Dodge Ram Keyfob Failure & Analysis 2009 - 2015

Analysis of failed keyfob

[@chingona1816]

thank you so much for this Video!!! I actually was on my way to the stealer-ship, to purchase my key and get it programed, but after watching this video I turned around and now online looking for a key, I was using some of my savings to purchase the darn thing. Thank you thank you, your a life saver!!!

[@DonBrandt]

Hello Lucy, I'd love to hear about how your repair goes. Best of luck! -don

[@dexterjackson27]

My 2014 Ram was doing the same as yours, horn blowing when no one was close to the remote, etc. I followed your directions to the letter. And much to my amazement, it's now working like new. Thanks a bunch.

[@gwanma]

I opened mine and noticed those little discs had dislodged and when I glued it back on, they all work now. I don’t know for how long this temp fix saved us $400. All my buttons work now but this gave me the courage to open it up and see what was wrong. Thanks for the video.

[@howiebird9410]

I repaired someone's 2 fobs with tinfoil, a paper punch and glue. It was for a Pontiac G5 or G6. Use the paper punch to make a perfect circle of tinfoil for each and put a dab of glue on the rubber. With tweezers, place a circle on it. button. The ones I fixed are still working after 3 or 4 years. With the Ram, the circles need to be bigger. But I think this would work fine. (I used dollar store two part epoxy mix and a tooth pick to put glue on the rubber) Clean the rubber, remove anything old first. Shinny side towards the circuit board.

[@waltermacpherson3648]

Thank you so much for this video! You helped me out more than you know. I just wanted to let you know the way around the alarm going off when you use the backup key. When you get out of the vehicle manually lock the door before you close it. Hold up the outside door handle while closing the door. Door will be locked without the alarm on.😁👍

[@waltermacpherson3648]

They changed the electronic board on the cheap replacement, the button clickers are now on the board itself unfortunately.☹️

[@mcbrideslaw9847]

I had the same problem. Bought a replacement on ebay for $10.49 and re-assembled like you and it worked! Thanks! Save a ton of $.

[@DonBrandt]

I'm glad you got it fixed!! -cheers

[@thetinkeringjuggernaut8538]

Your fix is a nicer solution but I wanted to touch on something you mentioned that may help others out. You mentioned the aluminum tape solution. I have repaired two different fobs using heavy duty aluminum foil (not tape). I took the foil with some paper behind it to act as a backing and punched out nice clean aluminum foil circles with a hole punch. Then I used contact cement on the old button contacts and the foil (applied with a toothpick) and let it dry before pressing them together. One of the fobs belonged to my mother-in-law' car and one was mine and they are both still working. I repaired mine about 4 years ago and hers about two years ago. Just wanted to mention that in case anyone is interested. Not as elegant but functional and didn't cost me anything other than a little time.

[@DonBrandt]

Hello Juggernaut, thanks for commenting and offering another solution that may help people, especially those on a budget! Hey, I've got my eye on your new channel, and expecting great things -cheers

[@grantfitch8393]

Thank you so much for these great ideas. I have a 2019 grand caravan and my side doors would just randomly open. After a 300 dollar quote from the dealer I bought some cheap aftermarket’s from Amazon which did not pair with the new grand caravan. So I disassembled them. The aftermarket fob had a plastic tape covering the circuit board that force connected the circuit board to the metal connectors. So I ripped off the tape gently and reattached them on top of the circuit board of my native key. Everything works like a charm now.

[@Minivan_milf]

Thank you so much! I had a proud independent woman moment a few minutes ago after I took the fob apart, wiped it all clean and now all my buttons work like a charm!!

[@bennyrokgravel]

great vid my friend! we need more like it. love seeing stuff like this because I was at my dealer yesterday and that was the price they quoted me, that's why im watching vids along this line.

[@KenMagee]

Buying the cheap knockoffs from Amazon and putting my board in them, along with the emergency door key worked PERFECTLY! Thank you my friend for saving me hours of frustration and headache.

