CO Lineman

It got down to zero last night and tried to start the truck in the driveway and wouldnt fire. Put the charger on it and batteries are just about dead. Two days in the drive i the cold and it wont start. Not impressed. Will charge the batteries and see what happens...Thank goodness dont have to go to work today...

AH64ID

I would say that either you have a pair of defective batteries or something was left on that drained them. Either way not starting in 0* weather is not common for these trucks.

DodgeChallenger

If you are talking 0ºF then it Should start in the cold. If you are near a 120V plug then I suggest to plug it in. I do mine here in Canada at anything below 32ºF. Good for the vehicle - especially the diesel pump and injection system. I run battery warmers as well. I know it sounds like a PITA but all this extra effort pays off. But I do agree with the other poster that it sounds like you have a battery draw down happening.

AH64ID

Yeah the grid heater helps, but wont effect drained or dead batteries.

The 3rd gen's are supposed to even need a grid heater until below 0*.

I too plug mine in below 32* when I will be driving the truck, it doesn't need help starting but the quicker cab heat is nice.

converteddzlr

Mines been doing fine at -24C (-10F). And I gotta say that I like how the seat heaters come on while it's autostarted (the heated steering is kinda nice too even though I didn't think I'd ever use it!)

SknirB

Just went out and started my truck. -38C here this morning with the wind
(-36F) and the truck started no problem. Didnt realize that the plug on the wall outside had tripped so even though i plugged it in yesterday it didnt do any good. Amazed that it actually started ( and happy too as I have to go to work) and really happy that I have heated seats and steering wheel - gonna come in handy this morning

Mike Holmen

Best fix for a diesel in the winter is the espar. The engine is nice and warm.
http://espar.com/

EME 411

Sometimes on cold morning starts I will cycle the grid heater two or three times before cranking.

Mike Holmen

You need really good batteries to do that. My first key cycle on my 02 just about kills my batteries. I'm going to put in some fresh group 31 batteries into that truck.

I buy new batteries every second year.

AH64ID

Don't forget your truck doesn't care if its calm or blowin 100 out. Windchill won't effect it at all.

SknirB

True....the outside temp in the truck was only at -32...good day to be a penguin.

AH64ID

Yeah, thats cold any way you slice it.

CO Lineman

The truck wouldnt start again after it had sat for about a day and a half. Had to charge the batteries and then it started fine. Took it to the local dealer and they looked it over but couldn't find anything. They tested the batteries and they were in good condition. Took it to the dealer that I bought it from and hopefully they are able to find something. It doesn't really matter if it is cold or not just that is has been sitting...I do like when the heated seat is on and the steering wheel. Makes the cold morning drive to work not as bad and the drive home...

Beast2B

if the truck sat onthe dealer's lot for months before you got it I would say there's a fair chance they are shot. How many times have you seen sales people jump starting cars? My 09 Subaru had to get a battery replaced under warranty after 6 months on the lot and after working fine the first 3 months I had it...

ramtradxb

I'm inclined to agree with beast2b - I'd have an unbiased shop check the batt's with a true load test - not just throwing a voltmeter on them to see that they are charged up. I bought a new vehicle once that had an issue where the batteries were dead when I took delivery - they never were right and eventually died a premature death. I should've insisted they replace them at delivery - too many time someone does something to kill them on a lot, but hey, they can be charged up! Problem is, no-maintenance batteries can't always withstand the full discharges that the old batt's could. It'll be interesting to hear, though, what they find. Best of luck!