5thGenRams Forums

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Upgrading to to a key fob that has tail gate release?

skid_valve

Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2025
Messages
11
Reaction score
12
Points
3
Age
23
Location
Daytona Florida
I just bought a 2021 big horn and it only came with one key fob, a beat up one at that. I already got a aje case for it but id like to have a second factory key fob, now the key fob i have is only lock, unlock, remote start, and panic. But my tailgate itself seems to be electric with the handle being a button instead of a lever and it slowly lowering itself down if i let go instead of slamming.

So my question is if I get a key fob with the tail gate release button as well and have a lock smith program the key to my truck will the tailgate release button work?? I looked around the forum first before asking but i didn't seem to find an answer.

Thanks -skid_valve
IMG_2227.jpeg
 
I just bought a 2021 big horn and it only came with one key fob, a beat up one at that. I already got a aje case for it but id like to have a second factory key fob, now the key fob i have is only lock, unlock, remote start, and panic. But my tailgate itself seems to be electric with the handle being a button instead of a lever and it slowly lowering itself down if i let go instead of slamming.

So my question is if I get a key fob with the tail gate release button as well and have a lock smith program the key to my truck will the tailgate release button work?? I looked around the forum first before asking but i didn't seem to find an answer.

Thanks -skid_valve
View attachment 199302
Yes, mine did. I have a 2020 BH.
 
The latch is electric release, the tailgate is lowering slowly due to an internal shock behind the passenger side taillight. (at least it is on the HD's).

Some that are handy with precision soldering have just added a micro switch to the remotes. JScan can also program FOB's now. I don't have the link for the 5th gen 1500 FOB (they're different than HD) but the ebay seller I got mine from is nasse_4407
 
The latch is electric release, the tailgate is lowering slowly due to an internal shock behind the passenger side taillight. (at least it is on the HD's).

Some that are handy with precision soldering have just added a micro switch to the remotes. JScan can also program FOB's now. I don't have the link for the 5th gen 1500 FOB (they're different than HD) but the ebay seller I got mine from is nasse_4407
Thanks I just acquired alpha obd I already got a key fob and I have a local lock smith coming to program it and cut me a key for another project vehicle I have so I think I’m set!
 
I'm jumping in real quick here as a new member. Instead of opening a new thread.

I just purchased a 2024 Ram 2500 tradesman with the Power Wagon package. I purchased the OEM gas piston or whatever you call it and install it so the tailgate lowers super buttery smooth now. I only have the three buttons on my key fob currently. Lock, unlock, and panic.

I understand that they don't make key fobs that would only have the tailgate release button on it and that the key fobs are five buttons and also come with remote start.

The two questions I have are:

1) Does somebody have a link to an oem brand new key fob that I could purchase and I could just take that to the dealership to have them program it? Would they ask questions as to why I am bringing them the "incorrect key fob"? Or would it be easier to just buy a programmer myself? And if I do that, does anyone have a link to that programmer?

2) Would the remote start work or would I need to have some sort of additional stuff added to the truck? I don't really care about remote start but if there is a way to do this and it is not super expensive then I would elect to have that as well but I am more interested in getting the remote tailgate release button to function correctly so that when my hands are full I can easily open the tailgate up ahead of time.

I am about 1.5 hours directly west of Chicago if that helps any regarding local locksmiths that could do it instead of the dealership as well.
 
I'm jumping in real quick here as a new member. Instead of opening a new thread.

I just purchased a 2024 Ram 2500 tradesman with the Power Wagon package. I purchased the OEM gas piston or whatever you call it and install it so the tailgate lowers super buttery smooth now. I only have the three buttons on my key fob currently. Lock, unlock, and panic.

I understand that they don't make key fobs that would only have the tailgate release button on it and that the key fobs are five buttons and also come with remote start.

The two questions I have are:

1) Does somebody have a link to an oem brand new key fob that I could purchase and I could just take that to the dealership to have them program it? Would they ask questions as to why I am bringing them the "incorrect key fob"? Or would it be easier to just buy a programmer myself? And if I do that, does anyone have a link to that programmer?

2) Would the remote start work or would I need to have some sort of additional stuff added to the truck? I don't really care about remote start but if there is a way to do this and it is not super expensive then I would elect to have that as well but I am more interested in getting the remote tailgate release button to function correctly so that when my hands are full I can easily open the tailgate up ahead of time.

I am about 1.5 hours directly west of Chicago if that helps any regarding local locksmiths that could do it instead of the dealership as well.
You can use JScan to program the key. Or a locksmith.

But you might have better luck in the Homepage - HD Rams forum. This is the 5th Gen 1500 Rams site.
 
I apologize, I thought my truck was a 5th gen which is why I posted it here. Gosh darn it now I feel like an idiot LOL I'm not used to these newer trucks. I had an older 2012 Ram 1500 for the last 13 years so having a heavy duty truck off-roader I am now trying to figure out ways to make it better LOL
 
We have a post on hdrams.com with the link to known working ebay sourced keyfobs.

Also look at the AlfaOBD thread for the parts needed. You would use JSCan for FOB programming, but the AlfaOBD sticky has the correct bypass (KAOdTECH), recommended OBD reader (vLinker MC+) and other info more relevant to the HD platform.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top