Lost a Key Fob

[sep1006]

Bottom line is I lost a key fob ( at home somewhere ) and for the life of me can't find it. So anyway, is there a cheaper alternative than going through the stealer.

 

[bigdodge]

Bottom line is I lost a key fob ( at home somewhere ) and for the life of me can't find it. So anyway, is there a cheaper alternative than going through the stealer.

do a google search-replacement key fob 2021 ram 1500

lots of options

but if you do not have some kind of security, you risk the fob being found by the wrong person and driving off with your truck

 

[vincentw56]

Bottom line is I lost a key fob ( at home somewhere ) and for the life of me can't find it. So anyway, is there a cheaper alternative than going through the stealer.

There are cheaper alternatives, with most being lower quality. You will still need to have it programmed, but any locksmith should be able to do it for cheap.

 

[sep1006]

Yeh I have a nephew who has a contact at the dealer that can get me one for just under $200. Probably going to just go that route and be safe. Have to take the truck in for the 30k service here shortly anyway.

 

[HSKR R/T]

I'm using a cheaper $40 eBay fob I bought to get the tailgate release button on fob. Had it programmed by local lock smith. Total price was still under the $200 you were quoted by dealer

 

[CatServant]

Once you find/replace it, put a Bluetooth tag on it. I use my AirPods Pro 2 case, which doubles as essentially an AirTag.

 

[Jako]

There are cheaper alternatives, with most being lower quality. You will still need to have it programmed, but any locksmith should be able to do it for cheap.

2 local locksmiths could not program an ebay FOB, needed to go to a car locksmith that specializes in car key FOBs.

 

[skyhawk42]

There are programmers you can buy to do it yourself. The one I bought was around $400, and now I’m told there is another one for about $200, but I have not used it yet to verify.

 

[6of36]

There are programmers you can buy to do it yourself. The one I bought was around $400, and now I’m told there is another one for about $200, but I have not used it yet to verify.

To program a Ram, or any other Stellantis product? I haven't heard of any that will, but there very well could be. They are different than pretty much any manufacturer.

 

[Jako]

There are programmers you can buy to do it yourself. The one I bought was around $400, and now I’m told there is another one for about $200, but I have not used it yet to verify.

Do you have a link to the programmer?

 

[skyhawk42]

TOPDON T-Ninja 1000 OBD Automotive Key Programmer. This is the one I have and can verify it does work.
VVDI MINI OBD Tool for Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Max I’m told this will work with their app as a stand alone, but I don’t have any hands on experience with it so I can’t verify if it does or not

 

[Smethyss]

I had to deal with the same thing a few months ago. Dealer wanted a fortune, but a local locksmith saved me a bunch. I used thelockdoc.ca—they came to me, cut and programmed the new fob on the spot, and even erased the old one from the system so it couldn’t be used again. Way faster and cheaper than going through the dealership.

 

[HSKR R/T]

I see it's been a while since you’ve posted, but I just wanted to ask—did you ever end up getting a replacement fob, and if so, did you go through the dealer or try a locksmith? I’ve been wondering how cheaper third-party fobs hold up long-term and if programming them was straightforward. Might help others looking into the same issue now.

I bought a cheap $40 eBay fob, in order to get remote tailgate release. Had it programmed by local lock smith. Programmed fine and works, mostly. I had to trim my AJT case some to get it to work right, and not sure if it's the AJT case or the fob itself, but every now and then he truck won't recognize the fob for starting. Even though I can still lock/unlock the doors and open tailgate. But opening the case and resetting the battery brings it back. I carry the Allen wrench for the AJT case in the truck for this purpose. I can still start truck by pushing the fob against the start button though

 

[StuartV]

I just wanted another key fob. I bought a $40 one on eBay. I paid a local locksmith $80 and they both cut the valet key for me that is inside the fob AND programmed it to work with my truck.

I have been using that cheap fob as my "every day" fob, in order to "save" my factory fobs, for over 2 years. I think I did put a new battery in it at one point. Otherwise, still works perfectly fine.

Sadly, I realized a couple of days ago, that I seem to have ... misplaced one of my factory key fobs now. Glad I have the cheap one so I still have a total of 2!