I have a 2004 Dodge Dakota. (I know, I'm posting in the Ram forum, but I just saw so many more people viewing this, I thought I might have a better chance at responses here.)

Anyway, I lost my one and only key, and I wondering if any of you know what is involved with getting a replacement. I don't have keyless entry, just a regular key. Although I was told some time ago that a chip is embedded in the rubber part of they key.

I guess at this point I have no choice but to have the dealer charge me an arm to get a working key, and also pay to have the truck towed to the dealer, which was mentioned when I called to ask about a replacement key. I've toyed with the idea of buying a blank transponder key online, having the dealership cut it, and then programming it myself following directions to be found... online? in the manual? Am I fooling myself in thinking I can do this so easily?

Right now the "system is down" so they can't give me any pricing information or tell me whether I really do need to have the truck towed. So while I'm awaiting a call back, does anyone have any ideas or experiences to share? Thanks in advance for any input!

-Cat

 

I will move this to the 3rd generation section (2002-2008 Rams), as their keys are more similar to yours. The 2nd generations and older did not have the chips in them.

 

For our trucks the black key has no chip whereas the grey key does. If you have black then just go get a copy cut anywhere if you have a spare. If you have no spare and no key at all then you can go to the dealer and give them the VIN and get one cut. If it is a grey key it will cost much more because it has to be programmed.

 

A locksmith can produce a key for you, probably cheaper than the dealer. Worth it to try both. Since a spare costs $2, why did you have only one key?

 

my son had a gray key, it cost about 80 bucks for a locksmith to program a new one for him. Plus he cut him one that just got into the doors in case he locked his keys in his car.

 

I am so glad I don't have the gray key. I had duplicates made when I bought my C and my Mazda. The Mazda's was $140 and the one for the C was $130. Two extra fobs and four keys for the Ram came to <$40.

 

If its an 04 it will be the grey key. The computer used to program the key is a dealer only thing, although some locksmiths do get their hands on them.

 

I would think it has the gray key only if it has a security system, right?