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Big electrical problem with my new 2025 3500

Is Brutal-HO talking about using a Battery Jumper Box to jump start the truck or is his comment meant for charging the battery overnight or for a few hours?
Pretty sure he was talking about charging. If you go right to the post, the computer doesn't know that you have charged the battery and I assume may not realize that the battery is now topped off. I would assume a temporary connection like a jump box wouldn't matter as you aren't affecting the charge of the battery.

After he told me about grounds, I just went all over the truck checking the best I could to make sure that BOTH ends of the grounds from the negative side of the batteries and also from the inner fenders where tight. I got lucky and found a loose ground pretty quickly at the negative side of the primary battery. Tightening that fixed all the starting and PCM/ECM issues I was having.
 
Pretty sure he was talking about charging. If you go right to the post, the computer doesn't know that you have charged the battery and I assume may not realize that the battery is now topped off. I would assume a temporary connection like a jump box wouldn't matter as you aren't affecting the charge of the battery.

After he told me about grounds, I just went all over the truck checking the best I could to make sure that BOTH ends of the grounds from the negative side of the batteries and also from the inner fenders where tight. I got lucky and found a loose ground pretty quickly at the negative side of the primary battery. Tightening that fixed all the starting and PCM/ECM issues I was having.
Thanks mkresser

I’ll do some checking around the fenders to see if I can find any loose connections.

As far as the battery charging I don’t understand why the COMPUTER can’t see a charged battery if it is charged via the battery posts. In this scenario if I removed a dead battery and replaced it with a new fully charged battery then the COMPUTER would only recognize the original dead battery. Has the manufacturers incorporated a specific step that has to be completed before the COMPUTER can recognize the new fully charged battery? We all understand the manufacturers are working desperately to end all the backyard mechanics.

Have a great day!
 
Thanks mkresser

I’ll do some checking around the fenders to see if I can find any loose connections.

As far as the battery charging I don’t understand why the COMPUTER can’t see a charged battery if it is charged via the battery posts. In this scenario if I removed a dead battery and replaced it with a new fully charged battery then the COMPUTER would only recognize the original dead battery. Has the manufacturers incorporated a specific step that has to be completed before the COMPUTER can recognize the new fully charged battery? We all understand the manufacturers are working desperately to end all the backyard mechanics.

Have a great day!
Folks who know a lot more then me can answer, but I think you are basically correct. When you put a brand new battery in the truck, it indeed takes time for the computer to figure out how much voltage goes in and out of the battery before it actually knows that it has a new battery. Something like that anyway...all I know is that a computer indeed tracks charge and draw through that IBS and then does something with it!
 
Is Brutal-HO talking about using a Battery Jumper Box to jump start the truck or is his comment meant for charging the battery overnight or for a few hours?

It doesn't matter.

Proper jump procedure is always to use an engine ground on the - side and direct to post on the + side. That said, I've hooked a jump box directly to the IBS terminal.

Charging DEMANDS using the engine/chassis ground side of the IBS to register with the BCM/PCM. If you go on the - post side, it has no clue of the SOC, current flow in/out, etc.

In both cases - charge or jump - the IBS is in play and the BCM/PCM can monitor voltages and control starting and charging accordingly.
 
Here's what Google AI says:
Steps for Resetting the RAM IBS:
  • Method 1: Disconnect the Sensor Plug: Locate the small 2-way plug on the negative battery clamp (IBS) and unplug it for 10-15 minutes.
  • Method 2: Battery Disconnect: Disconnect the main negative cable from the battery for 10-15 minutes to fully power down the sensor.
  • Verify/Charge Battery: Ensure the battery is fully charged, as a weak battery can prevent the IBS from resetting or cause it to throw codes.
  • Perform Service Reset: If a "Perform Service" message persists, turn the key to the ON position, press the brake pedal twice, slowly depress the accelerator pedal twice, and turn the ignition off.
Important Notes:
  • DTC B2193: If you see this code, cycle the 2-way connection to reset. If it remains active, the IBS may need replacement.
  • Automatic Learning: The IBS may automatically reset in 2 operating hours to 6 days as it learns the new battery status.
  • Using a Scanner: A professional scan tool can be used to reset the Battery Management System (BMS) in the OBD2 port.
  • Dual Battery Systems: If your Ram has an auxiliary battery, ensure both are considered during troubleshooting.

Here's what the docs say: (keep in mind some of this is from the e-torque 1500 info).

The Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) (1) is a device used to measure battery current, voltage, and temperature whose outputs are used in the energy management strategy.

The mechanical portion of the IBS is comprised of the battery clamp for the negative terminal and a captured bolt to attach the ground cable to. The functional tasks include establishing the electrical contact between the body and the negative battery post, housing the electronic module (actual sensor element) and the provision of an adequate thermal contact between the sensor system temperature sensor and the negative battery post. The mechanical portion of the IBS also protects the sensitive electronic components from external influences.

