Hate the new key/fob. Am I the only one?

[mcandies]

I hate the new fobs with the key attatched. The buttons are flush with the fob instead of recessed like my old one and this makes it is too easy to hit the buttons when it is in my pocket. I am always afraid that the unlock button will get pressed after locking and walking away. Has anyone else had this problem. Is there a replacement available?

 

[Larry Willard]

I hate the whole new key, way too big to put in your pocket easily and comfortably. I would much rather have a key like the '01 and the remote seperate, then you can put it where you want, carry it or not if you want. Guess they have to try and copy everyone else instead of being original.

Larry

 

[JRS]

In the last month I have rented a Dodge mini van and a Caliber. I couldn't believe the keys/remotes for both those vehicles. huge, took up way too much room in my pocket.

 

[HBarlow]

I don't like mine either but have accepted it. I don't think it is possible to replace the key.



You could grind the key portion off and carry only the fob in your pocket but a plain key without the Dodge fob will only start the engine. The truck's security system will immediately shut down the engine if the factory fob is not on the key. I know, I tried it on my '06 Ram with a replacement key.

 

[Regcabguy]

Our Honda Pilot's fob is equal in size although the buttons are somewhat recessed. When I got my '07,two cheeseburger sized fobs was overkill,so I bought two E-Bay chipped spares,had them ground and programmed them myself. My truck does not have the factory alarm, however.

 

[Sean Flanagan]

Yup. I agree. Too big and the buttons get pushed easily while in my pocket

 

[jelag]

I purchased 2 spare keys on line for $15 each... without the remote... but with the chip... .

I than put the key with the chip in the switch and leave it there... . the factory key I cut the key off the fob and carry it in my pocket to lock/unlock the door and when I jump in I use the key in the switch to start the truck...

Not what I'd really like but it works... .

I want a card to carry in my pocket... when I get over 10 ft from the car/truck the doors lock, when I get within 10 ft the doors unlock and I jump in, and push a button to start the car/truck.

The vehicle will not run if the card is not within the vehicle...

 

[BHaden]

Yep, they really do suck. I have gotten to not having it in my pocket when working around the house on weekends because I hear the alarm arming itself about every other time I bend over for something. I also hate it beacuse I lost one of the two I got with the truck and hate the thought of coughing up the cost of a new one.

 

[Cummins Cowboy]

I like it, I think it takes up less space than having a key and the button fob, its also fast I can hold it in my fingers unlock the door and without moving the thing in my hand stick it in the ignition and start the truck. it does bump the button in my pocket a little more, but my '02 would do the same thing. some people just freak out having things in their pockets, not every one is this way

 

[Cattletrkr]

Count me in as one who hates it. Worst idea ever.

 

[Austin Diesel]

Yup just got locked out this week on my 08 quad , I shut the door with the key inside and i was out of town, sucked had a remote delivered. now i have read about a black painted threaded capped water tight PVC tube tie wrapped under the frame with the unchipped door key and a little mad money for emergency's and the chipped key hidden inside now i wont worry any more about being locked out ,

 

[Flyfishing]

I too think the key design and function are a PoS. But it is in keeping with all the other crap on the truck that is shoved down our throat by lawyers, OSHA, DOT and design engineers that don't have a clue about the real world. Just wait untill someone leans over the drivers seat to reach an item that fell to the floor and inadvertantly hits the seat adjustment power switch and cuts their finger off. And the list goes on.

I feel that buying this third gen truck was about the biggest mistake I've made in a long time. The only reason for buying it was I needed a 4WD and my old '99 was a 2WD. Money would have been better spent by getting a late model 12 valve, addressing it's shortcomings and rebuilding the major components. That way I think the chances of being stranded in remote areas of the US and Canada (think Yukon Territories, Dempster Highway, Haul Road Alaska and Western US) would be greatly reduced. BTW my "new" truck is one year old and 35,000 not so trouble free miles.

Gee! That felt good... . Have a nice day.