Playskool Ignition Key

[JAWolfe]

Am I the only one who's really disappointed with the Playskool ignition key/fob. The big clunky thing feels like carrying around a golf ball in your pocket. Sometimes it gets stuck and I have to pull really hard to get it out and the next couple of times I start it, I don't need the key. Has anyone tried to replace the plastic key with a real one?



Jim

 

[Hoefler]

Not possible to replace with a "Real " key. No switch available, plus there is a chip in it for theft prevention.

 

[HBarlow]

The later Gen III trucks were less sophisticated and did not have the push button start feature you are apparently saying your truck has (I say apparently because I have not set foot in or even near the new trucks) but I'll add this barely related story.

A number of us including myself have tried replacing the large and bulky remote key fobs in '06 though '08 or '09 Rams with ordinary keys thinking as long as we had the fob key nearby the basic key would work for daily ignition key use. We were wrong. The earlier trucks will start but the ECM shuts down after a second or two. I even tried taping a fob key to the steering column thinking I could outsmart the security sensor. Wrong! The plain key would start the engine but it died as soon as it started.

The highly sophisticated and complex new Rams are becoming too complex to even ask them to do anything other than what the Cummins/Ram engineers told them to do. We are only allowed to buy and drive them. The thinking was done before we came along.

 

[JAWolfe]

HBarlow ~ My '03 had the security key with the chip but it was pretty similar to a "regular key with a slightly bigger end. The lock fob was separate and that allowed me to start the truck to warm it and take the fob with me to lock the doors. The new "improved" ignition device is a fob roughly twice the size of the old one that is totally plastic on the outside. The part that fits into the ignition switch is a squarish tenon that fits into a mortised pocket and has a couple of indexing "ears molded in. Since the door locking function is on the key/fob assembly, you can't take it with you. There's an emergency key that fits the mechanical lock in the door but it doesn't lock the other doors. Not a deal breaker but it seems an unneccesary annoyance and I don't see the value it brings.

Jim

 

[mwilson]

The later Gen III trucks were less sophisticated and did not have the push button start feature you are apparently saying your truck has (I say apparently because I have not set foot in or even near the new trucks) but I'll add this barely related story.



A number of us including myself have tried replacing the large and bulky remote key fobs in '06 though '08 or '09 Rams with ordinary keys thinking as long as we had the fob key nearby the basic key would work for daily ignition key use. We were wrong. The earlier trucks will start but the ECM shuts down after a second or two. I even tried taping a fob key to the steering column thinking I could outsmart the security sensor. Wrong! The plain key would start the engine but it died as soon as it started.



The highly sophisticated and complex new Rams are becoming too complex to even ask them to do anything other than what the Cummins/Ram engineers told them to do. We are only allowed to buy and drive them. The thinking was done before we came along.

Harvey, the new keys look like this one. I have this system in the '08 Town and Country as well.

I, for one prefer the switchblade VW style key for the Jetta. Your Sportwagon must have the same thing.

Mike.

 

[Jim W]

Mike,
I do not like the VW keys at all. They keep opening in your pocket when you accidently hit the push button. We have the KESSY system on the VW so all you need to do is keep the key either in your pocket or in my wife's case her purse.
I have taped my key closed so the switch blade will not open when the button is hit.

Jim W.

 

[HBarlow]

Mike,

Thanks for the photos. As the old words so aptly state, a photograph is worth 1000 words.

Yep, my VW has exactly that key and I think it is a very smart solution. Mine never opens in my pocket.

Jim,

I understand how drivers love carrying the key in pocket or purse and pressing the button. My wife had a Nissan Murano with that system. It was great for simply starting and driving but I hated the rest of it as well as all the complex little bells and whistles spread all over the dash. I drove it only rarely but always found the kessy system confusing if I wanted to stop the engine but remain in the car and listen to the sound system or enter the car and activate the sound system without starting the engine.

The truth is I dislike added complexity and prefer simple but convenient function.

VWs and I are a good fit. Nissans and I are not.

I've been using keys to drive cars for a very long time. I prefer to continue.

 

[JAWolfe]

I've been using keys to drive cars for a very long time. I prefer to continue.

Well said. My only complaint really is that I see no value added to the new setup. My older version in the 03 did all the things the new one seems to do and was less complex in the bargain. I'm a techie at heart and I love gizmos but when a gizmo makes life tougher and not easier, I'm done.