The IBS is mounted directly on the 12 volt DC battery’s negative post. The battery post clamp nut is a captive nut and the stud will break if the nut is removed.



OPERATION

The Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) contains a low value resistor, or shunt. The shunt creates a voltage drop, which is read by an internal microcontroller to determine the current flow in and out of the battery. In addition to the shunt, the IBS contains a sensor to monitor the battery’s temperature. Data gathered by the IBS, including temperature, voltage, and current measurements, are transmitted over a Local Interface Network (LIN) communication bus to either the Body Control Module (BCM) or the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), depending on the application. The IBS serves two primary purposes. The first is to provide the PCM with both immediate and historical battery information, so the PCM can precisely control the charging system. Precise charging is important on a vehicle equipped with an Absorbent Glass Material (AGM) battery, because they are especially sensitive to overcharging. The second purpose is to provide data to the BCM for operation of the load-shedding feature. A fused power circuit and the LIN bus are connected to the IBS though a two-terminal connector.

The IBS is readable and diagnosable via the diagnostic scan tool. The tool can display all of the available parameters needed for vehicle servicing or troubleshooting.

In addition to real-time measurements, the IBS transmits some calculated battery data over the LIN bus. These values are calculated by storing measurements over time.

Information the IBS sends on the Controller Area Network-Interior High Speed (CAN-IHS):


  • SOC = Battery State of Charge (or SOC): Is expressed as a percentage. The IBS calculates the SOC based on measured voltage, and charge and discharge rates. Therefore, SOC is not a direct percentage of battery voltage.
  • SOF = Battery State of Function (SOF): Is a calculated prediction of the lowest voltage the battery will drop to during engine cranking. This calculation is based off of ambient temperature and vehicle load. If the conditions are not correct the system will go into “ Battery Protection Mode” which should be displayed on the Instrument Cluster Panel (ICP).
The PCM and BCM use this calculated information to optimize vehicle power management for increased fuel efficiency.

When the IBS is powered up for the first time or is powered after a power disconnection, it enters a “re-calibration” phase, where the IBS must recognize the type of battery and its characteristics and state. So in this phase the tolerances on the state functions (SOC, SOF) are greater than in normal working condition. When IBS is disconnected from the battery, the device loses its stored memory. When power is restored, the IBS starts a relearn process. Until the relearn process is complete, accurate battery state information is unavailable to other vehicle systems. The IBS relearn process requires three to five normal, operator initiated starts with at least eight hours of engine off time between each start. Usually, the process takes a few days of vehicle operation to complete. Remember, the relearn process is restarted every time power is reconnected to the IBS. This has a major effect on the stop/start feature.

A Note about Electric Stop/Start (ESS) and the IBS - ESS operation places a heavy demand on the battery. So, during ESS events, the PCM boosts the charging system’s output to immediately recharge the battery after a start.

If the IBS is faulty it cannot be serviced, it must be replaced.


BATTERY DISCONNECT AND CONNECT - SINGLE 12V BATTERY SYSTEM

NOTE

The graphic in this procedure depicts a typical negative battery cable and Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) connection at the negative battery post. The location of the battery and orientation of the cable eyelet connection to the IBS can vary between vehicles. Refer to the Description and Operation for the battery specific location.
1776404910885.png


1 - Ground Terminal Nut
2 - IBS Wire Harness Connector
BATTERY DISCONNECT PROCEDURE:

  1. Remove the ground terminal nut.
  2. Remove and isolate the negative battery cable eyelet from the IBS. This will isolate the 12 volt from the vehicle electrical system.
    NOTE
    If removing the negative battery cable clamp from the battery post instead of removing the negative battery cable eyelet, the Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) wire harness connector must be disconnecting prior to removing the cable end. Failure to disconnect the IBS wire harness connector can lead to damage of the IBS wire harness connector.
 
Here's what Google AI says:
Steps for Resetting the RAM IBS:
  • Method 1: Disconnect the Sensor Plug: Locate the small 2-way plug on the negative battery clamp (IBS) and unplug it for 10-15 minutes.
  • Method 2: Battery Disconnect: Disconnect the main negative cable from the battery for 10-15 minutes to fully power down the sensor.
  • Verify/Charge Battery: Ensure the battery is fully charged, as a weak battery can prevent the IBS from resetting or cause it to throw codes.
  • Perform Service Reset: If a "Perform Service" message persists, turn the key to the ON position, press the brake pedal twice, slowly depress the accelerator pedal twice, and turn the ignition off.
Important Notes:
  • DTC B2193: If you see this code, cycle the 2-way connection to reset. If it remains active, the IBS may need replacement.
  • Automatic Learning: The IBS may automatically reset in 2 operating hours to 6 days as it learns the new battery status.
  • Using a Scanner: A professional scan tool can be used to reset the Battery Management System (BMS) in the OBD2 port.
  • Dual Battery Systems: If your Ram has an auxiliary battery, ensure both are considered during troubleshooting.

