My dads truck is a 2011 and he went through 3 batteries this winter. We thought because of the awesome winter we had. Stealership had the truck for a month and could not determine any issues. Changed battery again and no help. They then put in a new cluster and it lights up now after the truck has been turned off.

Can anyone help on this issue?

 

It's possible your headlight switch has a short in it and has been draining the batteries slowly over time. The cold winter just exaggerated the low battery issue. That's why they are rated by cranking amps and COLD cranking amps. If it's not the light switch, there is a slow short somewhere, maybe in the ignition switch.

 

How could a short in the ignition turn the dash lights on? Headlights are still off and don't come on.

 

The short could be in the ignition circuit . Once the key is turned off, the power to items like the window motors and the radio remain on for a few minutes unless the doors are opened. In some cases if the truck is equipped, it also includes the auto on/off headlight system. All of this runs through a unit called the "Remote Auxiliary Power" unit. It may be necessary to just have the dealer reflash this unit to resolve your problem. Good luck