I brought the truck recently but the PO only had the 1 key for the doors and ignition and no key fob either.

My question is can i get a new key fob and get it programmed and is it a costly exercise because i saw 1 for sale on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT

Thanks

 

If you buy the one on ebay, you'll still need 2 good ones to program it yourself. The dealer can program it for you (for a fee) but a lot won't do it UNLESS they sell you the fob.

 

Take it from me, it is very expensive to get a programmed key/fob from a dealer. I spent nearly $400 for one from a Dodge dealer for our Grand Caravan, which I bought used from a private small car lot dealer. The van only came with one key/fob. From now on, I will never make a deal on a used car without two working keys/fobs.

 

If you have a vehicle that requires a "chipped" key to operate the ignition, check your local ACE Hardware, mine can program a blank key and charges $69.95 for it.

I bought my Grand Cherokee used in '06, only 1 key and 1 FOB. I did have a key cut to get me into the vehicle in case I locked my keys inside, but a simple $2 key won't turn the ignition without the chip inside. Dealer wanted $289 for just a chipped key to run the vehicle (and still NO FOB).

The FOB on the other hand, you are at the mercy of the dealer, as stated, even if you buy one on ebay, you still have to have the dealer encode it...

My step dad lost a key and FOB to my mom's '05 Grand Caravan on the golf course one day. Had it in the pocket of a small (6 pack size) cooler than fell out of the cart on the course. Nobody ever turned in the cooler and it was nowhere to be found on the course. Dealer charged them over $400 (and I think it was REAL close to $500) to replace both!!!

 

I went through the same thing with an 08-2500 recently. I bought 2 of the same keys that you have found on eBay and had a local dealer program one of them for $60. I could then program the 3rd key which I keep in a safe place.

 

You have a good dealer, Dave. I think my local dealer might program one for me because I send them not only a few car/truck sales, but send a LOT of people to them for parts. But for anybody just walking in the door, they won't touch a key or FOB unless they sell it to you and they want pure out retail for the things!

 

is it true that the grey keys are just old-fashioned normal keys without any sort of chip in it?

 

I can't say for Ram keys because my "chipped" 04 keys are black BUT my '02 Grand Cherokee keys are "chipped" and they are gray...

 

My 2002 1500 has a grey key, and it is chipped.

 

Yep, DR has chipped grey keys or regular black keys. Im glad mine are black. LOL