Ebay Transponder Key Issues

[River-Runner]

Just got back from the dealer who figured out my problem regarding the Ebay keys making the alarm to sound.



I bought a couple of transponder keys off Ebay, the $15 each keys with the round gray top. This is the same chipped key my local locksmith sells. I programmed them using the original two factory keys.



Problem: The keys will start the truck, but will trigger the alarm when you use them to unlock the driver side door.



The dealer figured out that any Dodge where there is only a driver door lock, 07's and 08's for sure, the aftermarket key will trigger the alarm and you can turn off the alarm by putting said key into steering when lock and turn to "on. " The alarm will only sound if you try to use the aftermarket key when the door has been locked for 30-seconds or more. This 30-second rule had really confused me----I thought I had a random problem.



I guess for a backup key, the fact that the alarm will go off until you turn the key is an ok tradeoff for a $15 key versus the $180 key with remotes from the dealer!

 

[ENafziger]

That's good information. Thanks for posting!

--Eric

 

[Loren]

The dealer figured out that any Dodge where there is only a driver door lock, 07's and 08's for sure, the aftermarket key will trigger the alarm and you can turn off the alarm by putting said key into steering when lock and turn to "on. "

On my 2008, if the alarm system is set it doesn't matter what key you unlock the door with, including the remote transmitter key supplied with the truck. If you open the door without first disarming the alarm (with the remote push button) the alarm will sound.



I can shut off the alarm in two ways. First, press the unlock button on the remote transmitter (on the key). Second, put the transponder key in the ignition. I don't have to turn it on, just put it in the lock.



Is my truck broken, or is this the way it's supposed to perform? It doesn't sound smart to design a system where you HAVE TO use the remote keyless entry before opening a door.



Loren

 

[River-Runner]

Loren,



I can use the factory keys to unlock the door without using the remote unlock function and my alarm will not sound.



Your 2008 seems to be working differently than mine.



Dave

 

[FWC]

Ebay transponder keys

River-Runner,



What model transponder key worked in your 2007-I am looking for some spares as well. Checked

ebay for transponder keys, found none for 2007 Dodge trucks.



FWC

 

[Loren]

Loren,



I can use the factory keys to unlock the door without using the remote unlock function and my alarm will not sound.



Your 2008 seems to be working differently than mine.



Dave

Dave,



Thanks for the information. I will discuss this with my dealer the next time I am in Batesville. It sounds like my truck is not working properly.



FYI, the way to tell when the alarm is set is to watch the small, red flashing light on the right side of the instrument panel. When you first set the alarm, either by using the power door locks or by using the remote push button, the light will flash rapidly for about 15 seconds. After that, the flashing slows to about one flash per second.



When that light is flashing slowly, the alarm is set.



If you open a door while the light is still flashing rapidly, the alarm will not go off.



You cannot set the alarm by either manually locking a door or by using the key in the door lock to lock a door. You must use either the power door locks or the remote.



I am assuming (maybe a mistake) that your truck works the same as mine as far as the flashing light is concerned.



Thanks again for the update.



Loren

 

[River-Runner]

River-Runner,



What model transponder key worked in your 2007-I am looking for some spares as well. Checked

ebay for transponder keys, found none for 2007 Dodge trucks.



FWC

Search for 2007 Dodge Ram Key and it will bring up several. It works, I just tried.



River-Runner

 

[FWC]

Transponder Keys

River-Runner,



Thanks for info, ordered two keys yesterday. They will make great hideout spare keys.



FWC

 

[Loren]

On my 2008, if the alarm system is set it doesn't matter what key you unlock the door with, including the remote transmitter key supplied with the truck. If you open the door without first disarming the alarm (with the remote push button) the alarm will sound.



I can shut off the alarm in two ways. First, press the unlock button on the remote transmitter (on the key). Second, put the transponder key in the ignition. I don't have to turn it on, just put it in the lock.



Is my truck broken, or is this the way it's supposed to perform? It doesn't sound smart to design a system where you HAVE TO use the remote keyless entry before opening a door.



Loren

I found out today (according to my dealer) that my truck is broken. We hope that it's just a programming issue, but it may be a failed sensor. The door key lock has a sensor that is supposed to read the Senty Key when you put it in the lock and shut off the alarm. My truck isn't doing that.



I'll be making an appointment to have it looked at.



Loren

 

[jelag]

I have an 05 Jeep and a 08 5500 truck both have been programed to use the after market key mentioned... and the alarm doesn't go off with after market key... .

 

[Loren]

I found out today (according to my dealer) that my truck is broken. We hope that it's just a programming issue, but it may be a failed sensor. The door key lock has a sensor that is supposed to read the Senty Key when you put it in the lock and shut off the alarm. My truck isn't doing that.



I'll be making an appointment to have it looked at.



Loren

I know this is a REALLY old thread, but I didn't realize that I left it with unfinished business from my previous post.



I learned from my dealer that the 2007 and 2008 truck alarm systems behave differently.



This is how it was explained to me:

A 2007 truck has a sensor in the door lock that disarms the alarm when the door is opened with the key. My understanding is that 2007 trucks have a separate fob with the lock and alarm push buttons.



For 2008, Dodge built the push buttons into the key head. When they did that, the engineers apparently decided that no one would unlock the truck with the key in the door lock anymore, since the key itself has the push button to unlock the door. Therefore they removed the sensor at the door lock.



A 2008 truck's alarm will sound if you unlock the door with the key and then open the door. You must use the push button in the key head to disarm the alarm before opening the door.



I just wanted to make sure everyone got the update, in case there is anyone besides me who was wondering about it.



Loren

 

[River-Runner]

so always keep an extra battery for the key fob when you use the Dodge... ...



That is just lame engineering.....