Battery replacement steps

[boldram]

Considering that RAM these days is loaded with artificial intelligence should i expect errors when disconnecting battery to install a new one? is process as simple as pulling one out and dropping one in?
Also, it is common for an genuine factory installed battery to fail after 4 years ?

Thank you all

 

[scottmoyer]

The new batteries have been failing on trucks less than a month old, so getting 4 years is a good term. I replaced mine at 3 years, just because I didn't want the issues that others experience when the battery fails. I disconnected mine and installed the new one without any programming or issues at all. Some have stated that it may take time for all systems to recalibrate, but I didn't have that issue. I also upgraded to the H8 AGM.

I also sold my old battery on FB Marketplace for $120, so that offset my new battery purchase price. I had an old golf cart battery laying around that I used as a core, so no lost value there.

 

[Ickabod]

I replaced mine after 5.5 years of service. Just pulled the old one out, removed the plastic piece so I can put in the new H8 AGM battery and hooked back up the wires. No problems.
To say these trucks have AI is a bit of a stretch. Computers and software yes, but they are not "intelligent".

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

Usually no issues, but plan on taking overnight at most I've seen. I'll be upgrading as well to H8 when mine is ready. My 19 was replaced in 22.

 

[Idahoktm]

Has anyone tried using a jump start battery pack plugged into the cigarette lighter socket via the 12v out supply to keep the truck powered during battery swaps?

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

No, for me I wouldn't even bother, just swap and go. Wouldn't be worth the hassle.

 

[azzx]

I am sure my question has been answered over the years.
My oe battery died almost 3 years ago. I jump-started it. drove to the dealer for replacement.
The truck would not shift past 2nd gear, it was a painful 10 miles to get to the dealer.

Now I am paranoid (I trailer my SXS to middle of nowhere in UT) -- So if my battery kicks the bucket again and I jump start it, will I be stuck in the 2nd gear?
is there a process post jump starting a dead battery?

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

Seems different vehicles do different things. Some have issues, while others don't. It's a crap shoot!

 

[Idahoktm]

No, for me I wouldn't even bother, just swap and go. Wouldn't be worth the hassle.

It's really not a hassle plugging a battery pack into the lighter socket, but it might prevent certain errors that can happen when the battery is disconnected. Mostly with the active suspension system on the TRX, maybe others. Just checking this forum, due to the larger volume of members.

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

It's really not a hassle plugging a battery pack into the lighter socket, but it might prevent certain errors that can happen when the battery is disconnected. Mostly with the active suspension system on the TRX, maybe others. Just checking this forum, due to the larger volume of members.

I'd have to buy one first Ha! Have you heard of TRX having suspension issues with a battery replacement? My Laramie took overnight after they removed manifold to fix them and unhooked battery. No major issues while driving back 2 hours.

 

[azzx]

"It's really not a hassle plugging a battery pack into the lighter socket, but it might prevent certain errors that can happen when the battery is disconnected."

Post jump start?

 

[Idahoktm]

I'd have to buy one first Ha! Have you heard of TRX having suspension issues with a battery replacement? My Laramie took overnight after they removed manifold to fix them and unhooked battery. No major issues while driving back 2 hours.

Yes. Quite a few have reported that after a battery swap, they get the "Service Active Dampening System" message and it has to be reset/calibrated by the dealer. There is a rumor that the reset/calibration can be accomplished with AlfaOBD, but I'm not sure if it's possible. Maybe @Jimmy07 knows.

"It's really not a hassle plugging a battery pack into the lighter socket, but it might prevent certain errors that can happen when the battery is disconnected."

Post jump start?

This doesn't involve a jump start. Just keeping the truck powered during a battery swap.

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

Yes. Quite a few have reported that after a battery swap, they get the "Service Active Dampening System" message and it has to be reset/calibrated by the dealer. There is a rumor that the reset/calibration can be accomplished with AlfaOBD, but I'm not sure if it's possible. Maybe @Jimmy07 knows.

