Key Fob Programming

[TXMikeDC]

Don’t ask me how, but I have managed to lose both keys to my 2018 Ram 1500. I have turned the house upside down with no luck. Having given up, I bought two replacement keys online from carandtruckremotes.com. They weren’t too pricey, but now I need to get the truck programmed to recognize them. The only locksmith in central Maryland that I’ve found who will come out and do the programming wants $325 total. That seems high to me, but I’ve never had to have it done before. They said they’d do it for $198 if I brought the truck to them, but with a locked truck and no keys, towing would be as much as the difference. Any way I could potentially do it myself? I’ve seen some discussion in the forum using various tools, but I don’t have any of them and the truck is locked. I’m thinking I may not have a choice but to pay the $325, but wanted to check before I did it.

 

[Ram_d00d]

I drive for the local CDJR sometimes. I had to take a Nissan to the dealership to get a fob programmed for a sale. $315 at the dealership and they already had one fob set up for it. It's expensive

 

[TXMikeDC]

The dealer only wanted $225 to program them, but the same issue with getting them there. Given the time it takes to do the programming, seems a bit extortionate.

 

[GTyankee]

That is the main reason that i have AAA
something like $50 a year
free tows if your broke down, free lock out service, free jump starts, free flat service, etc.

In my area, we have mobile locksmiths that have the equipment to program a fob
Most locksmiths around here get $90 to program a fob, if you have the vehicle at their shop
ACE Hardware sells the Fobs & programs them also

Tow companies usually have tools to enter a vehicle, it is usually an inflatable bag, a wedge & a flexible wand.
Once the Ram is unlocked, near the parking brake, there is a Park Release cable, release the mechanism & you can move the vehicle where you need it to be

 

[GTyankee]

 

[Fast69Mopar]

Don’t ask me how, but I have managed to lose both keys to my 2018 Ram 1500. I have turned the house upside down with no luck. Having given up, I bought two replacement keys online from carandtruckremotes.com. They weren’t too pricey, but now I need to get the truck programmed to recognize them. The only locksmith in central Maryland that I’ve found who will come out and do the programming wants $325 total. That seems high to me, but I’ve never had to have it done before. They said they’d do it for $198 if I brought the truck to them, but with a locked truck and no keys, towing would be as much as the difference. Any way I could potentially do it myself? I’ve seen some discussion in the forum using various tools, but I don’t have any of them and the truck is locked. I’m thinking I may not have a choice but to pay the $325, but wanted to check before I did it.

Here is what I would do and this is also something that we do at my dealership. Call you local dealer and speak to a service advisor. Let them know that you have lost your original key Fobik's and you have purchased replacements and you need to have your replacements programmed. Ask them if they will send a tech to your location with his laptop and his Witech Pod to program your keys. We do this at my dealership quite often actually.

Also, have you checked to see if your factory towing assistance is still available? You may be able to have the truck towed to the dealership if your towing assistance is still available. Just some ideas.