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

[EBottema]

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.

Sure, 35 dollars is not that much money. How often do you replace that key? Maybe once or twice but here is the problem. What if that key become malfunctioning and you are in the middle of nowhere? You are stuck, sorry your electronic key is done, and your staying there. That is the problem with it... Sure it is under warranty but warranty is not very long compaired to the life of the truck. If a key goes 100k miles and fails and another 20 things that were once long lasting mechanical items become solely electronic, they will be costly to replace. And Mopar is terrible about having parts 5 years after a car is made. The main goal of this electronic thing is making cars throw away and dealer service a must...

 

[TSpecht]

What is the failure rate of these? I've not heard of a failure on this site, or perhaps Iv'e not read closely enough, but I don't recall seeing any failures at all posted. Why the concern about being in the middle of nowhere with the security key when not also concerned about the starter, the batteries, and other items? Last I saw they don't have a pull or kick start on the mighty Cummins. How about the fuel pump? You could get stranded that way too. I don't see it being that big of a concern, seeing how unless you totally manage to mangle the key it'll probably continue to work. If it's moisture that has you concerned, just put a coating of shrink wrap on it and make sure to seal it up well. If the concern is an electromagnetic pulse such as from a nuclear device (haha) well if you're close enough for that, you're probably not driving anyplace anyway.

If I read correctly this system uses an RFID tag in the key to interface with the computer. It's better than the other systems from other manufacturers because there's no contacts on the chip to wear, etc, unlike the GM system. There's no direct electrical contact with it either if that's the case, so you can waterproof it.

There are plenty of other systems that can fail without needing to be too paranoid about this one.

 

[Tomeygun]

What is the failure rate of these? I've not heard of a failure on this site, or perhaps Iv'e not read closely enough, but I don't recall seeing any failures at all posted. Why the concern about being in the middle of nowhere with the security key when not also concerned about the starter, the batteries, and other items?

.

At my dealership it has never happened, 0% failure, 0 keys have lost their code, and For fun I cut one up and took out the chip (after it was programed for my truck) and now keep it hidden in the truck (its only about 5mmx3mm)- And with the little chip and a wal-mart made key, I can start my truck



Cool huh? - The chipped key does not even have to be in the ignition, Just hanging within like 3 inches



Heck, I like the security SO much, I added it after the fact through the parts dept.



PS - after 5 un-successful start attempts, The truck will shut down for 24 hours - OUCH!

 

[MLimpert]

I never could get mine to start with a non chipped key, even though I was holding the chipped key right next to the ignition switch. Its definately sensitive.



BTW, a regular black non chipped key with the plastic cut off is perfect wallet size. I got one for emergencies after catching my door lock with my coat sleeve while getting out one day last winter with the truck running. That was the first time I've ever locked my keys in any vehicle, and it had to be on a cold day with the truck running. :-laf

 

[nickleinonen]

i've got the grey keys and i haven't ever had an issue with them... and if i do manage to lock myself out, i have a plain key with no plastic on it tucked away in my wallet to open doors... [although i am a little tempted to put a hidden switch somewhere to trigger the door locks to open, just in case i loose that key in my wallet]

 

[JCastilleja]

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.



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

Yes you can purchase a new vehicle without the security key. I just bought a 2005 2500 SLT 4X4 CTD 48RE without one. The security code for the keys are retrieveable via the VIN.



I know my insurance company (USAA) does offer a discount for having the security keys, but like you do not enjoy buying a key for more than 5 bucks. There are plenty of other upgrades I'd rather spend my hard earned money on! Yes guys, I know I need a signature block! LOL Does, I am still fairly new here work as a reason?!

 

[Tim]

I can't believe in the year 2005, everyone still hates electronics. Electronics have made everything easier and simpler. I work on electronic circuits every day and you guys would be amazed at what you can control with 5 volts DC and some 22 gauge wire.



It's sad everyone has hatred for electronic components. They're FAR more reliable than anything mechanical, like a relay. The problem is that when a single relay fails, you only lose the one component that it runs. If an electronic module fails, you lose everything that is attached to it. In our case I know we have modules that run all the headlights and such.



