key question

[lmeavtitn]

I just bought a 2003 dodge ram 2500 cummins and only got one key from the dealership. I looked in the owners manual and from how I read it, the Sentry key was a factory option and not on all vehicles. I was wondering if there was an easy way to tell if you have a sentry key or a regular key.

haha any help would be great because I don't like only having one key but hope I don't have to pay the big bucks to get another sentry key.

 

[HemiBabe]

I think it depends on the color of the plastic part of the key, is it gray or black?

 

[lmeavtitn]

The one key set I have is gray

 

[HemiBabe]

That means you have the Sentry key

I have it too, and I also only got 1 key when I bought mine. It sucks, my spare can only unlock the truck

 

[SmokedRam]

Yep, gray is Sentry, black is the standard key. I have the standard key. Try The Home Depot for another key, our local store can cut Sentry keys and program them.

 

[lwszabo]

a cheap option you may try is to get 2 regular keys cut at lowes, home depot etc. take your sentry key and zip tie or glue it inside the plastic on the steering column. the key only needs to be close to the ignition not in it...the regular key should now s!tart the vehicle with no problem

 

[Cthulhu]

You can add a 3rd+ key if you have 2 programmed already.. if you only have one, the dealer needs to add a 2nd Sentry key for you... I added a couple for mine a little while ago, the keydance isn't too hard to learn... easier than square dancing .

 

[inktoxicated]

i only got 1 key with my truck too. 2008. its black with the panic/lock/unlock buttons on it. if i just get a plain key cut at the depot i wont be able to electroniclly lock/unlock truck? how much is the same key i have at the dealer?

 

[Cthulhu]

2008 is a Sentry truck.. A plain key from a hardware store (black w/o remote) won't have the sentry pieces in it, but you can get it cut to turn the tumbler.. it won't start the truck and you will set off your Sentry alarm when you open the door.. insert a sentry key in the ignition and turn it to run to disable the alarm.

Key prices vary at the dealer... if you only have 1 key, you'll need the dealer to program it. My guess is the avg is $100-200 / key.. I was quoted almost $300 in Northern Alberta... but the dealer up there was a crook to begin with.

 

[inktoxicated]

jesus. guess ill just have to be extra careful with my key. gotta get that lift kit. aint got cash for a key lol

 

[HemiBabe]

haha yep, i only have the 1 key and a regular spare to unlock my doors if i get locked out. it sucks