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Dodge Ram 2009-Present: Key Fob Problems

While your key fob is definitely a convenient accessory to own, if it begins to malfunction it can be a major headache. Just throwing it out and replacing it with a new fob isn’t really an option as most new fobs are expensive. If your key fob isn’t performing well, take a look at this list of possible ways you can fix your fob before opening your wallet.

By Jeffrey Bausch - July 17, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (2009-present).

A key fob can be considered one of the more convenient inventions in recent history when it comes to car accessory parts. Being an electronic device, though, it is subject to wear and tear to the point that it stops working altogether. A new fob can be expensive to order, so if you find yourself with a malfunctioning fob, take a few minutes to run through this list of possible scenarios to see if you can fix it yourself.

Figure 1. Ram key fob.

Key Fob Battery is Dead

This is the most cited reason as to why a fob is malfunctioning. It’s also the easiest to replace. A new battery costs less than $2 and can be picked up anywhere batteries are sold. To access the battery housing unit, just use a butter knife or flat-head screwdriver to open the fob up. Once open, take out the old battery, replace with the new one, and reprogram your fob. Nine times out of ten, you’ll find your key fob working just fine once again.

(Related Article: How to Replace Smart Key Battery - Dodgeforum.com)

Pro Tip

When replacing the old battery with the new one, use gloves. Oil from your hands can lead to faster battery wear. If you happen to get some oil on to the battery, take a few seconds to clean it with rubbing alcohol before placing it into the fob.

Figure 2. Replacing battery.

Worn Out Contacts in Key Fob

A less cited problem is worn out contacts within the key fob. The contacts themselves are kind of like rubber, but they’re coated with an electricity conducting film that wears out over time. To fix this issue, just get some aluminum foil or metallic tape and a hole punch. Using the latter tool, cut out a hole of the material, open up the fob, and place over the worn out dots—close the fob up and give it a go. The new material should provide better conduction.

Pro Tip

Using tweezers to place the holes over the dots makes for an easier, more accurate placement.

Figure 3. Repairing contacts.

Need to Reprogram the Remote

For reasons unknown, sometimes the key fob needs to be reprogrammed (these devices are known to be temperamental). Just enter your car, turn the ignition to “run” and wait for all the car’s chimes to stop. When that happens, press and hold the “unlock” button on the key fob. Hold it for 10 seconds, then press and release the “panic” button as you let go of the “unlock" button. Wait for a chime, then press any button on any other remote to sync them to the system.

Turn the ignition off to end the programming sequence and try your reprogrammed fob out to ensure everything has synced up.

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