Our First Responder Rig is a 2009 Suburban, got a call last night from one of our members said it wouldn't start. Figured somebody had forgotten to plug it in and the battery was dead, we have a Battery Tender that is wired into shore power as we found out when it was new that if we left the keys in the ignition it would drain the battery overnight. Put the big charger on it last night, went down this morning and tried to start it, the dashboard went crazy flashing every light on it, could hear relays clicking, and even the dome lights were flashing. Another member went down to see what he could figure out, when he turned the key to accessory position the rear windows rolled down but, won't roll up. He stopped by my placed and said " I think the damn thing is possessed!"

Finally got ahold of a guy with a battery load tester and sure enough the battery was toast. Have never seen anything like this! Guess these computers-on-wheels don't like a low/bad battery.

 

same thing just happened to my truck.

Same year model and make. Was wondering what the resolution for your truck was?

 

I have a 2010 Dodge Caravan in my fleet at work, it has the black plastic key fob with the integrated remote for a key. One of my guys called one day stating that they couldn't get the van to start and the key was stuck in the ignition.

Turned out they had left the headlights on, and the battery ran down, and was bad. After searching the net, there is a module that locks the keys in the dash on these types of keys and apparently the battery was so dead, the module did not have enough power to release the key.

After putting a big jump box on the battery, the key would release, and I was finally able to get it started. Took it straight to the shop to get a new battery, and haven't had any issues since.

During all this, I could hear clicking from under the hood also. I would guess that your issue is a bad battery or voltage issue based upon my previous experience described above.

I am interested if this is what it turns out to be. Please update us.

 

I'm having the exact same problem on my 2012 Ram 1500. Wife is going to bring some tools and my extra FOB (maybe related to low battery on key fob causing security issues)up to my work so I can remove the battery and get it tested. So what was the solution for you guys?

 

Has anybody tested the battery or cable connections yet?

 

This is literally a 1-cent fix. I had the same thing happen, and lots of mechanics couldn't figure it out. A guy at the local parts store told me to duct tape a penny on the door jamb where the door jamb switch seats. Haven't had a bit of problem since I did this.


Apparently what happens is that, with age, the door jamb switch doesn't depress far enough, and the penny solves the problem.

 

I recently got out of the military and moved out here. I eventually was approached about getting into the dumpster business. Long story short I accumulated a 2018 Dodge Ram 3500 turbo diesel Cummins, and 9 dumpster with trailers. Well, business is going great. I received my CDL B and we were going to upgrade with bigger dumpsters and trailer. Last week, I bought a new trailer and more dumpsters. Now, when I took the new trailer home with me it also had the 7-Way plug AND a power cord that directly goes to the truck Drivers-side Battery. I only hooked up the 7-Way plug for lights and breaks. Today, I plugged in the 7-Way and then when I hooked up the Power Cord to the Battery. Then my trucks RPMS went up, I stopped what I was doing and by the time I jumped out of the truck bed and the truck shut off. I jumped in the front seat of the truck and turned the key to the on position and smoke started bellowing out from the drivers side wheel well and hood. I turned it off as quick as possible and and popped the hood, as the damn hood was going up I saw smoke coming from the rear! I was like a damn Parody Movie (Airplane, Naked Gun, etc..). I hurry and run to the back and pop the door on my roll off trailer and that battery was smoking and melted through the battery. I shut the hood (I didnt want it to explode in my face or anything) unplugged everything, and called the warranty dept for the Trailer. They said they wouldn't pay for any damages to the truck even if it was Their fault because, I am supposed to have an inline fuse. Well Fellas! Thats NEWS TO ME! lol....... I figured out why it happened. View attachment 865617 The Power Cord coming from the trailer was WIRED WRONG. The Positive was in the Negative terminal and the Negative wire was in the Positive terminal. I out of a truck and a new trailer....National Lampoons Roll Offs! Now when I turn the key in the on position the TIPM box sounds like its just burning and it smells, but no more smoke. Since Im stuck with the bill, what can I do to fix this?

 

Went into dunkin to get a coffee 2 days ago and came out and my dash lights were flickering and my dome light also,i turned the key and nothing happened except the lights went out,i had to unhook the battery to keep it from draining.I called a tow truck and had it dropped off at a mechanic,got it back this morning,they said the battery was completely drained and the alternator was shot so they charged the battery and put in a new alternator and a new serpentine belt and just drove it home.

 

Hi Worthe, I have the same thing happen to my 2016 dodge caravan today. What was the outcome in your case? Will really appreciate your response. Thanks.

 

This was from 2014 ,doubt they will be back. Have your battery LOAD TESTED