Lost Car Keys Replacement

All You Need to Know about Car Keys, Programming and more

Dodge Ram Lost Car Key Replacement

All the Information You Need to Get a New Dodge Ram Key. Tips, Costs, Your Options, and More.

Your options to get a key replacement

Table of Contents

Introduction:

Coding machine used by a locksmith for Dodge chip keys

Dodge Ram was introduced in 1981. This model has six versions (Dodge Ram w/Prox; Dodge Ram 1500 (Ram 1500 Sport, Ram 1500 TRX4, Ram 1500 ST, Ram 1500 Laramie); Dodge Ram 2500 (Ram 2500 ST, Ram 2500 Sport, Ram 2500 Laramie, Ram 2500 Power Wagon, Ram 2500 SLT, Ram 2500 TRX4); Dodge Ram 3500 (Ram 3500 Sport, Ram 3500 Laramie, Ram 3500 ST, Ram 3500 SLT); Dodge Ram Charger; Dodge Ram/Quad Cab, SRT 10) and twelve types of keys.

Remote key fobs: 2009 to 2024.

Transponder chip keys: 2002 to 2010.

Non-transponder keys: 1981 to 2008.

Please keep in mind that while some keys or key fobs may look the same, they have different capabilities/frequencies/keyways. Therefore, having the right key or key fob is essential.

Already have your key? Need information to guide you through programming your Dodge Ram key fob or transponder key? 

Dodge Ram w/Prox:

2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024: (OHT-4882056)

2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Dodge Ram remote key fob replacement (OHT-4882056)

2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018: (GQ4-54T)

https://lost-car-keys-replacement.com/chrysler/chrysler-remote-key-cq4-54t/

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012: (IYZ-C01C)

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 Dodge Ram remote key fob replacement (IYZ-C01C)

Dodge Ram w/o Prox:

2006, 2007, 2008: (Y164-PT)

2006, 2007, 2008 Dodge Ram transponder key replacement (Y164-PT)

2002, 2003, 2004, 2005: (Y160-PT)

2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 transponder key replacement (Y160-PT)

2000,2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005: (P1795/Y159)

2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Dodge Ram non-transponder key replacement (P1795/Y159) – (plastic cover)
Non chip key - Jeep
1992, 1993 Dodge Ram Charger non-transponder key replacement (P1793/Y155)

Tailgate:

1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992: (1970AM/RA4)

1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 Dodge Ram Charger non-transponder key replacement (1970AM/RA4)

Ignition/Door:

1990, 1991, 1992: (P1789/Y154)

1990, 1991, 1992 Dodge Ram Charger non-transponder key replacement (P1789/Y154)

1986, 1987, 1988, 1989: (P1786/Y153)

1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 Dodge Ram Charger non-transponder key replacement (P1786/Y153)

1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985: (P1770U/Y152)

1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985 Dodge Ram Charger non-transponder key replacement (P1770U/Y152)

I lost my Dodge Ram car keys. I don’t have a spare, so need a replacement. How and where can I get a replacement key?

3 options to get a replacement key

Generally speaking, you have three options to get a Dodge Ram key replacement:

  1. Call an automotive locksmith near you that offers a mobile service for Dodge Ram cars. We can connect you with a locksmith near you.
  2. Tow the car to a Dodge dealership.
  3. Order a key online and have the dealer or locksmith cut and program it for you (if necessary).

A word of caution: The type of key you need depends on the year and model of your Dodge Ram. Therefore, the options for getting a new key made and programmed depend on whether you need a remote key fob, a transponder chip key, or a regular metal key.

Smart Pro key coding machine by Advanced Diagnostics

Let’s review each option.

Locksmith:

An automotive locksmith can make most car keys on-site, including keys for the newest Dodge Ram models. Most automotive locksmiths offer a mobile service because most Dodge Ram keys made after 1998 need to be programmed or coded to the car.

This Coding process can’t be done remotely and involves connecting the coding machine physically to the car’s OBD (like in the picture below) and therefore the car must be present.

