Hi folks. Did a search, didn't find anything. So here's my question.

Wondering if anyone has retrofit a pushbutton start into a newer Ram. I believe some of the highest trim level have the feature, where if the fob is in the cab, all you have to do is put your foot on the brake and push a button (where the ignition keys would go) and the truck starts. I have this system on my Challenger, and I love it.

I have a 2014 Ram 1500 Big Horn with the 5.7 Hemi, 8 speed tranny, and 3.92 rear end. Love my truck.

 

If you do a search, I think there was a thread about this in 2009 when they first came out. Seem to remember someone claiming that they had done it using challenger parts.

 

Well, maybe not. Found the thread, but now I remember - guy kept making claims that he or his brother had done it but could never really explain how it was done. Thread got closed.

Might be a shred of useful info in here - or not.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/4th-gen...lled-pics.html

 

Thanks much, appreciate the help. I'm thinking it's possible with today's OEM parts, likely a plug in module to enable it plus the pushbutton covering the "key" hole, like it does in the Challenger. I know you can buy a kit for the remote start, hoping to find something similar for the pushbutton start.

 

There is another module involved (RF HUB) besides the one the key goes in. Not to mention the wiring involved. It's not worth your trouble.

 

Thanks for the response. So the Laramie Longhorn, which I believe has pushbutton start, has a different wiring harness and an RF Hub module? Ug. Wouldn't think it'd be this hard. Can you provide more details?

 

It's a difference in BUS communication topology. If it were to be done, it would require probably 3 modules, a massive amount of wiring and ton of work. That extra module on the BUS with a push button is not something that can be added on, because the architecture is not already there to make it work.

I would imagine, with a donor truck and lots of diligent effort it could be done. But just to have a push button? Meh, it's overrated. Use your expendable cash to make other things go bling. Those motorized step rails are cool! SO are the remote control key fob motorized bed covers (although I'm a topper guy myself)


Let me look into it more. The 2014 trucks may have a work-around, but as of now I'm not aware of one. My parts guy will know more than me for sure.

 

Well if it's too much hassle I'll likely not mess with it. But I figured since the Laramie Longhorn has it (I think?) that usually indicates the wiring is there and just modules or PCM programming is needed, so it wouldn't hurt to look into it.


MUCH appreciated!!! I'll look forward to what you find out.

 

at work i was driving a (2011 i think) Grand cherokee and the customer had taken out the push button and it looked exactly like our trucks inside. i asked the parts guy and he said they tried it but the gc button fell in , the hole was too big. now i see the 14 higher end trucks have a button with an extra trim ring on the outside to fit the bigger hole. couldn't we just buy the newer truck button? they all have tip start (v8) already and i think the button just turns the fob hole.