Key Fob Has Left The Vehicle....

[Wheezy]

I bought my Ram brand new in October of 2014. Didn't have any issues for the first 2k miles & 5 months...In January I had the dreaded CEL for O2 issues and then had another for the ammonia sensor (replaced about 3 weeks ago). Now I've started getting the message "Key FOB Has Left The Vechicle" on the EVIC along with the chimes..... This is the 3rd time it's been back in the shop for this issue in as many weeks. It's not throwing codes and the dealer hasn't been able to diagnose since they can't get it to duplicate. Every time it's happened I've been going down the road & so far the truck hasn't shut off, just been annoying as hell. My real fear is that it happens and I lose power when I've got my wife and 15 month old son in the truck with me.

Picture attached...For some reason it's rotating my picture when I upload the file.

Has anyone else had this issue? If so, what was the outcome / fix? The dealer here has been great but each time they've had the truck they've drawn a blank...

I appreciate any help y'all could lend...

Thanks,

John

2014 Ram 2500 CTD 4x4 Laramie Mega Cab

 

[mfurrh55]

Try a new battery in the key fob

 

[Wheezy]

I should have mentioned that the batteries were changed in both FOB's on the first visit...Dealer changed them out again on my second visit.

 

[mfurrh55]

Ask them to reprogram them

 

[Wheezy]

They asked for both Key Fobs this last time...Hopefully that's what they're doing and it fixes the problem.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Mine does it also. Aggravating as heck. My mother in laws new 1/2 ton does it when the,drivers door opens......key fob STAYS in the center console!

 

[sag2]

A couple of things. First off not downplaying the annoying part, but there is no fear of the vehicle shutting off while driving. Once started you can throw the key out the window and drive until you run out of gas, or shut it off. Second, the message should not appear unless the truck sees the door open while driving, and the five antennas are not able to locate the key. Once the message comes on, try opening and closing the door and see if the message stops. That will force the system (RFH) to look again for the key location.
The most common cause is aftermarket items (alarms, Lojack, etc.) or bad antenna. The most suspect antenna is the center stack as it is the last one that pings the key based on the Go Button push. A shorted remote start antenna can also be the cause.

 

[Wheezy]

Thanks for the info, Sag. Hopefully the dealership takes care of it this time...I've got some big trips planned this summer and am hoping all the bugs are worked out before the weather warms up.

 

[sag2]

I confirmed it today with the 200. Handed the wife the key out the window, went down the street with no warning until I opened the door. Then got the key left the vehicle notice.

 

[2013megacab]

I bought my Ram brand new in October of 2014. Didn't have any issues for the first 2k miles & 5 months...In January I had the dreaded CEL for O2 issues and then had another for the ammonia sensor (replaced about 3 weeks ago). Now I've started getting the message "Key FOB Has Left The Vechicle" on the EVIC along with the chimes..... This is the 3rd time it's been back in the shop for this issue in as many weeks. It's not throwing codes and the dealer hasn't been able to diagnose since they can't get it to duplicate. Every time it's happened I've been going down the road & so far the truck hasn't shut off, just been annoying as hell. My real fear is that it happens and I lose power when I've got my wife and 15 month old son in the truck with me.

Picture attached...For some reason it's rotating my picture when I upload the file.

Has anyone else had this issue? If so, what was the outcome / fix? The dealer here has been great but each time they've had the truck they've drawn a blank...

I appreciate any help y'all could lend...

Thanks,

John

2014 Ram 2500 CTD 4x4 Laramie Mega Cab

My 2013 had similar but recurring problems. Replacing the key fob cured them.

If the Ram system is like the other vehicles I have owned, the identification feature is based on RFID (or some newer close proximity system like NFC, Near Field Communications) and is implemented with a passive transponder in the fob. By passive, I mean that it does not require battery power to operate. The ID part of the key fob is independent from the remote lock/unlock/start system and should work without a battery in the fob. If you have ever opened up a fob and found what looks like a small medical capsule, that's it. When I was troubleshooting my problem I looked inside the fob and didn't see the capsule but the equivalent circuitry was probably imbedded in the circuit card.

The signal returned from a passive transponder will be much weaker than an active transmitter like the remote lock/unlock start and is therefore more sensitive to interference. The transponder in the fob may also be overwhelmed by a nearby signal such as from a phone and unable to respond to the signal from the truck. Make sure you don't have your phone (or iPad/iPod with WiFi or Bluetooth on) and the fob in the same compartment in the truck.


Al
2013 2500 CTD Laramie Megacab

 

[sag2]

My 2013 had similar but recurring problems. Replacing the key fob cured them.

If the Ram system is like the other vehicles I have owned, the identification feature is based on RFID (or some newer close proximity system like NFC, Near Field Communications) and is implemented with a passive transponder in the fob. By passive, I mean that it does not require battery power to operate. The ID part of the key fob is independent from the remote lock/unlock/start system and should work without a battery in the fob. If you have ever opened up a fob and found what looks like a small medical capsule, that's it. When I was troubleshooting my problem I looked inside the fob and didn't see the capsule but the equivalent circuitry was probably imbedded in the circuit card.

The signal returned from a passive transponder will be much weaker than an active transmitter like the remote lock/unlock start and is therefore more sensitive to interference. The transponder in the fob may also be overwhelmed by a nearby signal such as from a phone and unable to respond to the signal from the truck. Make sure you don't have your phone (or iPad/iPod with WiFi or Bluetooth on) and the fob in the same compartment in the truck.


Al
2013 2500 CTD Laramie Megacab

You are correct. The RFH pings the fob and waits for the response. This is done for safety so you never get stranded by a dead fob battery. Same thing true for starting. If you remove the fob battery press the Go button with the correct end of the fob and the vehicle will start.

 

[Wheezy]

Sorry it's taken me a while to get back to y'all...After going back to the dealer once again for the same issue and voicing my disappointment to the GM they offered to take it back in on trade...I scoffed at their offer until he brought some numbers out. They made me a deal I really couldn't refuse so I picked out another truck (3500 Laramie Dually). They couldn't give me exactly what I wanted for my truck but they made it up with an extended bumper to bumper / maintenance package / appearance plus package. Needless to say I'm a happy camper. I've got 4000 miles on the new truck with zero issues.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Welcome to the DRW world! My wife never wanted me to get a dually but after a couple of seasons towing she loves it. I'll never go back to a SRW. Can't beat it carrying my Lance Camper either. I used to think the DRW people were hyping their rides but if you tow heavy or carry a truck camper, there is nothing better.

 

[Newsa]

They should put rechargeable batteries and an inductive/wireless charging apparatus in the vehicle

 

[Skypilot]

Realize this is a Ram forum but my Jeep has the exact same issue - if my cell phone (Samsung Galaxy 4) is between the key fob and the receiver the key is not seen. I have to move my phone the smallest distance and all is well.