# 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 - Suggestions on a key-related battery dead?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-dodge-ram-1500-suggestions-on-a-key-related-battery-dead/157783>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** dodge\
**Created:** [February 2, 2020, 4:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-dodge-ram-1500-suggestions-on-a-key-related-battery-dead/157783 "2020-02-02T16:59:01Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![DennisPitchford](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8797f3/32.png) [@DennisPitchford](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DennisPitchford)\
**Post date:** [February 2, 2020, 4:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-dodge-ram-1500-suggestions-on-a-key-related-battery-dead/157783/1 "2020-02-02T16:59:01Z")

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I use my 2009 Ram 1500 with the 5.7 Hemi to pull a 24 enclosed car trailer however I have not used it in a while although I have been starting the truck on a regular basis. A couple of months ago I started it and let it run for a while but when I turned off the switch the engine kept running. By wiggling the key I was finally able to shut it off. A couple of weeks ago I went to start it and the battery was dead and would not take a charge. A new battery was installed an the truck started. Every thing seemed fine but when I shut it off the engine kept running even with the key removed. Before I spend $195/hour at the dealer what is your diagnosis?

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [February 2, 2020, 10:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-dodge-ram-1500-suggestions-on-a-key-related-battery-dead/157783/2 "2020-02-02T22:18:01Z")

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Anytime someone mentions electrical gremlins in a Fiat/Chrysler product, the first thing that comes to mind is the TIPM.

> **[TIPM Electrical Problems](http://www.chryslerproblems.com/tipm/)**
>
> If you've heard of a TIPM, chances are you own a vehicle from Fiat-Chrysler (FCA). Think of it like a command center for all the electrical functions of your car, and in FCA's case a very, very disfunctional one.

Tester

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**Author:** ![Barkydog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/barkydog/32/2470_2.png) [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 12:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-dodge-ram-1500-suggestions-on-a-key-related-battery-dead/157783/3 "2020-02-03T00:05:40Z")

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Do you have any aftermarket additions? Crazy story GMC van, installed a powerpoint for the rear of the van for a spotlight, tapped into ignition controlled 2 way radio power source. If the light was plugged in the van would not turn off.

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**Author:** ![DennisPitchford](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8797f3/32.png) [@DennisPitchford](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DennisPitchford)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 12:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-dodge-ram-1500-suggestions-on-a-key-related-battery-dead/157783/4 "2020-02-03T00:24:48Z")

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No aftermarket additions, everything factory installed (towing package, etc.)

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**Author:** ![oldtimer-11](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e79b87/32.png) [@oldtimer-11](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldtimer-11)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 5:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-dodge-ram-1500-suggestions-on-a-key-related-battery-dead/157783/5 "2020-02-03T05:25:27Z")

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I’m still grappling with pulling a 24 car trailer with a pickup truck.

My guess would be a bad ignition switch.