Ram Cummins Malfunction Light - Needed new batteries

[JRS___B]

I didn't know there was a check engine light for old batteries.

The batteries in my 2007 Ram (6.7 liter) were original. I started to get an intermittent malfunction light. The Error code was for low voltage. I replaced the batteries and everything is fine.

I learn something new everyday.

[restlesswind]

My '04 CTD threw a code after the battery went dead and I had to get a jump start.Once the battery was charged up the code went away.
No need to go into what caused the battery to go dead.:)

[Bedlam]

My batteries also lasted seven years before I replaced them. It seems to be the average life of diesel starting batteries that sit under the hood with that engine heat.

[ScottG]

The code will be stored but not active for a number of starts, around 100~150 IIRC. After the tlight goes out it will pass any emissions test.

[JRS___B]

sch911 - I agree that it was sort of a coincidence. I was going to replace the batteries anyway. I figured I was on borrowed time.

Would you happen to know if the error codes in memory ever go away? I am thinking that maybe they do not. I still had an old Emissions error code in memory from a previously fixed problem. I was told that after "X" number of starts, with no problems detected, that any old error codes are erased. But I'm not too sure that's really the case.

[romore]

Had a similar situation with our 05, since the batteries were replaced (one was pooched)the light has not come on.

[sch911]

If the CAN bus senses a low voltage condition for a specified period of time it can trigger this fault. It's not really intended to be used as a battery diagnostic, but bad batteries can cause it to set....

[larry_barnhart]

You were lucky to go that long on the batteries. I think that is what you learned. Learning is good.
chevman