Saying that, you will have to make sure that the locksmith carries the necessary equipment to cut and program a replacement key, including the right coding machine (e.g. Autel Scanner MaxiCOM MK906S or T-Code Pro Car Key Programmer) and the right key blank (remote key fob or chip key).

The best way to do that is to provide the locksmith with the year make and model or VIN number when you call.

Because Dodge Ram is a very common car, chances are they will have the right key blank for your model.

Usually, a locksmith would be your fastest, most convenient and cheapest option overall to get a replacement key.

An automotive locksmith is coding 2 new Dodge key fobs (2)
MaxiM IM608 by Autel key programming machine

Order the key online:

Today you can get most Dodge Ram keys online (with the exception of the most recent model) and relatively fast within 24 Hr. Getting a replacement key online has its pros and cons.

This option is mostly relevant for people who need a duplicate or spare key and can drive the car.

For people who have lost their Dodge Ram keys and don’t have a spare, it may not be as relevant.

The reason is that when you order a key online, it is what we call a “blank key”.

A blank key is a key that needs to be cut, and, as mentioned above for most Dodge Ram keys made after 1998, programmed or coded with a special machine.

Therefore, ordering a replacement key online is only the first step. You will still have to contact and pay either the dealer or locksmith to have the key cut and programmed.

Moreover, remember that although many car keys may look alike, they have different security features and chip values. This is especially true for remote key fobs sold online and so it’s very easy for most people to get confused and order the wrong key.

K518 USA key coding machine by Lonsdor

The third option- Dodge dealership:

The last option to get a Dodge Ram key replacement without the original is to look for a Dodge dealership near you.

The plus side is that they will have the right key blank in stock and should be able to program the key for you as well, even for the latest model as they carry the newest coding machines for Dodge models.

The downside is that the dealership usually charges more for a replacement key than a locksmith would.

Another major downside of getting a replacement key at the dealership is that if you had a transponder chip key or key fob (or in other words if your car was made after 1998 as explained above) you will have to tow the car there, which will make the process even more expansive.

VVDI key coding machine by Xhorse

In conclusion,

If your Dodge Ram had a chip key or key fob, and you need a replacement ASAP, a locksmith would be your best bet.

The only exception for that is if you just bought a brand-new car, and then a Dodge dealer would be the best way.

In case you only need a spare key, you can try and get it online, but make sure you know exactly which key blank or part number you need.

Not ready to call for service just yet? Click here for some GREAT ideas on how to find lost car keys.

Dodge Ram key replacement near me – How to find a locksmith or dealer and what should you tell them?

Relevant information to provide a locksmith or dealer

First, make sure you have the exact year, make, and model, e.g., 2022 Dodge Ram w/Prox.

In addition, write down the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of the car located on the left side of the dashboard near the mirror. The VIN helps the locksmith or dealer verify the year, make, and model of the car and determine which key you had.

Expand your search to find a nearby locksmith

Also, keep in mind that many locksmiths offer mobile service and travel up to 30 miles radius from where their store is located. Therefore, depending on your location, it might be a good idea to expand your search and call for a few additional quotes, even if on the map, these locksmiths seem to be far from you.

Mobile car key cutting machine

Remember, Their distance as you see on the map, is their business address, not their physical and current location. All you have to make sure is that they carry the right equipment to cut and program your Dodge Ram key.

You can also try and call a few Dodge dealers near your location, but remember that you will need to tow the car there.

Finally, make sure you can show ownership of the car by having the necessary documents – title, ID, insurance card, etc.

Dodge Ram key replacement cost – How much does it cost to replace a Dodge Ram key without the original? What is the average price?

Dodge Ram key replacement cost

In short, replacing a Dodge Ram key can cost between $125 to $450. The cost depends on a number of factors:

The type of key you need.

The car’s year of manufacture.

Time of day & your location.

Where you get a key replacement (dealer, automotive locksmith, online, etc.).

Availability of code to cut a new key.

Original ignition or not.

Prices vary

The type of key you had and the year the car was manufactured are the most important factors for identifying if you need a chip, intelligent fob, “push to start”, remote, regular “non-transponder” key. The newer the car is, the better the security features the key has. On later models, you can therefore expect to pay more than $250 for a replacement key. 

