Sentry Key

[sstanley]

My 03 SLT was ordered with AJB Security Group- does this option include the "Sentry Key" and "Immobilizer System"?

The dealer said these are chipped keys but they look like standard keys to me with gray plastic end covers.

Thanks.

 

[Casey Balvert]

The key has a tiny transponder in it. If your PCM does not recognize it as a valid code, she will not start. Sentry key is standard on all DC products I believe.



Casey

 

[boonsur]

It did not look like the plain, remote-keyless option included the Sentry keys. I went the extra few hundred dollars to get the security package which definitely does. I'm not sure how good the alarm part is, but I've heard that Dodge's Sentry key is hard to defeat. I'd rather have it and never need it, than kick myself for not getting it if something happened.



These keys are quite expensive ($70-80) to buy (must be from a dealer), vs. the regular ones which you can get copied at any hardware store. (BTW, you can use a regular copy (without the chip) to open your doors, it just can't start the engine).

 

[Prairie Dog]

The remote entry option does not include keys. Just 2 keyfobs and a module attached to the back of your instrument cluster.

 

[Mr.Goat]

Well boys I can tell you one thing about the new chipped keys and the fancy key entry system. When you loose the whole works out on the ski hill your S. O. L. for getting home until you get towed to a local dealer to get new chipped keys cut and programed. The keys were $68. per without the key fob thingy. DC pays the tow. Pete

 

[kbarlow]

Mr. Goat



As that famous Canadian would say "You should use Duct Tape to secure your keys".



Cheers Ken

 

[MMeier]

Mr. Goat, your favorite ski hill does not have lockers for rent?!

 

[boonsur]

I wonder what the sensing range is for the chip, or does it actually have to be inserted in the hole (to make mechanical contact)? I would suggest you could hide the Sentry key in the vehicle, then just carry a cheap, hardware copy to get you into the truck. But having the good key near enough might defeat the defeater.

 

[Dean Upson]

According to the Service Manual (page 8Q2): "the antenna ring is oriented around the circumference of the ignition lock cylinder housing. This antenna ring must be located within eight millimeters (0. 31 inches) of the Sentry Key in order to ensure proper RF communication between the SKIM and the Sentry Key transponder. "

Looks like you can hide a key away from the ignition switch. For example, you could tape the key to your skis . I believe that a non-chipped key will start the vehicle, but it will only run for a minute or so.



Dean

 

[PCline]

Easy to get in

I have a bad habit of leaving my keys on the floor and the doors unlocked while I'm preparing the boat for launch, etc (I hate that chiming sound).



Interestingly enough, the truck will automatically lock. I haven't figured out exactly how logic works as I can't reliably duplicate the auto-lock function.



If you have the rear sliding window, it is very easy to get into our trucks without doing any damage. Simply slide an "L" shaped piece of wire between the two panes of glass at the slider window (the seal is very large and flexible), once the bottom of the "L" is inside the truck just rotate the wire and it will unlatch the latch quite nicely.



Took me 2 minutes to get into the truck with zero damage.



Needless to say I now have a hide-a-key. Although I think I might just put a hardware store key in there and put the sentry key inside the truck.

 

[Mr.Goat]

I kinda figured I'd take a little ribbing for loosing the key's. But if you can't laugh at your own misfortune's and at times stupidity, then you really are in trouble. I've never lost the key to vehicle in my life, but give me an expensive key system and it only took me a couple of months to ruin the record.



The only concern I still have is that if someone finds the keys and fob. All they have to do is walk around the parking lot and push the button on the fob to see which vehicles lights flash as it unlocks. Since they also have the key it's just a matter of driving away. I've now separated the key and fob to separate rings. I'am sincerely hoping I lost them somewhere the groomer has mashed them well into the snow and oblivion. Those fobs work a fair distance from the truck, so the effort in the parking lot would be minimal.



The spare is now duct taped securely to a secret location.



Pete

 

[Dean Upson]

The spare is now duct taped securely to a secret location.

Dean

 

[sstanley]

The Answer

Getting back to my question, I found the answer on the window sticker- the Security Group includes keyless entry, alarm, and sentry key.

 

[Casey Balvert]

Originally posted by Mr. Goat

The only concern I still have is that if someone finds the keys and fob. All they have to do is walk around the parking lot and push the button on the fob to see which vehicles lights flash as it unlocks. Since they also have the key it's just a matter of driving away. I've now separated the key and fob to separate rings. I'am sincerely hoping I lost them somewhere the groomer has mashed them well into the snow and oblivion. Those fobs work a fair distance from the truck, so the effort in the parking lot would be minimal.



The spare is now duct taped securely to a secret location.



Pete

Pete, your dealer can remove the current key codes and reprogram the SKIM to recognize your keys that you have in your possession. The Key Fobs can be reprogrammed as well so that the lost fob will no longer work. See the service manual for the procedure.



Casey

 

[Mr.Goat]

Casey



Thanks for the info on the reprograming. I guess I should spend more nights reading the manual, instead of apre ski. Pete

 

[Casey Balvert]

Pete,



What do you think I do at night?



Casey