Key Fob keys

[dpotter]

2 times in the last 2 months when trying to start the vehicle, turn the key and nothing, no lights, no noise, nothing. After several attempts off/start, the vehicle starts normal. Truck had been driven, was warmed up and stopped for 1-2 minutes each time. I have 52K miles on the truck and change the fob batteries every year for good measure. Anybody else experience this? Any ideas what to check?

 

[Ozymandias]

The FOBs battery has nothing to do with the anti theft system, not at all.
That ended with the rise of the Gen3 almost 20 years ago.
If you have problems to start with more then one key you better check with the Dealer where the problem is, before it let you stranded somewhere in nowhere.

 

[Ltngdrvr]

Yeah, that issue isn't the fob key.

I've had an occasional glitch where I turn the key and it clicks and stops, then turn it again and it starts, never failed to start though so I am not worrying about it.

 

[dpotter]

Thanks for the info. I will switch keys and see if it continues.

 

[Topzide]

The FOB's have a transponder in them that allows the truck to start. I programmed 2 new FOB's for my truck the other day and before I programmed, I put in ignition and turned the truck on but would not start it. After programming with Alfa and pin # from truck, have 2 spares in the safe ready to go when they might be needed. Like @Ozymandias said, try other FOB to see if it works. If not, there could be an issue with the RF Hub or ignition switch. Keep us posted with results so that as a group we can assist with help. Good luck and enjoy these trucks!

 

[dpotter]

I will keep you informed and get a couple spare fobs.

 

[Ltngdrvr]

I will keep you informed and get a couple spare fobs.

OEM fobs are expensive, and they have to be programmed to the truck.

 

[lpennock]

OEM fobs are expensive, and they have to be programmed to the truck.

Amazon and EBay fobs are much less expensive and work fine. They also need to be programmed to the truck but AlfaOBD can do it once you get the pin from the dealer parts department.

 

[keny]

Recently had that problem, would not start with either key. Could not put it in park to load onto a rollback tow truck, they disconnected the shift cable on the trans to put it in park and load it. Ignition switch replaced at dealer, fobs reprogrammed, $1104.50 covered by extended warranty. Tech at dealer showed me that you can put the trans in neutral by releasing the column shifter without the fob, release is under the rubber boot on the column shifter, it's yellow. Pull it down and hold it to move the lever like the fob was working. There is a plastic part that can break if they disconnect the cable from the trans shift lever, it locks the cable end onto the lever. 2014 2500 .

 

[dpotter]

This problem has only happened 2x in the last 3 months. Until it happens more often it may be hard to determine the cause. Does anyone know if a code would be stored when this happens?