A locksmith is connection coding machine into the OBD to code a new key
Mobile key copy machine

Also,

the price depends on where you get a key replacement. Did your replacement key come from the dealer, or an automotive locksmith? Or did you get it online? Click here to get a more detailed explanation of how to get a replacement key.

Dodge Ram key fobs are more expensive to replace than transponder keys

The dealer usually charges about 10% to 15% less for the replacement key than a locksmith would charge. However, you will likely have to tow the car there to program the new key or remote. Therefore, the total price is usually higher.

Car key coding machine for Dodge chip keys

Furthermore,

consider that if you have a locksmith come out and make you a new key outside regular business hours, the price may increase.

Finally,

If you have previously had your ignition cylinder replaced, which is quite common in older cars, this probably means that the code for the key may not be useful. In such cases, the key will have to be cut manually by a locksmith, or you will have to change the ignition again, and here the dealer can’t help.

For a more detailed explanation and GREAT TIPS on how to save money, please visit our blog post: Car keys replacement costs.

Tips for Dodge Ram key fob replacement – What to ask and verify before and after you get a new key fob:

Dodge Ram key fob replacement – Emergency key and battery

Very often when people get a replacement key fob, there are certain things they forget to check and ask the dealer or locksmith.

We gathered here the most relevant information and tips to make sure you won’t face a problem down the road.


First,

Make sure to get the key code of your Dodge Ram key fob – Every key fob, has a unique code that locksmiths and dealers use to know the exact cuts to match your ignition, door and trunk cylinders.

Obviously, this code is different from one car to another. This key code costs money, and before the locksmith or dealer cut you a new key fob, they must pay to get the code from the Dodge database, which may cost them up to $100. Make sure you write down this key code and keep it in a safe place. In case you lose your Dodge Ram key fob again in the future, it will cost you less to get a replacement, and the process will be faster.

Emergency key and key fob – Dodge

Second,
Verify they cut you the emergency key, and that it works on the doors cylinders and trunk – Every key fob comes with an emergency key attached to it. The emergency key can be used to access the car in case the battery is dead.

Verify the emergency key is working smoothly on all cylinders

Sometimes, when locksmiths or dealers program a new replacement key fob, they forget to cut the emergency key as well.

Emergency key after it was cut

Make sure they cut you the emergency key and that it works for each door and the trunk to avoid a future lockout situation. It should work smoothly, just like your house key. Don’t be lazy, check it on site.

Emergency key cut – Make sure they cut it for you and check it works

Finally,
know which battery your Dodge Ram key fob has – These key fobs, like all key fobs, are battery operated. Make sure you know the type of battery you need and keep a spare one. (Dodge Ram key fobs usually use CR-2032 or CR-2450 batteries).

Can I get a Dodge Ram key replacement by its VIN?

That depends on the year of manufacture of your car and the type of key you had.

The VIN gives dealers or automotive locksmiths the option of accessing the key code on file – i.e., to cut you a replacement key by code which makes the process fast and easy. There are however two things to consider:

First, If your vehicle is older than 10 years, Dodge dealers will no longer have its key code record, so an automotive locksmith will be your only option to get a replacement key.

Second, For vehicles equipped with a transponder system and/or a remote/intelligent key/fob key, the codes should be available. However, as coding is required, you will have to either tow the car to the dealer, or have an automotive locksmith come and code the key on site.

Dodge Ram key programming – which keys can you program yourself? Which keys require a programming tool? & more

Dodge Ram has different types of keys. Some require programming, and some don’t. All transponder chip keys and/or smart key fobs need to be programmed. This process requires a special programming machine that only an automotive locksmith or the dealer has. There is no need to program non-transponder metal keys.

To make things simple, we divided all Dodge Ram keys into two categories:

No programming needed (Non-transponder keys).

Keys that need to be programmed (Transponder or remote keys). These keys required the expertise of an automotive locksmith or dealer.

No programming needed:

Manual car key cutting machine (HPC) – for Dodge keys

Dodge non-transponder keys are metal keys that have no chip in them. Therefore, no programming is needed.