Here's what the docs say: (keep in mind some of this is from the e-torque 1500 info).

The Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) (1) is a device used to measure battery current, voltage, and temperature whose outputs are used in the energy management strategy.

The mechanical portion of the IBS is comprised of the battery clamp for the negative terminal and a captured bolt to attach the ground cable to. The functional tasks include establishing the electrical contact between the body and the negative battery post, housing the electronic module (actual sensor element) and the provision of an adequate thermal contact between the sensor system temperature sensor and the negative battery post. The mechanical portion of the IBS also protects the sensitive electronic components from external influences.

The IBS is mounted directly on the 12 volt DC battery’s negative post. The battery post clamp nut is a captive nut and the stud will break if the nut is removed.



OPERATION

The Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) contains a low value resistor, or shunt. The shunt creates a voltage drop, which is read by an internal microcontroller to determine the current flow in and out of the battery. In addition to the shunt, the IBS contains a sensor to monitor the battery’s temperature. Data gathered by the IBS, including temperature, voltage, and current measurements, are transmitted over a Local Interface Network (LIN) communication bus to either the Body Control Module (BCM) or the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), depending on the application. The IBS serves two primary purposes. The first is to provide the PCM with both immediate and historical battery information, so the PCM can precisely control the charging system. Precise charging is important on a vehicle equipped with an Absorbent Glass Material (AGM) battery, because they are especially sensitive to overcharging. The second purpose is to provide data to the BCM for operation of the load-shedding feature. A fused power circuit and the LIN bus are connected to the IBS though a two-terminal connector.

The IBS is readable and diagnosable via the diagnostic scan tool. The tool can display all of the available parameters needed for vehicle servicing or troubleshooting.

In addition to real-time measurements, the IBS transmits some calculated battery data over the LIN bus. These values are calculated by storing measurements over time.

Information the IBS sends on the Controller Area Network-Interior High Speed (CAN-IHS):



  • SOC = Battery State of Charge (or SOC): Is expressed as a percentage. The IBS calculates the SOC based on measured voltage, and charge and discharge rates. Therefore, SOC is not a direct percentage of battery voltage.
  • SOF = Battery State of Function (SOF): Is a calculated prediction of the lowest voltage the battery will drop to during engine cranking. This calculation is based off of ambient temperature and vehicle load. If the conditions are not correct the system will go into “ Battery Protection Mode” which should be displayed on the Instrument Cluster Panel (ICP).
The PCM and BCM use this calculated information to optimize vehicle power management for increased fuel efficiency.

When the IBS is powered up for the first time or is powered after a power disconnection, it enters a “re-calibration” phase, where the IBS must recognize the type of battery and its characteristics and state. So in this phase the tolerances on the state functions (SOC, SOF) are greater than in normal working condition. When IBS is disconnected from the battery, the device loses its stored memory. When power is restored, the IBS starts a relearn process. Until the relearn process is complete, accurate battery state information is unavailable to other vehicle systems. The IBS relearn process requires three to five normal, operator initiated starts with at least eight hours of engine off time between each start. Usually, the process takes a few days of vehicle operation to complete. Remember, the relearn process is restarted every time power is reconnected to the IBS. This has a major effect on the stop/start feature.

A Note about Electric Stop/Start (ESS) and the IBS - ESS operation places a heavy demand on the battery. So, during ESS events, the PCM boosts the charging system’s output to immediately recharge the battery after a start.

If the IBS is faulty it cannot be serviced, it must be replaced.


BATTERY DISCONNECT AND CONNECT - SINGLE 12V BATTERY SYSTEM

NOTE

The graphic in this procedure depicts a typical negative battery cable and Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) connection at the negative battery post. The location of the battery and orientation of the cable eyelet connection to the IBS can vary between vehicles. Refer to the Description and Operation for the battery specific location.
View attachment 95077



1 - Ground Terminal Nut
2 - IBS Wire Harness Connector
BATTERY DISCONNECT PROCEDURE:

  1. Remove the ground terminal nut.
  2. Remove and isolate the negative battery cable eyelet from the IBS. This will isolate the 12 volt from the vehicle electrical system.
    NOTE
    If removing the negative battery cable clamp from the battery post instead of removing the negative battery cable eyelet, the Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) wire harness connector must be disconnecting prior to removing the cable end. Failure to disconnect the IBS wire harness connector can lead to damage of the IBS wire harness connector.
Thanks Brutal_HO Lots of good information. I've asked my mechanic to check if this is the problem to my occasional non starting issue.
 
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