Electronic ignition keys ... can you get a truck with out one?

[FATCAT]

Can you get a new truck WITHOUT those friggen electronic or computer controled ignition keys? Just a key like we use to have, that you could go down to the hardware store and get a copy made.



A situation arose with my wifes 2005 Outback where the ECM had to be replaced and they asked here for the ignition key code. My wife didn't have a clue about what or where it is, and neither do I. They can't start the car and have to search databases in Japan in order to obtain the clearence to obtain the key code. FRIGGEN COMPUTERS I HATE THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



I'm asking this question becase if I purchase a new truck in the next year or two I DO NOT WANT ONE OF THESE ELECTRONIC KEYS!!!



If you get the plain-jane ST model, does it come with a regular old set of ignition keys?

 

[Matt400]

I know my 02 1500 had the standard key. The chipped key is part of the security/alarm package. So if you don't get the security package it probably won't have it.



On a side note for those that have the standard key, DC does sell a fob kit to remote lock & unlock the doors which is nice. Just plugs into the back of the dash.

 

[FATCAT]

I know my 02 1500 had the standard key. The chipped key is part of the security/alarm package. So if you don't get the security package it probably won't have it.



On a side note for those that have the standard key, DC does sell a fob kit to remote lock & unlock the doors which is nice. Just plugs into the back of the dash.

Thanks Matt. I am just afraid that no mater what you buy in the future it will have some computer thing to prevent you starting your car/truck.

I just hope that Dodge will still make trucks with manual windows, manual locks, manual mirrors, manual trannys & transfer cases and rubber floors in the next few years. COMPUTERS ALWAYS BREAK, PEOPLE DO NOT! It's bad enough to have computers in the engine, but in the key!!! Talk about maddening to the n'th degree!!!!

 

[Matt400]

Talk about maddening to the n'th degree!!!!

Yep, its pretty crazy these days, now if your engine computer goes bad you can forget about getting one from a wrecked truck cuz it won't start. They are coded to the vehicle.

 

[MFalkinham]

Unfortunately, the times we live in are dictating the use of such systems. If it is hard for your dealer to start your Outback without the security code, it will be just as tough for a potential car thief. It is ridiculously easy for someone to break into a new Ram, crack the column, and start the engine with a big screwdriver. At least with the Sentry system they will have to tow it away if they want to steal it. I'd rather make it difficult so thieves will lose interest and move on to an easier target.

 

[FATCAT]

Unfortunately, the times we live in are dictating the use of such systems. If it is hard for your dealer to start your Outback without the security code, it will be just as tough for a potential car thief. It is ridiculously easy for someone to break into a new Ram, crack the column, and start the engine with a big screwdriver. At least with the Sentry system they will have to tow it away if they want to steal it. I'd rather make it difficult so thieves will lose interest and move on to an easier target.

I don't care about car theives. After about a few months of using my trucks, theives wouldn't want it with all the scratches and dents and the (I think) nice cigar aroma in the cab.

If I was worried about a new truck being stollen, I would just find and remove the fuse for the ignition.



I just don't know why people want all this electric crap!

Look at the post for people having problems with the seatbelt buzzer and auto windows/locks. Jezzzzzs, you'd think people would wise up to these anoyances and just get manual stuff.



Like the drivers side mirror I crunched the other week, I just went to Autozone and bought another one for 19. 95 and installed it ... done! No bending over and grabbing the ankles getting a new auto-matic mirror from the dealer.

 

[FATCAT]

I just thought of another question, can you still get manual locks/windows/mirrors?

 

[Bertram65]

I just thought of another question, can you still get manual locks/windows/mirrors?

I have a ST, manual everying, the only thing I miss is electronic locks, they are handy when it is raining or ones hands are full. The rubber floor is great, can't hurt it, the truck gets pretty dirty on a long trip with two dogs and small child, with the Geno's seat covers and the rubber floor cleanup is very easy.

 

[MFalkinham]

I just don't know why people want all this electric crap!

Hey, I hear ya! Why did they ever get rid of that nice crank handle on the front of cars and trucks? Sure it would kick back and break your arm every now and then, but at least you didn't have all kinds of electrical problems with pesky starter motors!