Jim

 

[mwilson]

A question for you forth gen folk... .



My '08 Chrysler has a feature called "Tip Start" (I think). When you put that funny *** key in the ignition and turn it to start the engine will continue to crank until it starts, even if you release the key.



I would ASSUME that Ram did not add "Tip Start" to a Diesel powered truck. Right????



Mike.

 

[EMAC2]

Am I the only one who's really disappointed with the Playskool ignition key/fob. The big clunky thing feels like carrying around a golf ball in your pocket. Sometimes it gets stuck and I have to pull really hard to get it out and the next couple of times I start it, I don't need the key. Has anyone tried to replace the plastic key with a real one?

Jim

Yes, there is a special key for replacement. We had the problem of work site conditions and FOBIK concerns as well. We have several metal key replacements now. They work fine. They look just like a "regular" key except slightly fatter on the key ring side for the transponder chip... .

 

[EMAC2]

Here's a picture of the key:

 

[wyosteve]

mwilson--yes Ram did add 'tip' start. I have it on mine, not sure all of them do. Thanks for explaining what it is since I was wondering.

 

[Patty]

Yes, there is a special key for replacement. We had the problem of work site conditions and FOBIK concerns as well. We have several metal key replacements now. They work fine. They look just like a "regular" key except slightly fatter on the key ring side for the transponder chip... .

What year of truck is this one in the picture for? So you can unlock the doors/tailgate with this as well as start the truck? How much are these worth, I take it comes only from the dealership?

 

[EMAC2]

2012. Only dealer can program the WIN for them. Works on the door and tailgate too. Very durable - much more so than the FOBIK.

 

[Patty]

2012. Only dealer can program the WIN for them. Works on the door and tailgate too. Very durable - much more so than the FOBIK.

Thanks I may have to look into one of those. Would be handy for when I want to leave the truck running but lock the doors with the fob. Other option is to just carry the spare fob for that. I would always want a fob with me (on the outside of the vehicle) as I've had my mechanical locks frozen before and the fob is the quickest and easiest way to unlock, without having to use heat or methanol.

 

[Hummin Cummins]

I just started having problems with my WIN thingymajigger yeserday. I'm getting a chattering from it. Almost sounds like a solenoid or relay chattering. Its coming from the big box behind the dash where the ignition switch is. It doesnt do it when first turning the key on, but gradually gets louder as the module gets warmer. I can feel the chattering through the key. Also now the radio will not turn off when I open the doors, you have to pull the key totally out to get it to shut off. It seems the key is getting loose in the ignition also. Seems like a very poor design. I keep the weight on the key ring to a minimum, I think theres only 5 "regular" keys on there. Called the dealer today, they never heard of any troubles with this setup. Of course it falls under the 3 / 36 warranty so mine is up with 43k miles. Quoted me 180 for the WIN Module and 140 to install and reprogram both keys. Curious to if anyone else has experienced this.

 

[DonFitzwater]

The only issue I've heard of on 4th gens is the key fob sticking in the dash. Your problem seems exactly opposite. My local dealer tried to charge my friend for a new fobik and socket on a brand new truck because he didn't buy the truck from them and it was ALOT more expensive than 320. 00.

 

[rashwor]

I like my standard key with separate fob on my '05. Makes it real easy to leave the truck running and lock the doors with the fob still in my pocket. My fob never leaves my pocket, yet the doors are locked if I want them locked. KISS and don't fix it if it AIN'T broke Ram!

 

[RustyJC]

The 4th generation key fob pictured does not have the remote start function. Mine has a circular arrow with x2 in the middle on one of the lower buttons for the remote start function - nice on a cold or hot day to have the truck running with all the presets (seat heaters/fans, heater/AC, etc. ) working when I get there. Mine also has the "tip start" function. It's large, but I've learned to live with it - no big deal in the grand scheme of things.



My wife's Toyota Highlander has the fob that stays in your pocket that unlocks the doors as you approach and allows the vehicle to start with the big, dumb "Push to Start/Stop" button. It works great - until the battery in the fob gets low!! Oops!!



Rusty

 

[SSchang]

Yes, my 2011 has the "Tip Start". I thought it was because of the remote start, but maybe they're all that way.



Scott