[@frankautin8989]

I have a 2012 and it was getting to the point where it was hard to unlock my doors with the key fob button. This was the only function that was affected . When opening up the remote I was able to see gold tabs on the circuit board that make a connection when you press the button on the... back side of the rubber boot there are metal disc that touch on to the goal tabs on the circuit board. All I had to do was use a little Brasso with a paper towel and gently wipe the gold tabs. Apparently they was slightly corroded or had some type of crud on them. Now they are clean and shiny. Now it functions like new.

[@linzienacoledesigner]

Thank you for your video my connections were so dirty my unlock and lock stopped working and the dealer wanted $198 for the fob and another $67 for programing and you saved me that

[@Daniel-xv5oe]

Very good video, very informative and helpful, going through the same process now on 2014 dodge 2500. And to answer your Engineering question in 3 words it’s “made to fail” mate. No doubt

[@dopespillcomics]

The keys are so cheaply made you think they would charge less

[@MichiganPeatMoss]

at a dealer, don't bet on it.

[@jbluezfan]

Thanks my 2014 Dodge Caravan Key Fob lock buttons stopped working you are correct on everything you are saying I ordered another fob I think the switch cover most likely will solve the problem using the new one

[@jesusmolina5428]

Don, I loved your video and I thank you for sharing what you have learned. I love the fact that you are tecnical about stuff and explain through trial and error.

[@DonBrandt]

Why thank you for the comments. Have a good day!

[@alviratheshow3029]

Just get to the point bro too much bla bla bla!!🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️💩💩💩💩

[@dannydanny261]

you need to clean the whole key fob with MEK or some other good contact cleaner . the contacts, the metal discs, the components , the circuit board. That should make the circuits on the fob work. at the correct frequency..

[@fredapeeples6619]

MEK is a BAD idea. It can melt the rubber and plastic. Alcohol is better. Three shots of brandy and you'll lose interest.

[@davesielaff3268]

A little addem here. I take that door key that is hidden in the fob and make a copy. This copy I keep in on my key chain with house key or put it in your wallet, hidden on the car. That way if you do happen to drop the fob in the car as you shut the locked doors, you have a way to get in without having to call a locksmith. I thank Don very much for the info on the inside of these fobs. All the dealers should be shammed for charging $ 200 for a $20 part. You can't tell me it cost Dodge that much more to have that part made than a generic costs beside a minimal amount.

[@DSMerkonmyface]

you answered your own question, they want you to spend at the dealership aka the steal er ship

[@DonBrandt]

I see what you did there...lol very funny!

[@batoola5336]

Don Brandt

[@Chris-of8ps]

I honestly believe they make these things so flimsy like that so that they can continue to profit after they sell your vehicle that's all it comes down to profit

[@jerryhenry662]

@@Chris-of8ps money hounds

[@fdmackey3666]

In December of 2021 I took our 2014 RAM 1500 in for service ahead of a double round trip between northeastern South Carolina and central Virginia. While at the dealership I asked the service manager if she could have my (failed) fob repaired and if not how much it would cost to have two new ones (The Lovely Brides fob failed at about the same time mine did back in 2017) programed.....Price per fob: $268.95!!! So we use the keys, not the little bitty ones inside the fobs, that ALSO came with the truck at the time of purchase new in late 2013 to unlock the truck and the door mounted button to lock the doors upon exit. Both original fobs still function as ignition keys. Based on our experience with failed fobs and the existence of not two but four metal keys that came with the truck I strongly suspect that somebody in RAM food chain knew that the fobs were a failure point and/or a good way to make a some "side cash" too.

[@tallll70]

You can buy them for 50 bucks and program them with alfaobd to your vehicle

[@MichiganPeatMoss]

One of my fobs had the metal disks floating about - :) explains why the windows were rolling down at random as they traveled over various contacts within the housing. "glue sticked" them back in place on the PCB and carefully replaced the rubber key cover. Appears to be all good now. At least it wasn't the ECM. lol - 2019 - out!

[@mrgoodbar672001]

Thanks for Thai solution . I have this issue currently. In order to avoid the alarm I have to lock my truck manually. I disabled the Auto Unlock feature and I don’t use the lock switch on the door. I actually push down on each doors lock. It’s a headache. I’ll order new buttons now thanks

[@glennmatigian4125]

This totally worked.opened it up found metal plate floating around and reglued back on rubber backing and hopefully it lasts

[@buddythomas7075]

Thanks saved me money! Same problem with the contact disk!