If you truely want a truck that is not electronic, you need to buy a 12 valve truck with a stick shift transmission. I've even met people these days that think a RELAY is too unreliable to use in a headlight circuit. If y'all believe that, I should invite you to my job where you can see hundreds of relays in one panel, clicking one after the other. They've been there for 5 years and they click randomly hand often 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Not a single one has ever failed.

 

[FATCAT]

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.

Tim, One: This is my wifes 3rd Subaru ... all have been virtually problem free

with proper maintenance.

Two: "US" companies don't make anything like the AWD 5-speed wagon

so there is no option. Also no US company makes anything like

my 5-speed VW turbo diesel which gets over 50 mpg.

Three: There isn't a US manufactured "car" worth buying these days.

Last good one I had was a 1990 Crown Vic.



Maybe if the US companies decided to offer cars people want, they would be doing better unlike what is happening to GM.



And finally, my arm works 100% of the time to raise and lower the window and set the mirrors ... NO chance of that ever failing.

The less complicated the better ... always.

 

[DBond]

Tim, One: This is my wifes 3rd Subaru ... all have been virtually problem free

with proper maintenance.

Two: "US" companies don't make anything like the AWD 5-speed wagon

so there is no option. Also no US company makes anything like

my 5-speed VW turbo diesel which gets over 50 mpg.

Three: There isn't a US manufactured "car" worth buying these days.

Last good one I had was a 1990 Crown Vic.



Maybe if the US companies decided to offer cars people want, they would be doing better unlike what is happening to GM.



And finally, my arm works 100% of the time to raise and lower the window and set the mirrors ... NO chance of that ever failing.

The less complicated the better ... always.

My interpretation of Tim's comment of a "Japanese problem" was directed at the $100 cost for a key, and difficulty getting information to the factory.



As far as manual windows always working, I have been in many vehicles with broken crank handles, or broken window mechanics. Anything can break, though the less parts the less things to break.

 

[EBottema]

Tim, One: This is my wifes 3rd Subaru ... all have been virtually problem free

with proper maintenance.

Two: "US" companies don't make anything like the AWD 5-speed wagon

so there is no option. Also no US company makes anything like

my 5-speed VW turbo diesel which gets over 50 mpg.

Three: There isn't a US manufactured "car" worth buying these days.

Last good one I had was a 1990 Crown Vic.



Maybe if the US companies decided to offer cars people want, they would be doing better unlike what is happening to GM.



And finally, my arm works 100% of the time to raise and lower the window and set the mirrors ... NO chance of that ever failing.

The less complicated the better ... always.

I totally agree with you. US companies make junk these days. There are one REAL rear (tounge twister lol) wheel drive v8 sedans left on the market. That is the Ford Crown Vic. That is the only American car I would own that is a sedan. Dodge makes the charger and magnum but they are fake hemis (same as toyota makes) and have that worthless cylinder deactivation mode. Wow overcomplication much. I remember those caddys from the early 80's with that technology that always had more wear on one side of the engine. LOL



If american companies re-made some old muscle cars (GM put a new 69 camaro on the market it would be a best seller). If they came out with some super mileage diesel passenger cars they would be best sellers. They are out of touch with what people want...



erik

 

[FATCAT]

Sad part is about the American companies is that they CAN make cars and trucks that could be a 100% better than any Toyota or Honda ever made, but they WON'T.

You don't see second rate American made tanks used in the US military, or second rate fighters/bombers used in the Airforce ... . right?

What should be done is that no one from Accounting should be allowed to sit on the Board of Directors or be a VP or higher in the Big Three. Bean counters are a major reason US cars on average do not compare to the quality and style of the foreign manufactures.

 

[CKESSEL]

Ckessel

When I left the dealership, we got some of the keys for the new minivan and durango. Those things were over $100 ea! And we did sell some to people who kept losing them. It was funny to hear them whine about the key cost. You wanted to slap them for being dorks and losing them to begin with. But DMC should have kept the key and the remotes seperate. That is one reason the cost is so damn high. Yes its more convnient to have it in one unit but its not when you need one when the dealer isn't open. You can get the trucks w/o the security systems, just check out the window stickers or order the truck without.