Gen 5 battery dead within 24 to 48 hours

[alduin]

Hi, I've got a 2013 Viper and the battery dies within 24 to 48 hours.

It's not every time, but quite frequently after driving it around the battery will be dead when I try and get in the car in the next day or two.

I'd say it happens once every two or three times I drive it around. I've made sure multiple MULTIPLE times that all the doors are closed, trunk is properly closed, hood is properly closed, no lights are on interior or exterior, etc.

What I did notice is that the dashboard will sometimes come on and stay on. Last night I had it on a battery charger and I made sure the dashboard wasn't on, but this morning when I checked, the dashboard WAS on. So something in the middle of the night triggered the dashboard to come on and stay on.

I've taken it to the dealer multiple times and they haven't been able to figure out what is going on even after replacing numerous parts. And I've been in contact with the SRT Viper team customer support but without much luck.

This started happening a few months ago, so the car didn't always have this issue.

Has anyone else encountered this issue? Anyone have any advice as to my options?

Thanks!

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

Likely a really silly question, but do not see in your note that the battery was ever replaced ---has that been done??

 

[broomrider]

Alduin, one of the only things that's comes to mind is your ignition switch. For some reason it could be going into accessory mode. That will make your dash
come on. Question, you aren't leaving the keys in it over night? If you are remove them and see if that stops it. When your car is in accessory mode, even for a
long period of time, it should still shut off to preserve battery, for what ever reason yours may not be. Just a thought.

 

[SSGNRDZ_28]

If not in the car, are you storing your key in close proximity to the car?

 

[Stealth]

Check to see that the dimmer by the headlight switch is not turned to "ON" position illuminating the dash. After that, maybe there is an alternator issue.

 

[Texas1]

I had the same issue shortly after installing the Arrow PCM (gauge cluster staying on)...it killed my battery twice so I took it off...I've not since had an issue, but I did shortly thereafter take the car in for an update...another member had the same issue...stated it was a "cluster update & a "BCM update"...after my inspection I'll put PCM back on & let you know if the issue arises again...

 

[ViperJeff]

interesting.......

 

[alduin]

Thanks for the advice and reply’s.

I just got it back from the shop again, and unfortunately it still seems to have the issue. I’ve been to the shop about 3 or four times and so far they have replaced the battery, alternator, Powertrain control module, door modules, Body Control Module (? I think that’s what it was called), and did some other things that I can’t remember.

In terms of the ignition switch (I’m assuming you’re talking about the start button), I’ve made sure it was in the ‘off’ position before the issue happened, but I’ll check to see if somehow it’s switched to ‘Acc’ when the issue is occurring. (As part of my trouble shooting I made sure all lights were off, interior, exterior, trunk, etc, close the hood, all doors, trunk, etc – but the car still seems to turn back on in the middle of the night).

The keys are stored probably greater than 15 feet away, outside of my garage.

The headlight switch is turned to the ‘auto’ position, and when the issue occurs, only the interior dash panel (and the USB port lights) are on.

Texas1 did you run into the issue when you put the PCM back on? I had my PCM replaced and the issue still happened. But I don’t know if any ‘cluster update’ was done. Although I just did have my BCM replaced, I don’t know if a BCM update was done on it. Perhaps that is it.

Thanks again for the help everyone!

 

[Steve-Indy]

Sorry if I have missed it, but an ignition off draw test seems in order...and, it may have been done. This should help to narrow the source(s) of abnormal draw after the time out circuits have supposedly done their job. It is my opinion that far too many electronic components/modules are being replaced in random, shotgun approach at dealerships lately.

 

[AZTVR]

What I did notice is that the dashboard will sometimes come on and stay on. Last night I had it on a battery charger and I made sure the dashboard wasn't on, but this morning when I checked, the dashboard WAS on. So something in the middle of the night triggered the dashboard to come on and stay on.

(As part of my trouble shooting I made sure all lights were off, interior, exterior, trunk, etc, close the hood, all doors, trunk, etc – but the car still seems to turn back on in the middle of the night).

I am not familiar with the Gen V. I know of another vehicle in which the dash "wakes up" when the door is opened. For the heck of it, I would check that any "door open/closed detection" switches are adjusted properly. Perhaps something is on the hairy edge of indicating a closed door is an open door, leading to an active dash and a current draw.

 

[alduin]

Is anyone else having this issue or are there only 2 or 3 gen 5 owners (including myself) who has this issue?

It's still not fixed and next time I take it in, I'll let you guys know what parts they replaced (they replaced a bunch so far including the door modules, mirror, some computers, alternator, battery, etc).

