Truck only starts when holding down unlock

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CaliBear490

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I have a 2011 Ram 1500 4.7 with 84k. I bought it about 5 months ago from previous owner. The issue, when I go to start it up, it won’t start unless I’m holding down the unlock button on the key fob as I’m turning it in the ignition. Otherwise if I don’t hold the button down and just turn the key it makes a clicking sound that sounds like it comes from the center console, right underneath the gear shift.

I changed the battery, replaced the alternator, checked the wiring, cleaned out the ignition switch, and still no luck. Any advice on what could be causing it?
 
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If your keyfob looks similar to this
FBK102-DOD-MAIN1.jpg
It probably the WIN module (ignition switch).
The battery in the keyfob doesn't effect it's operation and will work without it.
Any chance the PO had some sort of kill switch integrated with the door unlock?
 
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1999 White C5 Coupe

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CaliBear490 said:
I have a 2011 Ram 1500 4.7 with 84k. I bought it about 5 months ago from previous owner. The issue, when I go to start it up, it won’t start unless I’m holding down the unlock button on the key fob as I’m turning it in the ignition. Otherwise if I don’t hold the button down and just turn the key it makes a clicking sound that sounds like it comes from the center console, right underneath the gear shift.

I changed the battery, replaced the alternator, checked the wiring, cleaned out the ignition switch, and still no luck. Any advice on what could be causing it?
Click to expand...


What happens when you try to start the vehicle with the second key fob?
 
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HunterCat

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CaliBear490 said:
I have a 2011 Ram 1500 4.7 with 84k. I bought it about 5 months ago from previous owner. The issue, when I go to start it up, it won’t start unless I’m holding down the unlock button on the key fob as I’m turning it in the ignition. Otherwise if I don’t hold the button down and just turn the key it makes a clicking sound that sounds like it comes from the center console, right underneath the gear shift.

I changed the battery, replaced the alternator, checked the wiring, cleaned out the ignition switch, and still no luck. Any advice on what could be causing it?
Click to expand...

How in the world did you figure to hold down the unlock button while turning the ignition?
 
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CaliBear490

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crash68 said:
If your keyfob looks similar to this
View attachment 513431
It probably the WIN module (ignition switch).
The battery in the keyfob doesn't effect it's operation and will work without it.
Any chance the PO had some sort of kill switch integrated with the door unlock?
Click to expand...
Yeah that’s how the key fob looks. And how can I check if there is any kill switch?
 
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CaliBear490

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HunterCat said:
How in the world did you figure to hold down the unlock button while turning the ignition?
Click to expand...
When it wasn’t starting I YouTubed it because I thought it was some sort of theft protection, and I came across a video where the guy mentioned if your key is damaged you can still start the truck by holding down the unlock button while turning it, and that worked. So I replaced the key fob thinking it was damaged but it still didn’t fix the issue.
 
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csuder99

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I had some weirdness not too long ago when one of the button metal pads came loose and would randomly make contact. I believe the actual immobilizer part functions without the battery, try removing it and see if it works.

"Wrong key fob" means it's not programmed for the vehicle, are they key blades the same ? Wouldn't be the first time keys get mixed up.
 
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CaliBear490

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csuder99 said:
I had some weirdness not too long ago when one of the button metal pads came loose and would randomly make contact. I believe the actual immobilizer part functions without the battery, try removing it and see if it works.

"Wrong key fob" means it's not programmed for the vehicle, are they key blades the same ? Wouldn't be the first time keys get mixed up.
Click to expand...
I tried the spare key again and now it’s saying “damaged key”

Maybe a new ignition switch might be my next move
 
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A month or so ago, there seemed to be a shortage in ignitions, but it may have been only the fancier type, with only a button

this site may help you to trouble shoot & get answers


I think you said that you have remote start ??


BEFORE PURCHASING PLEASE READ ENTIRE DESCRIPTION
This kit includes: 1 Wireless Ignition Node Module + 2 Fobik Remote Keys (emergency insert keys included/uncut blade) 4 Button - Lock/Unlock/Panic/Remote Start

  • This unit comes fully programmed and ready to use.
  • WIN Module and keys programmed to VIN.
  • Plug and Play / No need to take it to the dealership.
  • 3rd Generation WIN Module
  • 3 Year Warranty Nationwide - 36 months unlimited miles.
 
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CaliBear490

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So a little update:

After searching around, I found this Spireon GPS device connected under the driver side dash.
6317A32A-59C2-49C8-9612-B024C65AA927.jpegC92F0F31-8C1E-498E-A7AE-8B147A27F414.jpeg


I’m not sure if this is also a kill switch and if it could’ve been what was causing the issues with the truck starting.

After disconnecting it, the truck has been starting without holding down the button on the key fob most of the times I’ve tried, however I noticed I have to wait a couple of seconds after the RAM logo goes away on the dash before I attempt to start it. Wonder if that’s normal or not.
 
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CaliBear490 said:
When it wasn’t starting I YouTubed it because I thought it was some sort of theft protection, and I came across a video where the guy mentioned if your key is damaged you can still start the truck by holding down the unlock button while turning it, and that worked. So I replaced the key fob thinking it was damaged but it still didn’t fix the issue.
Click to expand...

I'm definitely going to store that tidbit in the old skull for future reference.
 
Marshall

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Remote start? I would talk to a good locksmith or a dealer and ask about programming them
Not sure why you would change the alternator
 
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Eltiopolloto

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GTyankee said:
A month or so ago, there seemed to be a shortage in ignitions, but it may have been only the fancier type, with only a button

this site may help you to trouble shoot & get answers


I think you said that you have remote start ??


BEFORE PURCHASING PLEASE READ ENTIRE DESCRIPTION
This kit includes: 1 Wireless Ignition Node Module + 2 Fobik Remote Keys (emergency insert keys included/uncut blade) 4 Button - Lock/Unlock/Panic/Remote Start

  • This unit comes fully programmed and ready to use.
  • WIN Module and keys programmed to VIN.
  • Plug and Play / No need to take it to the dealership.
  • 3rd Generation WIN Module
  • 3 Year Warranty Nationwide - 36 months unlimited miles.
Click to expand...
Hi everyone
I started having the same problem about a week ago
I thought it was me doing something wrong because at the beginning it won’t start but after two or tree times it did start running, I do have a 2019 2500 crew cab sport with the Hemi 6.4L gasoline
Mine is the start bottom in the dashboard and the round selector for the Transmission, it’s getting worse and yesterday didn’t want to work at all. Anyone there with a similar problem or experience? Help will be very appreciate since I have around 68K
 
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