2003 Ram 2500 Hemi

[RacingZR]

Hey all,
Been doing some work on the Dodge.  Got all new tranny fluid and filters in it this weekend.  Did differentials and t-case last weekend.  Was about to order my temp gauge/a-pillar set up from a member on here but have another issue I need to fix first 

Something is draining the 3 month old Intertate MTP-65 battery.  I will check again, but last time I checked the alternator was charging at 14 volts at idle.  Thought maybe it was the plow but that is off the truck now.  Any thoughts on where to look??  Any common issues out there???  It will COMPLETELY drain that big battery in about 3-4 days.  The charger has been on it for 9 hours today and has not gained much. 

[Kilch123]

if you have an amp meter (clamp type is best) clamp it to the positive cable and read the amp draw

pull one fuse at a time until the draw goes away - now you have located the circuit that has the parasitic drain, you can follow it to the source of the drain

Places to look are add on accessories (radio amps, CB's, etc)

if you don't have the clamp type, you can still check with a meter type by disconnecting the positive battery terminal, and hooking one test lead to the positive battery terminal, and one to the positive battery cable, and doing the same fuse test

[RacingZR]

Thanks Kilch,
That's the info I was looking for.........a good way to diagnose it.  I do have a good amp meter.  Thanks again, I'll let you know what I find.

[RoaminGnome]

Kilch thats a fantastic method. I hope I remember it if I ever have issues like this lol 

[Kilch123]

No problem guys

If I've had the pain of figuring something like this out, I'd rather save somebody else the hassle!

[RacingZR]

I did the first row of fuses last night and didn't find anything.  To be continued!

[RacingZR]

Well I have been busy with the truck.  Found that the drain was in the radio and got that taken care of.  Thanks Kilch! 
The new tranny fluid and filters helped it shift a little better.  I have a line pressure booster yet to install.  I wanted to be able to tell the true difference.  After a few miles with the new fluid and filters, I'll throw that in.

Another question for you guys.............I mentioned a while ago that my heater only blew hot air on defrost.  Many had thought it was the mode door but because of the PITA I haven't dug in to it yet.
New developments..............I have heat on all modes on the passenger side!  The driver side vents and floor blow cold/warm air.  The passenger side is now working like it should.  Is the heater core possibly plugged on one side???  Could it still be the mode door??

 

[ChinookFE]

I've been fighting the same issue in my '96, now I have a starting point....thanks man.