Key Fob Not Detected.....but....it's in my pocket!

[ForTehNguyen]

When you had the issue, was it every single time you tried starting the truck or was it random? Sometime I can start it up fine without issue and sometimes I get the not detected message but it'll work after the third or fourth try occasionally I have to put the fob right by the start button to use the passive RFID. I still think its the bulb because I have never had a single issue until installing it, but there is pretty random.

was maybe like 80% had to put fob near the ignition button to get it to start, 20% works fine

 

[Ludicrous_Speed]

These things can be very sensitive to interference from a number of sources. I've had no issues so far, though I've only had the truck fo a couple weeks.

That said, I do have a KTM with a fob and its normally fine, but I stop at a gas station or in a parking lot with a bunch of other vehicles, fails to detect quite often. I have a BMW (bike) with a fob as well, have had no such issues with it. This leads me to believe that antenna and fob signal strength play a roll.

Of note, if I carry my phone in the same side of my jacket as the key fob, noticeably more issues.

 

[RamLarryme]

My only issue with the FOB has been cell phone and FOB in the same pocket. Almost guaranteed to have an issue. Not sure why it's easily interfered with, but that's an easy fix with more than 1 pocket.

 

[nlindste]

I have been having an issue with either key being in my right pocket (not both), I will have my truck started, my wife will put my daughter in her car seat and then climb in the passenger seat and will get on the dash keyfob not found.

At least I was able to have dealership duplicate the problem, RAM is making them replace the key fob because they found corrosion, even though the problem happens with both keys and happens after the truck is already started.

 

[barr0208]

You will never get stranded with this. You can take the battery completely out, and have the key in two halves, and if you push the start button with the key it will always work.

Possible problem: I've had this with a old gen too. If your key is left too close to the truck or inside of the truck, it will "lock" the key so no one can take your truck. If you want to test this next time it pops up that it isn't detected, take the key about 100 feet away and come back. If it works then, then that is the issue.

But the obvious first, battery and proximity sensors. But 99% of the time if it's the battery in the fob, you'll get a message in the gauge display saying key fob battery low.

no that's not correct I had the same problem used my uconnect emergency they told me about the key fob to the star button it did not work tried several times .I was only a few blocks from my place walked home changed the battery also brought my second remote it wouldn't start . called for a tow while waiting for the tow truck I tried again and it worked . I think it is something acting up on the receiver end not the transmitter. to add to this the wife has a 2019 jeep Cherokee it had the same issue same results .there is something finicky with the receiver in the dash.

 

[RamCares]

I have been having an issue with either key being in my right pocket (not both), I will have my truck started, my wife will put my daughter in her car seat and then climb in the passenger seat and will get on the dash keyfob not found.

At least I was able to have dealership duplicate the problem, RAM is making them replace the key fob because they found corrosion, even though the problem happens with both keys and happens after the truck is already started.

Hi nlindste.
We are glad to hear the dealer is helping you with your concern! If you need any additional assistance in the future, do not hesitate to reach out through private message!
Laura
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[The_Chemist]

i had key fob interference when i put in a new red LED for the high mount brake light. Found a new LED that said it doesnt cause radio interference and it works fine now. Just another thing to check

Do you remember what LED you bought that did not interfere?

My key fob also has an intermittent "key fob not detected" issue.

It's doing it now more than ever. I changed all 3 incandescent bulbs in the 3rd brake light housing when I first got the truck a year ago. The LED never appeared to interfere before, but now I have the problem most every time.

Everything else works fine (lock, unlock, proximity, remote start). Only the pushbutton start exhibits the issue. If I press ok on the steering wheel buttons and try again, it'll work fine.

I checked key fob battery voltage and came up with 3.024 volts.

I want to try a known non-interfering LED 3rd brake light bulb and see if that cures the issue, before I resort to getting the dealer involved.

I've been through hell and back with this truck in the first year of ownership.

Thanks!

 

[Neurobit]

Do you remember what LED you bought that did not interfere?

My key fob also has an intermittent "key fob not detected" issue.

It's doing it now more than ever. I changed all 3 incandescent bulbs in the 3rd brake light housing when I first got the truck a year ago. The LED never appeared to interfere before, but now I have the problem most every time.

Everything else works fine (lock, unlock, proximity, remote start). Only the pushbutton start exhibits the issue. If I press ok on the steering wheel buttons and try again, it'll work fine.

I checked key fob battery voltage and came up with 3.024 volts.

I want to try a known non-interfering LED 3rd brake light bulb and see if that cures the issue, before I resort to getting the dealer involved.

I've been through hell and back with this truck in the first year of ownership.

Thanks!

Try Diode Dynamics. Since I switched to them from the cheapo Chinese LEDs I initially got at AMZ, I’ve had no more issues.
They cost a little bit more but they are made in Missouri and as they say, you get what you pay for.

Cheers,

 

[The_Chemist]

Try Diode Dynamics. Since I switched to them from the cheapo Chinese LEDs I initially got at AMZ, I’ve had no more issues.
They cost a little bit more but they are made in Missouri and as they say, you get what you pay for.

Cheers,

Thanks so much for a quick reply. I'll try Diode Dynamics and hopefully that will solve the issue.

 

[ForTehNguyen]

Do you remember what LED you bought that did not interfere?

the red LED in the original post, no issues since

Key Fobs and LED interference

Some people here including me have had issues with the truck detecting the keyfob after installing LEDs, namely the high mounted ones for the 3rd brake light and cargo lights. Especially the brake light because it will have to be on for you to start the car when you press the brake pedal. What...

5thgenrams.com

 

[tal822]

If you keep your keys in the same place you keep your cell phone, that could be the cause of your problem. The two signals can sometimes interfere with one another.