[@bblazeff1]

Sound a little bit like Jeff Goldblum , good vid man, well done. I'm buying a new fob today.

[@paulgarcia1566]

Once you hear it yes.

[@Montrealera]

Had a similar problem with my fob for 2010 Grand Caravan. Took it apart and cleaned it. I also peeled off the metal discs and use DeoxIT D5 cleaner to clean the contact points. I used Scotch tape to hold the discs to the board instead of the rubber part. So far, it is working, but for how long, I don't know.

[@DarthRaider]

Not sure if it's an issue with my key or the alarm system item self. None of my buttons will work (lock, unlock, trunk release, panic...).

[@1voiceCriesOut]

Mine aren't glued...they keep falling down and I have to open the Feb and move them back again and again🤦🏾‍♀️

[@mybobbleheads]

I just ordered a pair from Amazon for $55 Canadian. I hope they are the same as what you got. I had my 2009 Ram 1500 to dodge to diagnose my problem as I had already ripped my dash apart to find remote start antenna, replaced my fob batteries 3 times, replaced the Truck battery so I was lost.. He used a signal tester and said that the fobs were no good. The problem I was having is temperamental lock and unlock and the remote start would work once in 20 tries and then sometimes it would work 2 times in a row. weird that 2 keys went at once. he quoted $300 more per key plus $75 more to program. You know what I told him don't you. I am hoping your idea works for me or I will have to dish out another 75 to have dealer program the replacements. funny about you damaging your fobs click disc while cleaning as I too damaged one cleaning mine and also tried to glue it back. Thanks for the video!

[@DonBrandt]

Really pains me to hear about your problem.. When you told them, i hope you were shouting.. Mom used to work for Chrysler so i always bought Dodge Trucks. Its frustrating when a problem like this come along. I certainly hope the replacements work for you. Please let us know. Also, if they do work, go back to your dealer and get the diagnostic fees back.. Ill call em on your behalf if you like, no kidding. -Cheers Brother

[@mybobbleheads]

Thanks Don, hey we're practically related, my brother has worked for Mopar here in Alberta Canada for 30 years and I buy Dodge for the family discount but I don't like to abuse his power for little stuff like this.. Actually this local dealer was pretty good as he quoted $150 for the diagnostic and only charged 1/2 hour. Hopefully he will give me a break if I have to go back for programming.

[@DonBrandt]

Great video! Thanks for the shout-out. Keep us advised if the new part works for you. -cheers don

[@mybobbleheads]

I added a part 2 to my video and I had a few more hiccups check it out

[@shellyp7167]

Thank you! Worked for me and saved lots of money! Loved the video!

[@masonstroud1]

If your fob fails. lock your door. Manually unlock driver door, shut it then open and manually lock the door. Your alarm will not sound when using your key on it at this time.

[@cudaman2formula874]

If you lock your doors manually the alarm will not set. You can lock it with the key or lock it with your finger push the lock down before you shut the door. If you try to lock both doors at once it will arm

[@Trolldaddy5]

Mine keeps starting the truck n then shutting off without even touching the key. My spare rolls the windows down when I lock the truck.

[@pedritoc.c.t.665]

Hey I broke may oem and can t program new one "not responsive "" can we by pass the micro ship option ? Already got a alarm so I dont need it

[@johnbingham3446]

you can now buy just the rubber button pad with dics already attached to it on Amazon for $6

[@husky3g]

That's a good choice but it will wear out soon thereafter just like the original. The OEM design is awful. Secondly, my Challenger only has panic, lock, unlock and trunk pop. Amazon only sells the standalone rubber replacement for fobs with panic, lock/unlock and remote start. If you buy a replacement key, the tactile domes are taped to the new reprogrammable board, so you are still unable to use your original key unless you can remove the tape and perfectly center it on your old keyfob which I tried, and it did not last long. What I ended up doing was soldering real tactile switches to the board of my keyfob and it seems to be working great.

[@johnbingham3446]

@husky3g so far still working. But at the price lot better than whole new key.

