Hey everyone, I'm new here, so thought I'd throw this out and see if there are any bites!
Got a battery issue with my truck. Its a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 2WD. I only drive it about twice a week, sometimes only once. Often when I've gone about 4-5 days without driving, I'll go out to start my truck, and the battery's dead.
I bought the truck about 6 months ago, and the previous owner never reported any issues like this. However, he drove it regularly.
I first noticed the issue about a month after owning the vehicle, and I promptly had the battery checked out. Went to O'Reilly's, and they tested it, said the battery was dead, but I didnt fully believe him until the problem became more regular. Had the battery replaced, but I still have the issue.
I think it could be the starter or the solenoid, but I'm somewhat novice at checking this out myself, and don't want to get raked over the coals by taking it to a mechanic. Trucks are expensive to fix.... as you all know. I've had experience in the past tearing down trucks and rebuilding, but now I'm out of practice and would be happy to get back in with your advice!
If it's not the started, I've read online that there could be something drawing power from the battery when the truck is shut down. I've made sure all the dome and cargo lights, etc are not the issue. Does anyone have any idea what could be drawing power, if that's even the problem?
If not, can any of you advise on how to check my starter/solenoid for defects?
Got a battery issue with my truck. Its a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 2WD. I only drive it about twice a week, sometimes only once. Often when I've gone about 4-5 days without driving, I'll go out to start my truck, and the battery's dead.
I bought the truck about 6 months ago, and the previous owner never reported any issues like this. However, he drove it regularly.
I first noticed the issue about a month after owning the vehicle, and I promptly had the battery checked out. Went to O'Reilly's, and they tested it, said the battery was dead, but I didnt fully believe him until the problem became more regular. Had the battery replaced, but I still have the issue.
I think it could be the starter or the solenoid, but I'm somewhat novice at checking this out myself, and don't want to get raked over the coals by taking it to a mechanic. Trucks are expensive to fix.... as you all know. I've had experience in the past tearing down trucks and rebuilding, but now I'm out of practice and would be happy to get back in with your advice!
If it's not the started, I've read online that there could be something drawing power from the battery when the truck is shut down. I've made sure all the dome and cargo lights, etc are not the issue. Does anyone have any idea what could be drawing power, if that's even the problem?
If not, can any of you advise on how to check my starter/solenoid for defects?