 

[Gman]

I always keep my phone in a pocket dedicated to just the phone, so I've never encountered that. I did have a problem with 2 proximity keys in the same pocket from 2 different mfrs. (although never with my Ram). My Hyundai proximity key always worked. My Mercedes Benz would get confused and act like there was no key. Then again, it would often get confused with only the correct proximity key. I've really not had any issues with the Ram (and I've had 2 different 3rd brake LEDs and cargo LEDs). Even leaving the vehicle running and getting out to get the mail and coming back automatically resolves itself.

 

[Rob5589]

If you keep your keys in the same place you keep your cell phone, that could be the cause of your problem. The two signals can sometimes interfere with one another.

Happened to me once; phone and fob in same pocket, wouldn't unlock. Haven't done bit since, hasn't happened again.

 

[The_Chemist]

Try Diode Dynamics. Since I switched to them from the cheapo Chinese LEDs I initially got at AMZ, I’ve had no more issues.
They cost a little bit more but they are made in Missouri and as they say, you get what you pay for

Try Diode Dynamics. Since I switched to them from the cheapo Chinese LEDs I initially got at AMZ, I’ve had no more issues.
They cost a little bit more but they are made in Missouri and as they say, you get what you pay for.

Cheers,

Sorry to be a pain, but I have another question.

Do you remember what exact model you purchased from Diode Dynamics?

I sent them an email asking about the 921 XP50 $45. They replied very fast stating that they do not recommend that LED for a 3rd brake light. They said the red lens on the truck may filter the light and make it appear pink.

The one they did recommend was a 194 HP5 LED at S10. But the gentleman I corresponded with said it may throw errors in a Ram, so they recommend inline resistors to use with it.

I did order that setup, but was wondering what model you are using that you know works?

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Neurobit]

Sorry to be a pain, but I have another question.

Do you remember what exact model you purchased from Diode Dynamics?

I sent them an email asking about the 921 XP50 $45. They replied very fast stating that they do not recommend that LED for a 3rd brake light. They said the red lens on the truck may filter the light and make it appear pink.

The one they did recommend was a 194 HP5 LED at S10. But the gentleman I corresponded with said it may throw errors in a Ram, so they recommend inline resistors to use with it.

I did order that setup, but was wondering what model you are using that you know works?

Thanks for all the help.

This are the bulbs I ordered from them:

 

[The_Chemist]

This are the bulbs I ordered from them:

View attachment 39737

Thanks a lot for all the extra trouble you went to posting the screenshot.

I ordered the HP5 3rd brake light. Obviously it works for you without an inline resistor. When i spoke to Diode Dynamics on the phone they expected that I would need an inline resistor to keep the LED from throwing error codes in the Ram.

The gentleman to whom I spoke stated that Ram is the worst brand for them to deal with as far as error codes. He said that Ram is worse than all the European brands combined.

I also installed a new battery in my key fob. Since then, I have not run into the "key fob not detected" error. I find that strange since the voltage in the original battery was 3.024 volts. The battery that I purchases is a Duracell brand. Its voltage is 3.204. It's hard to believe that just 0.204 volts could cause an issue. I would think that since the old battery was still above 3 volts that it would have worked flawlessly. The only function that didn't work was starting the vehicle with the key fob inside the vehicle with the push button. All remote functions worked really far away.

 

[Neurobit]

Thanks a lot for all the extra trouble you went to posting the screenshot.

I ordered the HP5 3rd brake light. Obviously it works for you without an inline resistor. When i spoke to Diode Dynamics on the phone they expected that I would need an inline resistor to keep the LED from throwing error codes in the Ram.

The gentleman to whom I spoke stated that Ram is the worst brand for them to deal with as far as error codes. He said that Ram is worse than all the European brands combined.

I also installed a new battery in my key fob. Since then, I have not run into the "key fob not detected" error. I find that strange since the voltage in the original battery was 3.024 volts. The battery that I purchases is a Duracell brand. Its voltage is 3.204. It's hard to believe that just 0.204 volts could cause an issue. I would think that since the old battery was still above 3 volts that it would have worked flawlessly. The only function that didn't work was starting the vehicle with the key fob inside the vehicle with the push button. All remote functions worked really far away.

Glad to hear. Yeah, I‘ve zero issues with these bulbs as far as needing resistors, etc. I just plugged them in and they worked fine. Before with the cheap Chinese junk from Amz, my truck consistently failed to detect the fob in my pocket inside the truck.

You do get what you pay for in this case, and I love supporting american businesses when I can.

Cheers,

 

[Gman]

I used LEDs I found on Amazon and have no error codes or key fob issues. The bulbs did show they were compatible with the RAM and compatible with CANBUS without any resistors or other wiring changes. Your mileage may vary.

 

[The_Chemist]

Glad to hear. Yeah, I‘ve zero issues with these bulbs as far as needing resistors, etc. I just plugged them in and they worked fine. Before with the cheap Chinese junk from Amz, my truck consistently failed to detect the fob in my pocket inside the truck.

You do get what you pay for in this case, and I love supporting american businesses when I can.

Cheers,

I have to retract my "new battery in the key fob solved the issue" statement. It did not.

I went to leave for work this morning and there it was: "key fob not detected". For 2 days after changing the fob battery it worked every time. Oh well....

Well, the Diode Dynamics LED is ordered. Hopefully that will fix it.

 

[Camr]

So I’m thinking ( my wife says it doesn’t happen that often!) that if the manufacturer has equipped the vehicle with LED’s throughout the entire vehicle, but left the centre brake light with incandescent bulbs, there must be a reason. I’m betting that tests indicated that the centre brake light equipped with LED’s caused interference issues with at least a few builds.