[@funkyflights]

Working on one of these right now for a friend, it reminds me why I don’t buy American cars anymore …

[@jacobsuzuki9121]

Thank you Don, You saved me $600,too. Dealer lost the sweetheart business.

[@DonBrandt]

Glad to hear that. Thanks for your comme t

[@fpbbq]

I did this with mine and it did not fix mine long term. I have to put extra pressure on the case of the key to get it to work. not sure why. I think the circuit board is failing.

[@Greenr0]

That dealership doesn't know how to deal with this problem that they heard so frequently. I have two fob keys on dodge ram 2011. One started to fail on the unlock button, same as yours. So, I switched to the second one, the same problem after a few years. Almost every dodge ram 2011 owner has this issue. It is a design problem. The dealership is the wrong place to ask, because they did not design the key. Blaming the drivers shows how ignorant the dealership is.

[@kenshields1868]

I wish more people knew about stuff like this. I just replaced a key for $25 all in that the dealership wanted to charge $400 for on my 2012 Jeep Compass.

[@davidchartrand6213]

Blows my mind more people don't. Basically the same problem since the original Nintendo controller buttons and most controllers since. Lol. Shit, even TV remotes lol.

[@daveroberts9655]

Great work around. Thanks

[@tallll70]

I have different issue which is probably the programming or the module itself... at certain not to far distance second ulock will not respond , the first one always does at grate distance, but the second will not even if I'm 20 ft away behind the glass window and then it locks entire key fob and nothing works for about 30 seconds no matter if I'm next to a vehicle or 100 ft... I guess it's an 10-year-old Vehicle so I'm blaming it on a old style module porly working to begin with ... it does just like this on any new old key fob with changed batteries all same

[@wh3596]

1. It's a Mercedes FOB. When Mercedes owned Chrysler. 2. Those after market FOB'S work. Maybe you got the wrong keys. Don't just look at the key, you have to get the correct FCC number. I got mine from Amazon before. 3. It looks like the after market chip is an integrated unit rather than old style circuit board type. It's like looking at the internals of an old computer vs a new computer.

[@HRL4RP]

i am having the same problem on my 2011 durango, the push buttons contacts, i glued them and they work fine for a while, but glue parts are a temporary fix and the contacts parts keep bouncing around in the remote, i was thinking about doing what you did, and i hope it works i am keeping all the original parts and just need a new push pad with the contacts.

[@DonBrandt]

I would love to see your results. Post your video link to let us see when you're done. -don

[@HRL4RP]

Don, I didn’t do a video but I did replace my key fob to my 2011 Durango. I did talk to the dodge dealership and they gave me a quote on how much they would charge me for 2 new key fob. The price was $181 x2= ($362) just for the fobs. The programming would cost $70. x2 ($140) and to cut the key $40 x2($80) so we are looking at $582 without taxes... ridiculous.... I took your advice and found some new key fobs on eBay. I have a 5 push button key fob I was looking for, and I found 2 key fobs 5 push button from a seller online for $20. In reality all I need was a new push pad because the contacts fell off from both fobs, and would not auto start the Durango, or open/close the trunk. After I order them and got them in the mail within 3 days, I switch out the push pads to both key fobs, I kept the original Durango key shells. After the switch out, I tried using both key fob but the truck was not responding, I was about to give up but then I decided to pop out the push start button and I inserted the key into the ignition and turned the truck on manually after that I took the key out and proceeded to see if the remote will work, and to my surprised it did, all the buttons work great. For key fob #2 was still not working so I repeated what I did with key fob #1 and then fob #2 started working. It’s been 4 days with new push buttons and they are working great, it’s nice to have working keys again and not having to spend $600 at the dealership for such a simple fix…. Thank you for sharing this video, because it saved me a huge chunk of money….. Robert….

[@DonBrandt]

Wow, Great story. I really glad to hear that you fixed it.

[@PerplexedUc9]

With the buttons u could always run magnet wires as jumper wiring to the board to the button

[@dtaposse8858]

Gotta hate the stealership,great video sir

[@robertbrady8867]

I had a problem with my truck was starting up on its own. The remote start suction cup in my fob came unglued and arching out. I bought a new shell and them cups inside all new and shiz, worked out just fine.

