HEADS UP Fellow TSB 08-26-00 Victims

[Mad Max]

You may recall my FLAME regarding the lil tow truck ride my rig went on because of this TSB, well, IT JUST GOT BETTER!



Today I needed something from my truck and didn't have my main set of keys, my spare set was closer, so I grabbed them. Went outside and NOTHING!



While I have not confirmed this, and I have ruled out dead batteries in the 2nd remote (which seldom gets used) IT APPEARS MY SERVICING DEALERSHIP FAILED TO PROGRAM MY NEW MODULE FOR MY SECOND REMOTE.



Wouldn't that have been NICE had I lost the first transmitter and called the Mrs. out to bring me the 2nd set of keys, at some remote location, at a less than opportune time, in some real good weather???



I wonder just how many people now have non-functional 2nd transmitters because of this campaign and screw-ups just like this, especially given the broad range of vehicles affected???



http://dodgeram.org/tech/tsb/2000/08-26-00.htm



Here's the kicker, in surveying the manual, from what I can tell, you need the scan tool to access the right menu to program an additional remote. So, unless you have a higher-end scan tool, this aint a DYI thing either.



The Resident Pessimist & 5 Screw Stealer Lover



MADMax

 

[jpolston]

Couldn't you just use the spare key if the remote was not programmed?????

 

[Pit Bull]

Alway the good old stand by insert key into door lock and turn Key I understand your concern but could not resist this post

 

[Doc Tinker]

Aren't we spoiled? For all I know, the key won't work in the door, so the remote better be working!!



Doc

 

[overfueled]

Working

Thanks for the heads up my remote and keys work fine

 

[Blu-meanie]

I believe you can program a second (or more) remotes by reading the owners manual. I did one of mine and had no problem. The dealer thought I had to bring it in to be done, but you don't. It's in the book...

 

[Cobra]

I don't believe that just putting the extra key in the door and unlocking it will do the trick. Oh yeah, it will unlock the door and the ignition, but when you lock the truck with the remote it also sets the alarm. So when you slip that extra key into the ignition and turn it, the alarm goes off and the truck will not start. If I am wrong here, slap my fingers and correct me.

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Cobra

I don't believe that just putting the extra key in the door and unlocking it will do the trick. Oh yeah, it will unlock the door and the ignition, but when you lock the truck with the remote it also sets the alarm. So when you slip that extra key into the ignition and turn it, the alarm goes off and the truck will not start. If I am wrong here, slap my fingers and correct me.

I guess you would be right if you have the factory alarm. I just have the factory remote no alarm

 

[nascar]

I think that if you unlock the door with the key, it too shuts the alarm off. Check me on this.

 

[Mad Max]

I've got the factory alarm, so the 2nd key doesn't help except to set off the factory horn.



BLU... THX! You were spot on about the manual tip! Thx! It says for the factory keyless entry you need to see your dealership, but for the factory alarm you can program up to four remotes following the instructions in the manual.



Reckon the keyless entry crowd can fall back to the manual method to get in and the factory alarm crowd is okay IF YOU HAVE AT LEAST ONE PROGRAMED REMOTE TO ACCESS THE PROGRAMING MENU WITH.



So, if you've had this recall done and you've got the factory alarm, you may wanna try your spares and consult your manual if its not programed.



BLU, THX for saving me from another trip to the Service Dept.



MaX

 

[BK]

you guys are making me glad I didn't get the factory alarm and keyless entry.



Does the factory alarm have a valet switch. In the few aftermarket alarms I used if you have a valet switch, the valet switch can be enabled to be able to bypass the alarm. It usually works by turning the ignition key while holding in the valet switch.



Don't know, but figured I'd asked if the factory alarm has this feature...

 

[Big_Daddy_T]

no remote

I lost my remote. I didnt spring for the second. If you look under the dash to the left of the steering column you will see the alarm. Its about the same size as the electric brake box. There are three plugs in mine. If I disconnect the bottom most plug and put the key in the ignition and turn the key to the point where it engages the starter and hold it then reconnect the power to my alarm the truck will start and the alarm will disarm itself until you shut it off and leave it for 20 min or so. try this mad max

 

[Mad Max]

Another good tip, thx.



Anything to avoid having to call the Mrs. out.



I wasn't too concerned about a valet switch or an over-ride until yesterday.



MaX

 

[CLorox]

Same boat different alarm

I was also lucky enough to find out about this problem w/ my second remote before it bit me in the butt. Unfortunately, my preowned '99 has a pretty funky (and very basic) aftermarket alarm w/ no info available. Delta DL200 if anyone has info...



-Adam

 

[Mad Max]

CLorox -



This is all I found.



I hope it at least serves as a starting point.



Your aftermarket alarm should not be affected by the replacement of the control module in question though as it should only rely on the OEM wiring harness for information and power and access to your horn/lights and or siren.



http://www.car-alarms.com/alarms.htm



Good Luck



MaX

 

[DonS]

I didn't see too many model year descriptions in this thread, but I'll post what I know about my 2001 2500...



My truck has the keyless entry with factory alarm - part of the SLT "Plus" package.



To lock the doors and arm the alarm I can use the remote, the key in the door, or the switch on the armrest. They all do exactly the same thing (lock doors and arm alarm). I nearly always use the switch on the armrest.



To unlock the doors and disarm the alarm (and turn on the interior lights), I can use the remote or the key in the door. I use the remote. I have, however, used the key on several occasions - it works just fine.



Is the "factory alarm" mentioned in the posts above different from what I have?



nascar - what you stated is what I've experienced and described here.





-Don

 

[fortunate1]

??????

What remote? What alarm??