Replacement Keyfob options?

[copekyle]

I drive a 2019 Ram 1500 limited. My work truck is a 2022 F150. The F150 let's me remote start from an App without a monthly subscription. I can't justify paying for the Ram subscription just for remote start. I can build something that can hack together a ram keyfob and "press" the remote start button and add it to my cellular plan for only the monthly cost of data used (less than $1 a month). The plan for my device would be to completely disconnect the battery from the fob until I need to trigger the remote start button. I could also gain access to the unlock/lock buttons this way. So here's my question:

Is there a "cheaper" keyfob option than the $300 one that's associated with my VIN number when I call the dealership. (then a $100 programming fee). I imagine the "limited" truck has a fancier keyfob than just the "classic" ram 1500 but I'm just not sure if they can be programmed. The people at my dealership are clueless in general but also didn't have an answer to this question.

 

[vincentw56]

They are all over eBay and Amazon. You will still have to have it programmed. I have found that these knock offs aren't as good as the factory one, but that's normal for most of things. The ones I have don't allow me to use passive entry consistently.

 

[Darksteel165]

The Limited fob just says Limited on the back.

The other fobs depend on what features you have.

You can have a Laramie with the same options a Limited does (as far as the keyfob is concerned)

I believe around $40 gets you a replacement fob, would still need to be programmed.
I wonder if you can do it with Alfaobd since we see so many of the trucks getting stolen with counterfeit fobs.

 

[vincentw56]

The Limited fob just says Limited on the back.

The other fobs depend on what features you have.

You can have a Laramie with the same options a Limited does (as far as the keyfob is concerned)

I believe around $40 gets you a replacement fob, would still need to be programmed.
I wonder if you can do it with Alfaobd since we see so many of the trucks getting stolen with counterfeit fobs.

No, you can't with AlfaODB. You have to be able to read the security pass code from the RF module.

 

[copekyle]

Thanks for the replies! If I'm understanding correctly, I should be able to purchase and program something like this even though it doesn't have all the same "features" as my truck? (obviously missing tailgate, passive entry, air suspension). I only actually need the remote start button.

 

[Darksteel165]

Thanks for the replies! If I'm understanding correctly, I should be able to purchase and program something like this even though it doesn't have all the same "features" as my truck? (obviously missing tailgate, passive entry, air suspension). I only actually need the remote start button.

View attachment 150535

If it has the right frequency.
That one you linked is not for 5th Gen rams so I would say it's unlikely it would work but without seeing if the frequency is the same no way to tell.
5th Gen are 2019-2023 only. That listing is for a 4th Gen or "classic" builds.

 

[copekyle]

Gotcha. Can you tell me what frequency I'm looking for?

 

[bigdodge]

Gotcha. Can you tell me what frequency I'm looking for?

2022 Dodge Ram Truck Smart Key Remote Proxy Keyfob 68291687AE GQ4-76T

Part #: 68291687AE 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 Smart Remote Key Fob - Aftermarket. New aftermarket 2022 Dodge RAM Truck Smart Keyless Entry Remote Key. Buy 2022 Do

www.carandtruckremotes.com

not recommending just for frequency
page down a little

 

[skyhawk42]

I bought a fob on eBay just to add the tailgate function. Cost was around$30. As far as functionality it’s as good as my other fobs, but lacks the ram logo on the back and the icons are starting to wear on the buttons. But for using it for a project like you are saying it would be ideal. I have a programmer for this so it was a low cost upgrade to me. What kind of interface are you going to use for the cellular signal to trigger the remote? I was considering something similar using a particle electron board and relays, but never got around to actually doing it

 

[Jako]

I drive a 2019 Ram 1500 limited. My work truck is a 2022 F150. The F150 let's me remote start from an App without a monthly subscription. I can't justify paying for the Ram subscription just for remote start. I can build something that can hack together a ram keyfob and "press" the remote start button and add it to my cellular plan for only the monthly cost of data used (less than $1 a month). The plan for my device would be to completely disconnect the battery from the fob until I need to trigger the remote start button. I could also gain access to the unlock/lock buttons this way. So here's my question:

Is there a "cheaper" keyfob option than the $300 one that's associated with my VIN number when I call the dealership. (then a $100 programming fee). I imagine the "limited" truck has a fancier keyfob than just the "classic" ram 1500 but I'm just not sure if they can be programmed. The people at my dealership are clueless in general but also didn't have an answer to this question.

Two local locksmiths can't program my ebay FOB ($41), but I do have one that specializes in cars and trucks. The cost is $250 for the programming. Anyone know of better pricing for the programming particularly in the NY/NJ area?

 

[copekyle]

I bought a fob on eBay just to add the tailgate function. Cost was around$30. As far as functionality it’s as good as my other fobs, but lacks the ram logo on the back and the icons are starting to wear on the buttons. But for using it for a project like you are saying it would be ideal. I have a programmer for this so it was a low cost upgrade to me. What kind of interface are you going to use for the cellular signal to trigger the remote? I was considering something similar using a particle electron board and relays, but never got around to actually doing it

Looking at using an ESP32 device and triggering buttons and then monitoring a 12V signal that is only on while the truck is running. This would give me a small amount of feedback that the truck started successfully. I'm sure I can get more technical feedback but I want proof of concept first. I'll program wifi networks first (My home and work) and then I'll move to the cellular connection using this:

Easiest Way to Add Cellular to an ESP32 IoT Project | Blues Wireless

Learn how to add affordable prepaid cellular to an ESP32-based IoT solution. Read more...

blues.io

 

[FLiPMaRC]

How many key fobs can be programmed to the same truck at the same time? My Pathfinder has a limit of 3.

 

[skyhawk42]

Looking at using an ESP32 device and triggering buttons and then monitoring a 12V signal that is only on while the truck is running. This would give me a small amount of feedback that the truck started successfully. I'm sure I can get more technical feedback but I want proof of concept first. I'll program wifi networks first (My home and work) and then I'll move to the cellular connection using this:

Easiest Way to Add Cellular to an ESP32 IoT Project | Blues Wireless

Learn how to add affordable prepaid cellular to an ESP32-based IoT solution. Read more...

blues.io

Keep me posted if you get that running. I’ve been looking for a free cellular solution since the range on the remote isn’t ideal for starting from the office to the parking lot and I’m just too cheap to pay for the factory app