Just bought a 2006 3500 mega cab 4x4. What a truck! Only problem it only came with one key. I have been hunting for another key, but they are pricey AND it was mentioned that since I only have one working key, I cannot get the aftermarket key and program it unless I have two working keys. Does anybody have any best practices? As most of you know the key fob and the key are one unit. Has anybody bought a key fob and just used a dumb key? The key fobs alone are inexpensive, but when they are one unit, they are priced from 60 to 190 dollars. Thanks for your help.
John

 

I was in a similar situation when I got mine. I purchased 2 FOBs online (around $60 each), had my dealer program one key ($50) and I then did the 3rd myself.

 

when I bought my used 06with only one key I took it to the dealer, over $200 for one new key! what a rip off!

 

I was in the same situation when I bought my 06.. (Is someone eating 06 keys?). I demanded they provide me with a second key, which was a RFID chip key, no remote.

After a year of cussing at it for not having a remote, I realized I could order keys online, and use the two existing ones to program the 3rd..

If you are going to the dealer, and want to save some $, get an RFID, they are cheap like bosch. It takes 30 seconds to program it. No way that's worth $50..

The dealer up here wanted iirc $250 for the key and $250 for programming.

 

I only have the one key, so I am rummaging around to find a deal on a key and a remote.

 

I just bought 2 keys for my 06 3500 on ebay. $13.49 each with free shipping. I took the keys to Lowes and they cut the keys for free. I have yet to program the transponder in the keys. I have heard that locksmiths may be able to do the transponder programming, but have not checked yet. I have also heard that if you use the key in the ignition before programming the transponder it will disable the truck and require towing it to the dealer just to enable the original key to work again.

 

This key thing is such a scam. Really, the cost of this should be minimal.
It was poor planning on Dodge to combine the key and the fob. You can get key fobs for next to nothing and program without a problem. Dodge wanted $280 for a new key and programing. Robbery! The local locksmith wanted $170. OEM's are making a bad name for themselves on this topic. If they were fair about it, everyone would go back to the dealer and they would probably net more money overall instead of ebay and other aftermarket keys.

 

Watch the next version of the security system will likely void your vehicle/powertrain warranty if you use after market keys in the ignition.. >