 

[MacHaggis]

Yep. I rode in a friend's Duckoder yeterday, and had to do a manual right side mirror adjustment for him.



FATCAT, I hear ya on the electronic takeover of machines, but as long as you have two programmed keys (like comes wid da truck) you can program your own spares without bothering the dealer. M'self, I had a flat key made (old-style, no plastic knob) to carry in my wallet. Won't start the truck, but it's handy for locking up when I want to leave the old girl idling and is wicked handy for lockouts. I won't say how I learned about the latter, was just happy to be possessed of a little foresight. 8<)

 

[FATCAT]

Hey, I hear ya! Why did they ever get rid of that nice crank handle on the front of cars and trucks? Sure it would kick back and break your arm every now and then, but at least you didn't have all kinds of electrical problems with pesky starter motors!

A smart guy ehhh! (in a Moe Fine voice).



Well, I still don't have a difinitive answer as to can we still get a non-electronic key. But I think Bertram65's response leads me to believe we still can.

 

[DBond]

A smart guy ehhh! (in a Moe Fine voice).



Well, I still don't have a difinitive answer as to can we still get a non-electronic key. But I think Bertram65's response leads me to believe we still can.

On the 2005 SLT the key is all mechanical unless you order the security option. I've had a spare key cut, and it works.



I think ST have manual locks and windows, and not available as an option



But if you want to get away from any reliability issue you may need to get a horse

 

[Tomeygun]

On the 2005 SLT the key is all mechanical unless you order the security option. I've had a spare key cut, and it works.



I think ST have manual locks and windows, and not available as an option

You are 100% correct



Grey fat key - Sentry (electronic) security key

Black thin key - regular run-of-mill key that can be made anywhere



The grey security keys are like $35 too, dang!

 

[Po' Riggity]

Yup, I love not having sentry key. . and having the standard key. . if I want to make a copy, I know I can now!

Scott

 

[Bertram65]

A smart guy ehhh! (in a Moe Fine voice).



Well, I still don't have a difinitive answer as to can we still get a non-electronic key. But I think Bertram65's response leads me to believe we still can.

Yes, went to WalMart several weeks ago and had a couple duplicated made, work perfect, think they were like $1. 40 each.

 

[FATCAT]

Yes, went to WalMart several weeks ago and had a couple duplicated made, work perfect, think they were like $1. 40 each.

OK, thanks ... there is still hope.



PS: My wife finally got her car back. The Subaru dealer got the key codes from Japan. They said that she has to bring back in her other keys to have them "reprogrammed" and that if she tried to use them in her car now it would disable the whole car and it would have to be towed!! What a nightmare. and the new keys are almost $100 each!!!!!!!!! if you loose one.

What a racket.

 

[Tim]

But if you want to get away from any reliability issue you may need to get a horse

Yeah, and at least then you always have a friend.



I think your problem has more to do with buying a Japanese car than buying one with electronic programming in the keys.

 

[CKESSEL]

Ckessel

The sentry keys can be a booger. I ordered my dads, brothers and my trucks without them. They are expensive which is not good if you are prone to loosing your keys. They have to be programmed to your vehicle which costs per key. If you loose them you can't start the truck with a plain key. And the best part if you try to use a plain key, you will not be able to start it and will have to get it towed to the dealer.

 

[EBottema]

100 dollars a key fatcat?? LOL what a worthless idea that was!!! Ya this electronic BS on these new cars have gotta go. That is why i refuse to purchase a new truck. I love the body style, 3rd gens but hate, hate the electronics... . Thats okay my 96 has a nice body and suits my mechanical needs just well . . :-D

 

[TSpecht]

The best part about the sentry key is that you have a fairly reasonable expectation that your truck will still be where you left it when you return to it. If you have your two keys you can program new ones yourself, although even at $35 per key it's somewhat expensive still. Then again you should be able to get a discount from your automobile insurance for having it, since it's an additional anti theft device. That discount alone should be sufficient to pay for at least a new pair of keys per year.

How does one lose keys that frequently as to have a $35 replacement key once in a blue moon becomes such a huge concern? As to if it fails, well it's under warranty isn't it? At least for a little while, and the nice thing about electronics is if it survives the first part of it's life, chances are it'll continue to function alright.