[@robertbrady8867]

Just replace the shell on a regular basis.

[@neilwilliams5814]

Couldn't you just take an eraser and clean the brass contacts and add the new rubber with the 4 new silver looking contacts? Awesome video. Thanks a lot.

[@BoostedRune]

I just took a pocket knife and scraped all the black s*** off the little push button things and now it works like a champ

[@letthenukesfly2311]

2015 Dodge ram key fob did the exact same thing. Definitely a manufacturing defect! I got the same response from NV Carson City Dodge.

[@bladecjizal]

Those Connections are clearly dirty the one that goes to the trunk and the lock you should get a toothbrush in a little bit of alcohol and rub it to them connections are clean and you will not know longer have a problem

[@qpeoples6106]

Thanks man you saved me a bunch of money

[@stevenblanchard303]

What brand after market fob or where did you buy it? Please and thank you!

[@starrjones8175]

Thanks ! great video you know your stuff

[@MrCN173]

Not doubting you but letting folks know both of my factory key fobs have worked flawlessly for 8yr+

[@wb4514]

Figuring out how to split it open is the hardest part ! And you skip right over it.

[@DonBrandt]

Sorry about that..... my problem wasn't the battery. That is the first thing to check however. Good point.

[@penzman]

Remove the metal key from the casing. Flip the casing over, rubber pads facing your palm. Use the tip of the key to pry open the case, opposite to the key slot.

[@RobertMoore-rl5mq]

It's all about the dollar. I bought an 2011 grand Cherokee from Port Jeff jeep with a stock radio. I picked up a touch screen radio (plug n Play) And made the mistake of buying the wiring kit from that dealer. Plugged everything in radio didn't work. Then I went back to jeep and the service guy told me the radio has to be programed to the computer. That's BS. And he says it will be 160$ and no guarantee. OH SO IT'S A SCAM? I went against my better judgment and let him do it. Just as I suspected, didn't work. So I went back to the guy who sold me the radio and told him I want to try his wiring harness from his radio. And sure enough it worked. I went back to jeep and with a room full of customers I told the manager you guys took me for 160$ when you sold me a bad wiring harness and you knew programming the thing wasn't going to work. That was the last time I ever went back to that SHITHOLE. Auto dealers ate the biggest thieves EVER!

[@stevebastin9982]

Buy OEM ones off of eBay you can get them for 35 bucks and have a locksmith program as many as you want for 100 bucks

[@camping_with_tywan]

Where can I buy this new fob?

[@garymandrella7857]

Thanks worked perfectly!

[@TheRubbrdux]

Tnx for the guidance!!

[@iamtheomega]

classic right to repair scenario, like john deere, but hardware instead of software

[@TexasTrained]

I went through the same thing on a 2015 model..

[@IamGantz]

RADIO SHACK?????What the hell is that?

[@tamekasirmans9964]

How I program my key fob to my 2009 Dodge journey

[@gill18az]

for $600 you can get a new auto alarm with key fobs, $199 much cheaper

[@tonyslawncare]

Thank you

[@Dugco71]

Thanks for the help

[@donniedarkko94tm17]

Any new year jeep Chrysler and dodge. You have to have a code to program the new key that code is 80 dlls just the code

[@mitchflores8003]

Thank you, daddy

[@classicrecordings]

Can you say who you purchased your replacements from. TIA

[@DonBrandt]

I picked them up on ebay www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nkw=TWO++NEW+Dodge+Ram+1500+2500+3500+4500+Fobik+Remote+Star+Key+Fob+Keyless+Remote+&_id=301693289260&&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2658

[@classicrecordings]

Thanks

[@jeremysweet3457]

I tell you what, my 2010 Dodge Ram Laramie is a sharp looking truck!! However, it's a polished pile of shit!! On the outside it looks luxurious and fancy, but when you start to pull back layers it gets more and more closer to shit...to include the key fob. Thought I had mine fixed...now as I walk closer to the polished pile of shit the doors automatically unlock without me pressing the button and the windows roll down...which isn't the bad part. They also roll down automatically when I lock the doors and walk away. It's an amazing feeling to walk up to your $60,000 truck and the windows are down during a down pour of rain, after you previously locked the doors and walked away!!! My dealership said the only thing wrong with my truck was the thermostat and drivers side door speaker...but they'd fix those for $600. Anyone else having this problem???

