2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission How can I tell if I have keyless entry (used purchase - no fob)?

[Uncle Jack]

I recently bought a 98. 5 2500 (Laramie) with 148k miles. It did not come with any key fobs, but has a lot of other optional features. I'm wondering if there's a way to tell if it has Keyless Entry, but is just missing the key fobs? The power locks activate soon after the truck is started and unlock when you turn off the truck.

As an aside... there's a small red LED mounted under the dash just to the right of the hood release. I've never noticed it coming on and have no idea what it might be there for. The wires leading to it disappear up under the dash. Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[SRussell]

You can call any dealer and give them your vin# and they should be able to tell you if the truck came with that option. I was also told that if the locks lock when you start moving, then you have the keyles remote system on the truck. My 2001 owners manual has a section that talkes about this option, and how to program the fobs. Hope this helps.

 

[tbrudder]

The red LED makes me think aftermarket alarm--to my knowledge, the factory RKE system doesn't have one, especially not down low. My truck had a Viper alarm system in it--they place I bought it didn't know, apparently, but they did give me the key fobs. Took a while to figure out what it was and how to work it. Mine does the same thing with the locks--lock three seconds after the key is on if the doors are closed, and unlock when the key is off.



See if you can follow the wires from the LED to wherever they go. If it's a little black box somewhere, see if you can get it out, or read the manufacturer/model number.



If it's a DEI (makes Viper, Clifford, etc. ), you should be able to look at their website and find what kind of transmitter it uses.



Ebay is full of these things, and the installation guides on DEI's website tell you how to program them--pretty easy stuff.



--Ty

 

[Dkevdog]

I agree the best way to find out is to give the dealer your VIN and have him run it. It sounds more to me like an aftermarket system was installed. Remove the knee bolster and you should be able to tell. The factory alarm system does have an LED- it is located in the middle of the overhead computer console, just below the display. I don't think that the doors locking automatically above 15mph (safety feature) has anything to do with the remote keyless entry.



Kev

 

[ntillm01]

kevdog, he's talking about his doors locking just with the key on. The factory system (yours and mine) waits until 15mph, like you said. I'm not certain about the automatic lock being related to keyfobs either, but my vote is this is a non-factory setup, too. I would guess any aftermarket thingy like this would have RKE capability, just need to find out who made it.

Then find out everything it does. I've heard of remote-starters locking folks out when they didn't expect it. (start truck, throw keys on seat, mess with stuff in the bed, truck hasn't seen you turn the key yet to take off so it locks the doors figuring you are not at the truck yet. )

 

[tbrudder]

Originally posted by Dkevdog

I don't think that the doors locking automatically above 15mph (safety feature) has anything to do with the remote keyless entry.

Hmm--I've been told they're integral. At any rate, I don't have the factory RKE, and my doors don't lock at 15mph. Though the Viper does lock them when the key goes on. Nice feature to have, I suppose--gives you a few seconds to leave a would-be carjacker in a cloud of smoke when he might otherwise be beating you out of your vehicle.



--Ty

 

[MO'Donnell]

My '00 had a similar system installed, it was an AutoMate - another DEI brand alarm. As previously suggested, follow the wires on the LED to the control box, get the model number and go from there.

 

[Uncle Jack]

Thanks to everyone for the quick replies. Guess I need to:

1. Call the dealer and see if my VIN reflects a RKE

2. Trace the wires from that little LED and find what's at the other end!



Wow. . Great site! Great members make it even better!

 

[Uncle Jack]

Found it. Tucked up under the dash is a Magnadyne Silencer model 6918A. Form one hit on Google, found a guy that wasn't too pleased with one of these units. Would be interested to hear from anyone as to whether I should pursue finding a fob for this one or just get something else installed.

Thanks!