Just a question.

[Randomrunner12]

Hey guys,

I was at my local hardware store to get a spare key made and the guy at the counter told me that my key is chipped and truck won’t start with a spare. Is this true for the 2003-05 truck?
I have to use the fob to unlock truck or alarm goes off and my key has the round grey part on it.

didn’t realize that his was the case with this truck if it’s true.

 

[Ozymandias]

Yes it has a chip.

 

[Topzide]

It's an ignition immobilizer chip that's embedded in the key head. Without programming the key blank to the truck, it'll only unlock the truck with a lot of noise that you wouldn't be able to shut off without the FOB. They're may be a way that you can program the key without special software. I was able to jump through the hoops on the DW's Mitsubishi to program a chipped key for emergencies.

 

[Randomrunner12]

Ok thank yall. I will see if I can get another spare programmed at my local dealer.

 

[slowmover]

I’ve several key copies with no embedded chip. (2004.0)

 

[Ozymandias]

The base models have been available without the SKIM, he has an Alarm therefor he has the Chip Key too.

 

[AH64ID]

It’s depends on the truck. My 05 did not have the chip.

 

[Ozymandias]

What Trim level?

 

[Rowdy Dalton]

My 06 is chipped. I have a spare non chipped one made, just in case I lock myself out with the keys in. It will turn accessories on, just won't start.

 

[Topzide]

I have a key cut that is taped up in the harness just in case my dog locks me out when stopping to get the mail. It's just a Y157 blank that gets me into truck for those what if's!!!! You could also epoxy some rare earth magnets to key to stick to body or frame. A buddy did that along with electrical tape on the blade to protect key. He said the rare earth magnets hold stronger then the standard type. Never know when you'll need the extra key. Also feel good that truck can't be started, just gets you in the cab.

 

[Ozymandias]

I did that in the past, after half a year that key was so rusty and crusty it wouldn't have worked at all. Figured out there are key safes available with strong magnets to attach to the body and keep the key nice and shiny.

 

[BigPapa]

If you can find one without the plastic head, it will fit in your wallet. That's where I carry spare keys.

 

[seafish]

My 2005 has a key fob but no chip in the key.

 

[Topzide]

If you can find one without the plastic head, it will fit in your wallet. That's where I carry spare keys.

You can also cut the plastic off of the key to make thinner and smaller.

 

[CharlesinGA]

Any good key shop has a key chip copier that will read your existing key's chip and transfer the information to a new key. It gives you an exact clone of the original, vehicle cannot tell which key is being used. The key chip is energized and read by a ring electromagnet that surrounds the lock in the column. One enterprising Sprinter owners (basically the same system) took the chip from one of his keys and epoxied it to the magnetic ring behind the steering column trim. Then he just uses plain brass blanks (on the early Sprinter there is a 1970's benz key that fits the lock.

All of this makes me glad I have a Tradesman model with none of that crap. I never use the original keys, I have copies made and preserve the originals. I did this with my RAM 2500 also. The plain brass blank is a Ilco Y157, also marked as P1794.

• Alternative Part Number(s) : AXXESS 17 CEA Y33 CURTIS Y-157 ESP Y157 ILCO P1794 ILCOEZ Y157 JET Y157 JMA CHR-14 KEYLINE BY157 LOTUS YL202 ORION P1794 SILCA CY22 STRATTEC 596504

The chipped key appears to be a Y160PT. Follow the link and watch the embedded Youtube video to hear him explain at the end about making a third key if you have two, or a second if you have one key.

A Y157-P is the same key with a plastic coated head (I hate those as they clutter the key ring). My Pontiac Vibe (Toyota Matrix) has a plastic coated head key. I went to the Toyota dealer and got an all brass key blank.

If you have two vehicles that use the same key blank, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, etc, you can have one blank cut for both vehicles. One side for one, the other for the second vehicle, cut a small notch in one side so you know which way it goes in what vehicles. I did this for years with my Mustang and Falcon, later with the Ranger and my Dad's old LTD.

Charles

 

[Blakers]

Having a spare hidden key has saved me many times. We used to tape one to the heater hose with black electrical tape. Nowadays that doesn't work because you can't pop the hood without opening the truck door. Magnetic hide a key container under the bed rail works. Probably wouldn't park in the city with one under there though, but where I travel, no one would bother it.

 

[06 Dodge]

Having a spare hidden key has saved me many times. We used to tape one to the heater hose with black electrical tape. Nowadays that doesn't work because you can't pop the hood without opening the truck door. Magnetic hide a key container under the bed rail works. Probably wouldn't park in the city with one under there though, but where I travel, no one would bother it.

I carry a spare key in my pocket along my other keys I normally carry

 

[crispyboy]

I have a 'hide a key' for my truck. It is not chipped so the truck won't run. It's only purpose is to unlock the door.

 

[Topzide]

A buddy uses one of those lock boxes like a padlock on the bed loops. It's not in plain view unless you're looking up to no good! I've hidden keys taped up to wiring harnesses in the past for those opps moments! As they say,"locks are for the honest"!