[@juanz101]

I did the same , the contacts go bad not the board

[@husky3g]

I knew about this fix after some light googling, figured it was better than nothing. Eventually, the tape wore out or the tactile domes became misaligned and I started having issues with my crappy FOBIK key again. I called two local locksmiths, one quoted $240 for two new keys and another quoted $385 for two new keys. I said to hell with that. I decided to bite the bullet and using some redneck ingenuity and my Jewish instincts to save money, fixed my keyfob permanently for about $0.15 worth of actual SMD/soldered tactile switches. The rubber domes, in theory, work but are really unreliable because of their basic design. You would think something like that would be less prone to failure but honestly the OEM design is awful. What I did to permanently fix my FOBIK keys - The outer ring is ground, the inner ring is positive - when they short together, it sends a "press" signal to your car. I used some copper jumper wire strand and made a "V" out of it and soldered the bottom of the V to the center dot (positive) contact with the two strands of wire going upwards (toward the panic button). I then put basic packing tape on the top half of the outer/ground ring to insulate the "V" jumper wires from the ground contact ring. I then soldered two of the legs of a 4-pin tactile SMD switch to the bottom half ground ring (outside ring) to stabilize it, then folded the two wires of the V jumper wire across the two opposite legs on the switch and added a tiny bead of solder to hold them to those legs. Did it for each of the 4 buttons on my FOBIK key and it works flawlessly with good feedback. The only caveat is you need to find a tactile switch thin enough to fit inside the rubber/case. One that is too tall will cause the button to be pressed too easily and you'll have your car randomly locking/unlocking all of the time. It's not an easy fix by any means but it's much cheaper than a dealership and will last far longer than even a brand new FOBIK key. It took a little bit of finesse to get the tactile switch centered but in the long run, it is worth it 100%. If you have the knowledge and tools to do this fix on your crappy FOBIK fob, I 100% recommend it, as it will save you so much headache.

[@raymondherbert3960]

VERY VERY GOOD.

[@timfrancis6774]

Don I am working with a 2014 ram that has same problem as you show but I have questions what did you use to clean the circuit board cause the 1 am working on

[@TheRealScooterGuy]

Electronics manufacturers use isopropyl alcohol. I buy it at my local grocery store. You want the stuff that is 91% alcohol, not the 70% alcohol version. It's a couple of bucks for a small bottle. Use a new cotton swab to apply it. Read the warnings on the bottle; and close the lid as this stuff evaporates pretty quickly.

[@Prough]

Useful !

[@cumminsdiesel5379]

Under my extended warranty key replacement is covered for 6 years

[@DonBrandt]

how much was the ext warr on that diesel Cummings?

[@Josue-rd5gt]

Planned Obsolescence

[@elray2446]

It's the American way. They want more money. That what the world is all about.

[@stevebastin9982]

You have drugs out way too long and made it way too complicated just buy OEM ones off of eBay find the cheapest ones you can find brand new and call a locksmith who will program as many as you have for 100 bucks could cost you $200 and you have brand new keys not 600

[@hehirodi]

Too much talk Wich makes no sense

[@baisnipescyr1539]

Hi I had the same problem on my 2013. Here’s a video of my experience kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZrQeZuCadSoaq8

[@martinspisak8013]

Dude - I like your analytical skills, ingenuity, and attitude!! Good job.

[@DonBrandt]

Thank you for watching and commenting! I hope the video is useful. -cheers don

[@erichdavis9998]

Planned obsolescence is a business strategy. They make products meant to fail so that you have to pay an arm and a leg for a fix.

[@DonBrandt]

ikr... hope i can help people with this video

[@erichdavis9998]

I got a new fob for my mother yesterday. It looks a lot like the one you got to replace yours, but it doesn't seem to want to work. I'm thinking of trying a new battery, maybe that with the new contacts cover should do the trick.