With that being the case it would be worth looking into for sure. They make a device that's supposed to do the same thing, but forget what they call it.

 

[FLiPMaRC]

Has anyone tried using a jump start battery pack plugged into the cigarette lighter socket via the 12v out supply to keep the truck powered during battery swaps?

I read this on another thread ... Resetting battery life in ECU when changed

I was thinking about getting this ... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CHJ4XR2X/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=A3205UHJV0C657&psc=1

 

[Darksteel165]

Has anyone tried using a jump start battery pack plugged into the cigarette lighter socket via the 12v out supply to keep the truck powered during battery swaps?

It's really not a hassle plugging a battery pack into the lighter socket, but it might prevent certain errors that can happen when the battery is disconnected. Mostly with the active suspension system on the TRX, maybe others. Just checking this forum, due to the larger volume of members.

Yeah don't do that unless you want to screw up your new battery.
The IBS only resets when it loses power, if you have it keep power then it will think the new battery is the same as the old and overcharge it, etc.

If you have problems from replacing your battery it has NOTHING to do with what you did and it's because you have been running with a battery producing poor voltage for too long.

Edit for more info: Perform an IBS reset by removing the IBS from the battery cable end (negative terminal). Disconnect the IBS harness connector for 30 seconds after an auxiliary battery is charged or replaced on a dual 12 volt battery system. This will allow the IBS to default to an 80% State Of Charge (SOC) and initiate the quick learning curve.
This is for a dual battery truck where replacing 1 battery would not take the system down, so you COULD use a tender to keep it alive but like, you're making more work for yourself (assuming the 2 battery systems are the same as the 1)

 

[N7GZN]

This is good to know, I just had to replace a H7 AGM that was replaced using the keep alive booster pack. It failed in less than 2 years of service, and exhibited evidence of overcharging.
Last week I installed a H8 battery with a keep alive pack and have been watching the voltmeter closely, it seems to be consistently higher than I would expect. An external charger was my first suspicion, it was found to be perfectly fine, the last possibility is the vehicle itself. This explains the overcharging.
So when replacing a battery, don't use an external booster, and put up with the short-term confusion of the vehicle and it's accessories. A quality battery should last longer than 2 years.
It is convenient that to reset the IBS for the Rams, one has to simply disconnect the battery, other makes require specialty hardware to do the same process.

 

[bigdodge]

This is good to know, I just had to replace a H7 AGM that was replaced using the keep alive booster pack. It failed in less than 2 years of service, and exhibited evidence of overcharging.
Last week I installed a H8 battery with a keep alive pack and have been watching the voltmeter closely, it seems to be consistently higher than I would expect. An external charger was my first suspicion, it was found to be perfectly fine, the last possibility is the vehicle itself. This explains the overcharging.
So when replacing a battery, don't use an external booster, and put up with the short-term confusion of the vehicle and it's accessories. A quality battery should last longer than 2 years.
It is convenient that to reset the IBS for the Rams, one has to simply disconnect the battery, other makes require specialty hardware to do the same process.

what was the make of the H7 AGM you had to replace

this is the first post I have seen of someone having to replace an AGM in a short period

 

[kapinallinen2]

what was the make of the H7 AGM you had to replace

this is the first post I have seen of someone having to replace an AGM in a short period

Curious here also.
While understanding that the AGM has a different charging profile v.s. FLA.

 

[N7GZN]

Duracell Platinum AGM, G94, 800 CCA, 80ah @C/20. I think the issue was not resetting the IBS system when it was replaced, the vehicle overcharged the new battery.

 

[SD Rebel]

I'll be using a OBDII battery connection while I replace the battery so I don't have to worry about the disconnection to the main system. However, if I wasn't going to do that, I would make sure to do this knowing I would be not driving the truck for several hours, give it time to boot everything up, probably overnight even.