These instructions apply to the RAM 1500 Mk4 (DS) 2011-2019.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
Disconnecting the 12 V battery on your RAM 1500 (DS, 2011–2019) is a job most owners can handle at home with one spanner and a careful eye. You might be renewing a tired battery that has started cranking slowly, isolating the electrics before the truck sits parked for a stretch, or making things safe before you work anywhere near the airbags, pretensioners or the loom. Follow the right order and this generation of 1500 relearns cleanly — the engine and transmission controllers resettle over the first few drives, and you only actively restore a handful of convenience items such as the clock, radio, windows and tyre-pressure system.
Where the 12 V Battery Is
The 12 V battery on the 1500 sits in the engine compartment, under the bonnet. Open the hood and you will find it as a large rectangular block with two heavy cables clamped to posts on top. Note that some 1500s carry a second (auxiliary) battery as well — for normal work it is the main starter battery you disconnect, so identify the one feeding the heavy positive cable to the starter. As always, the negative (−) post is marked or capped black and the positive (+) post red, usually under a protective flap. A hold-down bracket keeps the battery in place; leave it alone unless you are lifting the battery out.
Getting Ready
- Switch the ignition fully off, take the key away from the truck, and close the doors so the electrics settle.
- Turn off the lights, climate blower, wipers and any accessories, and unplug anything from the 12 V outlets.
- Note your radio presets now so you can put them straight back.
- Wait a couple of minutes after switch-off for the control modules to power down.
- Have the correct spanner ready (the clamp nuts are commonly 10 mm), plus gloves and eye protection.
Disconnecting the Battery
- Confirm the ignition is off and all electrical consumers are switched off.
- Loosen the clamp on the negative (−) terminal first and lift the lead clear of the post, tucking it aside so it cannot spring back.
- Then loosen and remove the positive (+) lead.
- If you are working near the airbags or pretensioners, wait a few minutes after disconnecting so the system fully discharges.
Reconnecting and Re-initialising
- Refit the positive (+) lead first and tighten its clamp.
- Refit the negative (−) lead last and tighten it.
- Check both clamps are firmly seated before you switch anything on.
The 1500 then needs a few items put back:
- Power windows — re-initialise the one-touch (auto up/down) function so the windows work fully on a single press again.
- Tyre pressure monitor — drive the truck so the system re-stores the current pressures and any warning clears.
- Clock and radio — re-enter the time and your preset stations.
- Warning lights — a few dash lights may glow at first and clear after a short drive.
A like-for-like battery is a straight swap on this generation and does not need coding.
If a Warning Light Stays On or the Truck Feels Off
- Recheck that both clamps are tight and squarely seated on the posts.
- Take a short drive so the engine and transmission controllers relearn their idle and shift settings.
- Repeat the window one-touch relearn if a window is behaving oddly.
- If the battery was deeply flat or very old, bear in mind it may simply be worn out — the big petrol and diesel engines need a strong battery of the correct size and rating.
- Read any stored code before assuming the worst.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the battery on a RAM 1500?
In the engine compartment, under the bonnet. Some trucks also have a second auxiliary battery, but for normal work it is the main starter battery you disconnect.
Which terminal do I disconnect first?
Take off the negative (−) terminal first, then the positive. To reconnect, fit the positive (+) first and the negative last so the spanner never bridges a live post to the body.
What needs resetting afterwards?
Re-initialise the one-touch power windows, let the tyre-pressure monitor re-store as you drive, and put the clock and radio presets back. A stray dash light usually self-clears after a short drive.
Does a new battery need coding on the 1500?
No. A like-for-like 12 V battery on this generation is a direct replacement with no owner coding or registration step.
Will disconnecting the battery clear fault codes or the service light?
It can clear some stored codes and volatile memory, but any live fault will log again once running. A mileage or time-based service reminder normally resets through its own menu rather than by pulling the battery.
How long should I wait near the airbags?
Give it a few minutes after disconnecting before working on the airbags or seat-belt pretensioners, so the system fully discharges.
To relearn the windows, see our RAM 1500 power-window guide. If a warning light stays on, decode it on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with RAM. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.