Is a keycard included with a new Tungsten purchase?

[pchansen]

Hi! First post here as I'm new to the RAM universe. I just took delivery of my new 2026 Tungsten. There are references in the manual to a credit card type key card. I never received one and now that the transaction is complete, the dealer is being less than helpful. Is one included with new Tungsten's or is this an additional purchase?

Also, I'm noticing that when attempting to open the tailgate in "barn door mode", it is intermittent. Sometimes it opens and sometimes nothing. So far, if I open it normally and slam it closed it will function. Obviously its going back when I get a chance but just curious if this is a known issue.

Thanks!
Paul

 

[Skydog73]

Hey. I traded in my 2025 Tungsten after 5 months of ownership about a month ago. You can read about that here: https://www.ramforum.com/threads/2025-tungsten-software-update-crashed-january-2026.222216/page-3#post-3075585

Short answer: I never received a key card and was not even aware I was supposed to have one. But once my truck wound up at dealer for software issues, they found that some of the software issues were related to a bad remote start module. Which they replaced. However, after replacement, the technicians could not in short order, get the new key card they ordered, to sync with the module. They esculated the case and after 3 weeks of nothing I finally said forget it and picked up the truck.

The reading I did in summation indicated that RAM bit off more than it could chew trying to roll out this key card feature and as of right now they really have not figured it out. I'm not shocked the dealer is less than helpful. If it's a feature you can live without I would just not worry about it and move on. Because you probably wont get much traction, probably just more irritation than anything, from Stellantis.

As someone mentioned in my thread Consumer Reports just announced a "do not buy" rating on 2025 RAM 1500's. That's how many complaints and issues there have been. I don't know what the outlook for 2026's is but I sure hope it is better.

I would say that I never had a single issue with the SSTHO engine itself, not one check engine light. But the software/electronic issues and glitches were a disaster. Good luck andi if you have more questions the folks on here seem to be ultra-helpful.

 

[BossHogg]

Also, I'm noticing that when attempting to open the tailgate in "barn door mode", it is intermittent. Sometimes it opens and sometimes nothing. So far, if I open it normally and slam it closed it will function. Obviously its going back when I get a chance but just curious if this is a known issue.

Welcome.

I'm assuming the tailgate unlock event doesn't happen right away when you touch the tailgate pad. I've noticed on mine, a 2022, there is a short delay between the pad touch and the unlock, just less than a second. If your FOB is in a pocket with your phone, I've noticed the phone can block the FOB signal. There is a discussion of this in the owner's manual. The latency should be the same as opening the tailgate in a traditional mode.

High-trim level trucks exhibit unique behaviors due to the features and electronics that support them. Give yourself some time to acclimate to the truck's behavior.

 

[pchansen]

Wow! I just went out and tried it with my phone left in the house. As you say, there is about a .5 second delay. Just leaving your hand on the handle (switch) does the trick. Thank you!

 

[pchansen]

Thanks for your reply Skydog. I kinda wish I had seen your thread prior to my purchase. I will say my truck has been glitch free so far. (About 1000 miles). CarPlay instantly connects. There seems to have been a slight screen lag when selecting different screens but that has since gone away. No idea why. Knock on wood but so far so good.
I did research all the half ton trucks and they all seem to have their issues. I think anymore, modern vehicles are more of a PITA than they’re worth. I have a German sports car which shall remain anonymous that just had the right headlight fail. I called the dealership and lucky me! They could have a replacement headlight there within the week. $5700 for the headlight plus 3 hours to R&R plus recode. Oh and the battery ended up needing replacing so there’s another $500. I feel like I’ve been beaten into submission.

 

[turkeybird56]

Thanks for your reply Skydog. I kinda wish I had seen your thread prior to my purchase. I will say my truck has been glitch free so far. (About 1000 miles). CarPlay instantly connects. There seems to have been a slight screen lag when selecting different screens but that has since gone away. No idea why. Knock on wood but so far so good.
I did research all the half ton trucks and they all seem to have their issues. I think anymore, modern vehicles are more of a PITA than they’re worth. I have a German sports car which shall remain anonymous that just had the right headlight fail. I called the dealership and lucky me! They could have a replacement headlight there within the week. $5700 for the headlight plus 3 hours to R&R plus recode. Oh and the battery ended up needing replacing so there’s another $500. I feel like I’ve been beaten into submission.

Hmmm, either a BMW and/or MB. Both are notorious for battery PITA and parts/repair insanity. And the price for the parts for those sporty guys, makes Cadillac look like a Yugo. Just IMHO.

 

[pchansen]

That one still hurts. That cost way more than I paid for my first car.
I don’t think it matters who the manufacturer is anymore. If you spec out an adaptive headlight system, most of the time, all the electronics are enclosed in the headlight assembly and there are no replaceable parts.
FWIW, it’s a 911 and apparently people have noticed that the headlights are very expensive.
Apologies for getting off topic.

 

[stevenP]

We recently tried looking at some new jeeps. The uconnect system in it, also was very slow to respond to different selections on the touch screen. Thats nothing new. Its not bad, just slow.

 

[turkeybird56]

That one still hurts. That cost way more than I paid for my first car.
I don’t think it matters who the manufacturer is anymore. If you spec out an adaptive headlight system, most of the time, all the electronics are enclosed in the headlight assembly and there are no replaceable parts.
FWIW, it’s a 911 and apparently people have noticed that the headlights are very expensive.
Apologies for getting off topic.

All good. Wasn’t thinking Porsche but they r in that select group too.
Neva had a Porsche. Had a BMW and a MB in Germany both Euro specs. Got most of my BMW PARTS from junk yards till I blew the motor. The MB was reliable but regular MX parts were ridiculous even in Germany.