P1795/Y159, P1793/Y155, P1789/Y154, P1786/Y153, P1770U/Y152, 1970AM/RA4.

For Dodge Ram keys that need to be programmed, you will need an automotive locksmith or the dealer:

Car key programming machine for Dodge transponder keys

These keys, also known as remote smart keys, intelligent keys or key fobs, and transponder keys, have a security chip. Programming is needed. Also, a special machine is needed to program them. An automotive locksmith or dealer should do it for you. This process must be followed for most models made after 1998.

OHT-4882056, GQ4-76T, GQ4-54T, IYZ-C01C, Y164-PT, Y160-PT.

Q: I have a Dodge Ram key and would like to get a keyless entry system to unlock all doors as well. Can you tell me which one I should get? Will it need to be programmed and can I program it myself or not?

A: Dodge Ram has a few keyless entry system options. For newer car models, the key you have contains a built-in keyless entry system (a remote master key or key fob/smart key). Some need to be programmed by a professional locksmith or dealer and some don’t. Below you will find all the information relevant to the Dodge Ram entry system.

 

Keyless entry information for the Dodge Ram:

Keyless entry information Dodge Ram

Dodge Ram has three keyless entry remotes. Choose the year of your car:

For year models 2006 to 2024, there is a built-in keyless entry in the remote key fobs and transponder chip key.

2003 to 2005: GQ43VT17T (Choose Method A)

1998 to 2002: GQ43VT9T (Choose Method B)

1996 to 1997: GQ43VT7T (No self-programming – automotive locksmith or dealer only)

Dodge Ram key fob battery – important information: How to replace, size, cost, and more.

Dodge Ram model has different kinds of keys. If your model uses a key fob, here is some important information you should know about the battery.

There are 2 types of keys that are battery operated:

Key fob: (like in the picture below)

Dodge Ram remote key fob battery replacement information

Key fob: (like in the following picture)

Dodge Ram remote key fob battery replacement information

Key fob: (like in the following picture)

Dodge Ram remote key fob battery replacement information

Chip key: (like in the following picture)

Dodge Ram chip key battery replacement information

Things to remember when your Dodge Ram key fob battery is dead:

First, even if the key fob’s battery is dead, you still can unlock and start your Ram. You can use the emergency key provided with the key fob to unlock the doors as shown below:

Dodge key fob and emergency key
The key fob on the inside – battery, chip and emergency key

How to start Dodge Ram with a dead key fob?

Push the “start” button with your dead key fob to start the car like in this picture

You can start your Dodge Ram by pushing the “Start” button with your key fob. The car’s computer recognizes the chip inside the key fob and authorizes the process.

Dodge Ram Fobik key – Can still start the car even if the battery is dead

First,

Take the cover off, like in the picture below:

Gently remove the key cover
Expose the designated spot for the Fobik

Second,

Insert the Fobik and turn, clock wise, like in the picture below:

Insert the Fobik and turn clock wise to start the car

This way, you will be able to start your vehicle EVEN if the key fob battery is dead.

Dodge Ram key fob battery information:

Dodge Ram key fobs and transponder key are battery operated. Every two years or so, or when the battery is low, you may need to change the key battery. Here is all the information you need.

The type of battery you need is a CR-2450 for OHT-4882056 remote key fob; a CR-2032 for GQ4-76T, GQ4-54T, IYZ-C01C remote key fobs and Y164-PT transponder chip key. The average price for these batteries is about $5.

You can order CR-2032 online here and CR-2450 here.

Also, you can find it at Home Depot, Walmart, AutoZone, etc.

Here is some general information about the Dodge Ram key fob battery:

Type of battery: CR-2032 lithium

CR-2032 key fob battery replacement

Size: Diameter – 2.0 mm, height – 3.2 mm.

Type of battery: CR-2450 lithium

CR-2450 key fob battery replacement

Size: Diameter – 2.4 mm, height – 5.0 mm.

Finally, remember that your battery life depends on several factors such as usage, weather conditions, etc. To better protect your Dodge Ram key fob and extend its battery life, it may be a good idea to have a key fob cover or a case. You can order a  key fob cover here.