You’re in the middle of a busy day, you hit the button on your Dodge Ram key fob, and—nothing.
And then you’re stuck there trying to figure out a way in.
Before you toss it out of frustration or go on foot, let me help you find out what’s up with your fob and get you back behind the wheel.
Let’s get started.
Why Is Your Dodge Ram 1500 Key Fob Not Working?
The main reason your fob stops working is because of battery contact issues. It can also be a dead battery, debris inside, software glitches, safety locks or just a straight-up worn-down fob.
Let me explain these reasons in more detail so it’s easier for you to pinpoint the exact cause.
1. Bad Battery
The Ram 1500 key fob uses a small coin cell battery to send signals to the truck. When this battery loses charge, the fob can’t communicate effectively with the vehicle.
This happens as the battery weakens over time, especially in extreme temperatures. You’ll notice the fob losing range or needing multiple button presses. Eventually, the fob becomes unresponsive.
2. Poor Battery Contacts
Inside the Ram 1500 key fob, metal contacts connect the battery to the circuit board. If these contacts become bent or corroded, the fob loses its connection.
Applying pressure to the rubber buttons can push the circuit board against the battery, flattening the contacts. When the rubber retracts, the connection fails, causing the fob to stop working randomly.
3. Debris Inside the Remote
Lint, dust, and other debris can accumulate inside the key fob, especially if you carry it in pockets. This build up blocks the buttons from making proper contact with the circuit board, causing the fob to be unresponsive or send incorrect signals.
4. Software Problems with the Wireless Ignition Node
The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) in older Ram 1500 models relies on a steady connection with the key fob. If the battery gets too low, the fob can lose its programming, causing the truck to not recognize it.
This leads to problems starting the engine or unlocking the doors. This tends to happen most in 2010 Dodge Ram 1500s.
5. Worn-Out Fob Buttons
Frequent use wears out the buttons on the Ram 1500 key fob. Over time, the rubber loses elasticity, causing buttons to stick or not pop back up. This makes the fob send continuous signals, draining the battery and making the truck unresponsive.
6. Activation of Safety Mechanisms
Certain actions can trigger a safety mechanism that disables the key fob. If your Ram is running and you open doors, press specific controls or even do some cleaning work, it might engage a security feature and as a result, the truck stops responding to the key fob.
How To Fix A Dodge Ram Key Fob That’s Not Working?
To fix the key fob of your Ram 1500, you can either use compressed air or a soft brush to clear out any debris, get a new battery, adjust your battery contacts, fix the programming on the WIN or deactivate the truck’s safety system.
1. Get A Fob Battery Replacement
- Buy a CR2450 battery and a small screwdriver.
- Grab your Ram 1500 key fob.
- Press the button to remove the key.
- Pry open the fob with the screwdriver.
- Take off the cover to reveal the battery.
- Use the screwdriver to pop out the old battery.
- Insert the new battery with the plus side up.
- Snap the cover back on securely.
- Reinsert the key into the fob.
- Check everything is secure, and you’re done!
By the way, you’ll need to reprogram your Ram 1500 key fob after changing the battery to make the truck properly recognize it.
2. Fix Your Battery Contacts
- Gather a small screwdriver and a clean cloth.
- Use the screwdriver to carefully pry open the fob case.
- Remove the circuit board gently from the case.
- Check the battery and contacts for damage or corrosion.
- Locate the four prongs that touch the battery.
- Bend the prongs slightly upward for better contact.
- Place the circuit board back into the case.
- Ensure the prongs properly touch the battery.
- Snap the case back together securely.
- Test the remote by pressing the buttons to confirm it works.
3. Reprogram The WIN
These steps are directly from the 08-010-10 TSB.
- Open the wiTECH Diagnostic Application.
- Check if the WIN module is made by Marquardt.
- Go to the Reports tab and run the ECU Details report.
- Find the WIN section and check the supplier ID.
- If it’s Marquardt, check the WIN software version.
- If the version is below 10.02.01, proceed to flash the WIN.
- Use the wiTECH app for flashing and follow the Help tab instructions if needed.
- Restart the flash if interrupted.
- Clear any new DTCs and ensure everything’s working properly.
4. Reset Safety Mechanisms
- Unlock the truck door manually to get inside.
- Flip on the hazard lights to alert the system.
- Press and hold the lock button on your fob for 5 seconds.
- Slot the fob into the ignition.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position.
- Press the unlock button on the fob in the ignition.
- Listen for the doors unlocking.
- Switch off the ignition and remove the fob.
- Turn off the hazard lights to prevent battery drain.
- Ensure all doors are unlocked and everything is in place.
Final Thoughts
There you go, you can now go back to unlocking your Ram 1500 extra conveniently without anything getting in the way.
If none of the fixes work, it’s probably just that the buttons themselves are broken. Just get a full replacement instead, you’re going to be paying a lot less than what you pay for gas.
