Did my CB install kill my battery?

[RyanD]

Gearing up for Big Bend next weekend, I spent yesterday installing my CB. Per the instructions (and because I thought it was easiest), I ran the power/red wire directly to the terminal. It was fine all yesterday and two trips today, and then it just wouldn't start. I took care to make sure the CB was off, and the battery would not jump either. It would just click once and be dead. I finally had to use roadside to have it towed to a shop, where it sits. A couple of things to note:

2 weeks ago I had a brand new Diehard AGM battery installed in it. Been starting great.

The key fob is trashed to a point where I have to manually lock/unlock it, listen to the "alarm" and turn the Jeep on/start it to make the alarm stop. Never been a problem with this.

My first instinct, the alternator, is original. I know it has at least 60K miles in my possession, no idea how many original miles Somewhere between 60 and 112K.

I just can't imagine that the cb would have done this, and even if it did, wouldn't a jump bring it back to life?

Thanks guys,
Ryan

[The_War_Wagon]

It COULD be the battery - it could also be your starter! Won't turn/won't jump makes me think the latter.

[RyanD]

Hmm. Had the starter done about a year ago and I'm sure it wasn't oem parts. We'll see. Just seems odd to be so close to the cb install. Blah. Thanks!

[Matt]

lol yeah unfortunately this case can be a lot of different things. IF the battery is the cause, i would triple check the CB install and make sure its not pulling any current when off.

Since it's at a shop we can't have you probe around with meters and such... so keep us informed how it turns out :)

[RyanD]

Ok, shop called and said it starts every time. He said it had a stored code for key fob performance. In fairness, my fob is super trashed, missing buttons, and even with a fresh cr2032, doesn't always work. So, I know I need a new fob. But, should I let the shop do it and just eat the cost?

My little grey spare does start it, so I could use it while I sort out the fob issue. Or, is there some other alternative I can do? It's at the shop now, so I'd appreciate some quick guidance!! Thank you!!!

[Matt]

If you had two working keys you could program a 3rd one yourself. Since it sounds like one of the keys is questionable you'll probably have to let the shop do it.

[RyanD]

Thanks. I've got one sketchy fob and the grey spare. Sounds like I can't do it myself, so I'll just take it in the chin at the shop. Thanks!!

[RyanD]

Ugh. $388 for a new programmed key with labor. Not even sure if they can get it done today. Blah!