Dead battery #2 eTorque output question

[TheWaterman83]

I am on my 2nd dead battery on my 2019 Ram Rebel 5.7L eTorque. The main battery, not the 48v backpack. It's 11.9v at rest which is telling me its almost done. The first time it went dead it was under warranty and they had to replace the eTorque generator as well. I never found out why, but assumed that because it was replaced, it was bad.

I am trying to figure out if maybe this is a result of a bad eTorque generator (again)? Or just a dead battery?

Has anyone come up with a way to test the eTorque charging output? Despite the battery being dead, I am getting 13.8-14.3v when the truck is running/cruising based on the cluster.

Just want to make I don't go and put a new battery in to only have it die again due to a bad eTorque.

 

[TheWaterman83]

Anyone have any input on this?

 

[Snekpete]

The eTorque generator is called a motor generator unit, or MGU. A 13.8 - 14.3 console voltage indication is completely normal. You need to list the age, make and model of the battery.

Your truck is coming up on 5 years old. Batteries appear to be lasting two years or so. I can suggest getting an H8 AGM battery from Walmart. Hopefully that will last 4 years. I wouldn't expect any more than 4 years from any battery.

 

[Jako]

My Mopar batteries lasted 2 years. Post #3 seems the way to go as far as price and warranty.
FYI

https://5thgenrams.com/community/threads/battery.46348/

 

[TheWaterman83]

The eTorque generator is called a motor generator unit, or MGU. A 13.8 - 14.3 console voltage indication is completely normal. You need to list the age, make and model of the battery.

Your truck is coming up on 5 years old. Batteries appear to be lasting two years or so. I can suggest getting an H8 AGM battery from Walmart. Hopefully that will last 4 years. I wouldn't expect any more than 4 years from any battery.

This is my second battery, but to your point, both Mopar. I just bought an Interstate AGM H7. I looked into the H8 but they were on the fence about it fitting. Either way, this should be a better upgrade from the Mopar.

 

[mikeru82]

The original battery on our Limited lasted just shy of 3 years. Replaced it with an aftermarket battery they had in stock at my local NAPA.

To the OP's question...I doubt the etorque starter/generator had anything to do with the first battery failing as it does not directly charge the 12v battery. It charges the 48v battery module, which in turn charges the 12v main battery. I've heard of the 48v battery modules failing, but I can't remember reading about a single case where it also took out the main 12v battery. The OEM batteries don't have a very good reputation when it comes to having a long service life.

 

[TheWaterman83]

The original battery on our Limited lasted just shy of 3 years. Replaced it with an aftermarket battery they had in stock at my local NAPA.

To the OP's question...I doubt the etorque starter/generator had anything to do with the first battery failing as it does not directly charge the 12v battery. It charges the 48v battery module, which in turn charges the 12v main battery. I've heard of the 48v battery modules failing, but I can't remember reading about a single case where it also took out the main 12v battery. The OEM batteries don't have a very good reputation when it comes to having a long service life.

I ended just replacing the stock with an Interstate AGM top tier battery yesterday. The dealer offered to diagnose the old OEM battery but I declined because the end result would be the same.

The eTorque definitely is working properly because the battery is showing 14.3v when the truck is running.

 

[Snekpete]

The H8 fits fine. There is a spacer under the battery that has to be removed. The H7 battery cover will fit the H8 if it is stretched. Any water under the battery?

 

[TheWaterman83]

The H8 fits fine. There is a spacer under the battery that has to be removed. The H7 battery cover will fit the H8 if it is stretched. Any water under the battery?

Funny you mention, I did have a little water under the battery. What gives with that?

 

[Snekpete]

We are not sure. I say that it's condensation, others say road spray.

 

[TheWaterman83]

We are not sure. I say that it's condensation, others say road spray.

It did strike me as odd. It's a plastic tray and the battery doesn't seem like it would sit in water. Just didn't make me feel great it was down in there.

 

[DEG]

Funny you mention, I did have a little water under the battery. What gives with that?

Water in the battery tray is very common and nothing to be concerned about. The engine compartment is not water tight. Just open your hood and look after driving through a rain storm.

Some people drill drain holes but I believe that defeats the purpose of a battery tray. It's there to contain any battery fluid that may vent if the battery boils or cracks. With drain holes the acid will just leak out onto whatever components sit below the battery tray.