 

[broomrider]

Alduin, I have a Gen V, I have not experienced this issue. There was another forum member that has had a similar issue. It was under the thread Dead Battery,
In Gen V discussions. The member was Qurterhorse89. I can ask my mechanic and see what his response is.

 

[steve e]

Just for fun try putting the keys in a tin box more than 25 feet from the car.

 

[ViperJeff]

Turn unconnect off

 

[steve e]

Jeff I have a 1999 GTS what is unconnect. I am kind of lost with the new stuff.And just for the record I just changed the battery for the first time in 16 years, not that it was dead has always been on a tender, just figured after 16 years better change the battery and tires even though they looked new.

 

[Stealth]

I have a Gen V and have never had this issue--both before and after installation of the Arrow PCM.

I added a Battery Tender tether to the battery and out the rear of the car so it is plugged in when I am not using it.

In my Gen IV, I went through a few Optima Red Top Batteries from the Battery dying from lack of driving for 1-2 weeks. That car got a battery tender as well.

IMO, you car has some type of non-standard electrical drain. Good luck on finding a solution.

 

[ViperJeff]

Jeff I have a 1999 GTS what is unconnect. I am kind of lost with the new stuff.And just for the record I just changed the battery for the first time in 16 years, not that it was dead has always been on a tender, just figured after 16 years better change the battery and tires even though they looked new.

I know with both of my 2015's (Dodge & a Chrysler) that have uconnect, they never turn off. The app on my phone can see where they are instantly (among other things). I'm sure that doesn't take much power and my batteries never seem to have an issue. But what if in "his" Viper, there is an issue, I doubt it, but I've seen stranger things when it comes to electronics

 

[Texas1]

I too still have the issue...at this point I just keep the vehicle on a battery tender...if you find the actual cause please let me know...on a side note I had the same issue on my 94 RT 10...put it on a tender & never had the problem again (I know it was/is just a band aide)...

 

[steve e]

Jeff your right about that, Oh I just noticed uconnect, I know what that is, ok I got it.

 

[Quarterhorse89]

Unfortunately my car is still at dealer being worked on for r28 recall engine replacement...my service advisor says my engine is on order and after that they will tackle the battery drainage issue once again. If I get the car in working order i will post ASAP as this is the 3rd time there for the battery issue. Putting your keys away from the car does nothing..i tried that already, several owners have this issue on the gen v and no one seems to know how to fix it. Maybe ill try the battery tender..what is that anyway

 

[broomrider]

Guys, last night while piddling I had my door open and nothing else on. This was for about 30 minutes. Periodically my dash would come on and it was as if it
was doing system check. Dash lights , interior lights would come on and then eventually fade to off. I could hear a module in the dash working, it almost seemed as though it were doing a cyle of some sort. Remember my door was open. What i was curious about is, what if your cars are doing that same thing all the time.
Even when you aren't around or aware. Have them check and or change that relay and the sensor on the door that sends the signal to show its closed. In
woman's terms the door closed thingy.FYI when I got in my car and closed the door, it did it once and never did it again.

 

[AZTVR]

Maybe ill try the battery tender..what is that anyway

That's a brand name of a popular trickle charger that is used for battery charge maintenance rather than charging a dead battery: Deltran Battery Tender . You can buy them at many typical automotive supply stores and big box stores. eg, Battery Tender Junior You can clip it on the battery terminals; or, it is supplied with a pig-tailed connector that you can permanently put on your battery terminals so that you can plug it into that connector when you park the car in the garage.

 

[Texas1]

/\ /\ /\

As above post states...this is the one I use...second vehicle I've used it on & never had a problem...

You must be registered for see images attach

Sorry about the small pic...don't know how to make it larger...

 

[Texas1]

Guys, last night while piddling I had my door open and nothing else on. This was for about 30 minutes. Periodically my dash would come on and it was as if it
was doing system check. Dash lights , interior lights would come on and then eventually fade to off. I could hear a module in the dash working, it almost seemed as though it were doing a cyle of some sort. Remember my door was open. What i was curious about is, what if your cars are doing that same thing all the time.
Even when you aren't around or aware. Have them check and or change that relay and the sensor on the door that sends the signal to show its closed. In
woman's terms the door closed thingy.FYI when I got in my car and closed the door, it did it once and never did it again.

Interesting thought...I've heard this as well after turning the car off & the dash going off...never knew what it was...

 

[alduin]

I just saw this video where they mention that the owner of this viper was also having electrical issues.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk3EuIQtYKc
at 9:15 is where they mention it.

It's concerning that so many of these cars have this issue. What does it take to have Dodge take a more serious look at this?

 

[mamiller2]

I have had to replace outside door handles if I remember right it was an rrt on a 2013 I would still check for draw should drop below 35 milliamps set meter up for min max or if you have a low amp probe that's even better less intrusive