2013 Ram battery

[bighog01]

It appears the batteries went bad today in my 2013 Ram 3500 Cummins. Maybe I'm mistaken but shouldn't batteries last more than 2 and a half years? Especially here in Florida where we don't have much cold weather. I noticed the last few days that it cranked a little slower. Weather got into the 50's here today and no start.

[whiteeye42]

Not all batteries last the same age even tho they are of the same brand just because someone gets 5+ years out of a battery does not mean you will you battery could have an internal short between the plates so you can go by what others get for battery life. that being said i have a 2014 Subaru and i have to replace the battery in it already.

[45Ricochet]

Take it to the dealer cause something is wrong, Ram should replace them at the very least.
Ours went 7-8 years and even then they load tested good. Just didn't want to chance it before winter set in.

[Grit_dog]

That's a pretty short life, but heat is worse than cold on batteries. For comparison, my last 2 trucks got 7+ years out of the original batteries, but my 01 Dodge lost its battery after 3 years, 2 in Phoenix. Maybe a coincidence......

[Me_Again]

The good news is most likely just one is bad. The bad news it that you should be replace both of them. Check on manufacturers warranty.

There is a recall of chaffing wires in the steering column.

There is a TSB that might effect your changing.

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
illumination. Upon further investigation a technician may find one of more of the following
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) set in the PCM memory.
• **P205E - (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) Reductant Tank Temperature Sensor Circuit
Intermittent (setting when the block heater is plugged in).
• U110E - Lost Ambient Temperature Message.
• P20E8 - (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) Reductant Pressure Too Low.**
• P2281 - Air Leak Between MAF And Throttle Body.
• P1477 - Intake Air Diverter Valve Position Sensor Circuit Shorted To Ground.
• U1421 - Implausible Ignition Key Off Time Received.
• P026B - Injection Timing Performance.
NUMBER: 18-041-15 REV. A
GROUP: Vehicle Performance
DATE: November 07, 2015
In addition to addressing the above DTCs, the following powertrain system
improvements/enhancements are also included in this software release.
• **SCR Efficiency scan tool test improvement.**
• 68RFE Transmission Shift Quality Improvements for low speed First to Neutral and
Neutral to First (Garage Shifts).
• Charging system improvements for single alternator applications (Changes the
cutout threshold from 600 to 500 RPM).
• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system calibration improvement during Stationary
Regeneration.
• Cold idle speed stability improvement.
• Charging system improvements for dual alternator applications.
• Torque increase to 865 ft/lbs (D2 vehicles equipped with the Aisin transmission
sales code DF2 only).
• Fuel Filter Minder calibration changes.
• wiTECH Fuel Pressure Override and Fuel System Run Up test improvements.

[ktmrfs]

I would expect at least 5 years. Our 2004 duramax batteries went 11 years.
Our 97 Mercedes had the first battery replaced in 2010 (battery under back seat)
Our other 97 mercedes had the first battery replace in 2008(battery in trunk)
Our 95 S-10 battery lasted 9 years.

But we don't live in a real hot or humid climate nor have very cold winters.

Far cry from days of old when batteries didn't last more than a few years. Current batteries, at least for us seem to last a long time, well past the warranty.

[lc0338]

yes, heat is probably worse on batteries than cold (unless not charged good and then they can freeze in cold weather)

[jmtandem]

2005 Ram Cummins OEM batteries lasted ten years.

[lc0338]

Maybe not batteries. could be starter is starting to drag a little. diesel's have to turn over about 150 rpm speed to start. check out alternator to make sure it is putting out power also. 2013 model could have 2012 year batteries and some are 36 month so maybe they are toast but I would check out a few more things to make sure if you do install new batteries there is not something else draining them.

[wcjeep]

Batteries should last longer. However, I have had some die sooner than others. Be sure you don't have a high amp constant draw.

[azrving]

That's not long but the heat is hard on them. Son just replaced his in a 2012 CTD 60,000 miles

[Trackrig]

I don't know about the Dodge trucks, but the Ford diesels have a lot of phantom draws on them. My batteries will hardly turn the truck over if I leave it for two months without putting a trickle charger on it.

Bill

[rhagfo]

How clean are your battery terminals? Batteries should not be bad after two and half years.

[maxwell11]

they should last longer than that,
I have a 2005 model dodge diesel and I just installed my third set, so who knows.

main thing, when you hit that starter you want it to spin, takes some power to turn it over on a cold morning up here in KY.