Any issues to suspect the pcm as the culprit?

No sir, I built my own cables. Also have the same issue where I turn the key and sometimes starter clicks and has a hard time engaging then cranks normally.

[mooney_ag]

He has mentioned the radio goes in and out and dash lights will flicker sometimes.

his explanation of he hard start is it takes a couple key turns on and off to get it to fire. I’ve had it for 5 days and yet to experience it. The best I could get was a very slight hesitation/delay start on one turn early in the morning.

Let me check the main grounds today.

Dash lights sounds like the common problem. When mine would happen the truck would be dead when I turned off the key. Usually would disconnect battery and for a few minutes and all good again. Once I found the culprit I could just move the cable side to side and the "power was restored". Mine first started happening every 2-3 months. When it got to more than once a week is when I called it and changed the cable.

Focus on the terminal at the battery. Either new ground cable or replace the terminal.

[mooney_ag]

No sir, I built my own cables. Also have the same issue where I turn the key and sometimes starter clicks and has a hard time engaging then cranks normally.

I've got a '99 that has similar problems but add to that a no bus code on the gauge cluster. Battery drain and the occasional starter issue you mention. Runs good other than that. I am rebuilding the ground loops as suggested off a forum. The dodge ground harness incorporated heat shrink splices that are questionable over time. Also the positive cable for alternator. Due to "no bus" I do think I have a either a PCM problem or need a flash, not sure how to diagnose without sending off the PCM but trying to eliminate other possible issues prior. Best site i found for info is mopar1973man.com

[RMW]

Here’s my attempt to build my own cables, have multiple grounds to frame also, thinking pcm is good didn’t have this problem when I had the 6.0 liter in it.