[@aarongreen39]

Yeah this is sad because it's a universal truth, meaning almost all products for anything and everything are sold to fail.

[@ryuken338]

And now you know why Toyota has overtaken all of the American car makers.

[@STONEZDAWG]

Used this to fix my fob for a 2016 Dodge Caravan. Very helpful! Thank you! Love saving money and not giving it to the dealership

[@casperaudi7476]

You didn’t show anything just talk thru the whole wasted video

[@shanewasson7608]

shut up

[@waltergibson4624]

A #2 pencil eraser makes an excellent electric contact cleaner. No liquids to gum things up later.

[@markbridge3012]

Thank You Don! Just saved me $360. Fixed for $0 The fob on my 2011 Ram 1500 was doing weird things, like when I locked the doors the windows would partially open and the unlock was intermittent. Usually, when things go wonky the battery needs replacement, so I replaced it. Now the unlock wouldn't work at all. WTF? So I took off the rubber pad. There was a glob of dirt which I dumped out onto my workbench and I proceeded to clean the contacts on the circuit board. Reassembled it and.......nothing works! Then I watched your video and the light came on. Thankfully, I hadn't had time to throw the glob of dirt in the garbage. When I studied it more carefully, I found it was three very dirty little metal discs stuck together. A few minutes with contact cleaner and emery cloth got them all cleaned up. A last cleaning of the discs and rubber keypad with alcohol and I glued them back in place with Lepage's Repair Gel. After a couple of hours for the glue to set, I reassembled it and Voila! - everything works perfectly. Time will tell if the glue holds up, but at least I now know what the problem is and how to fix it for free.

[@disasterreadydepot]

I had the same problem, dealer were charging too much for a piece of plastic and programming. So I did some research bought key two new fob’s online...call my local LOCK SMITH and they programmed the new fob’s for the fraction of the cost..and they have been working great for several years now. TIP: Call your local lock smith and see if they can program key fob’s.

[@barbietaylor936]

This was very helpful because I had no clue how to change the battery and I thought I might break the thing. Thanks for the video!!

[@DonBrandt]

Barbie Taylor thank you for watching my video and commenting ... I'm very happy it was helpful and have a great day...

[@GuardYourFlanks]

Ordered the part but I found a fix in the meantime. Those metal circles I bent just slightly with needle nose pliers. They now make a full connection completing the circuit to allow the buttons to work again. They are a bit more stiff now.

[@jerryhenry662]

i started having key problems too with dodge ram same prices were given to me by dealer bottom line i'm through with dodge

[@laylow360]

Yeah 360$ for a new key is ridiculous! I ordered one thru eBay and went to a local key programmer and paid 50$ plus 30$ and good to go for now

[@dandancourt9002]

laylow360 please can you sent me the name of your programmer? I have the same problem with my key

[@topdollarmobile7460]

just bought a ram truck and had a problem where lock and unlock wouldnt work and the buttons werent pressing as the contacts had gotten loose inside. I had a couple of these keys laying around from a 2012 grand caravan. (my truck is a 2011 ram 1500). Anyway I swapped the face over and im gonna see if this fixed it tomorrow when I go to pick it up. What I do know is the buttons are now clicking.

[@summergain]

One of my fobs went thru the laundry, the other got soaked in my pocket during a rainstorm. They both will start the van but none of the buttons work. So i just had a seperate key cut and open the door with that. Before the rainstorm, i had replaced the plastic shell and rubber cover a few times because just the slightest touch or bump could lock or unlock the doors. Like sliding the fob into my pocket could operate the locks 5 or 6 times. Walking to or from the van could have the locks operating. So i just leave the fob hidden in the debris inside the van and use the key. Not convenient, but better than leaving the van unlocked unknowingly. And now that it has 184000 miles on it and it is a rolling environmental disaster there is no point in waisting anymore money on it.

[@JamesDoylesGarage]

Planed obsolescence. Always blow away by how many people don't fully get that everything a auto manufacturer does is to make his dealers money.

[@TravelAboveMe]

Well done Don, I noticed my switch buttons failed as well. This is a clever and much cheaper fix for anyone willing to spend 10 minutes to understand your point. Thanks!