RAM Key Fob Not Detected? Causes & How to Fix

I always get a sick feeling in the bottom of my stomach when I approach my vehicle, only to find that the key fob is not working. However, there is no need to panic because the key fob has an emergency key in the casing.

If the RAM key fob is not detected, you can check several issues to find out what is wrong. These include checking the condition of the casing, replacing the battery, reprogramming the key fob, and even making sure there isn’t interference with LED bulbs.

The security and convenience system operated by the RAM key fob requires two components to work properly.

The first is that the key fob (transmitter) is functioning properly, and the second is the RKE module (receiver) in your RAM is working properly.

If either of these is not working, the RAM key fob will not be detected.

What Are The Causes Of A RAM Key Fob Not Being Detected?

There are several reasons why a key fob may not be detected.

1. Interference caused by LED bulbs
2. A bad key fob battery
3. Damaged casing
4. Damaged transmitter or receiver
5. The key fob needs resetting or reprogramming
6. The key fob has been hacked
7. The key fob is out of range
8. The car battery is flat

Before phoning for roadside assistance to help you out, remember that your Dodge RAM has an emergency key in the key fob.

The steps you need to take are as follows.

1. You can remove the manual (metal) key from the back of the fob.
2. Press the key against the ignition.
3. Press the brake, and the car will start.

This action will get you going, but you still need to find out what is wrong with the key fob and repair it.

Follow the steps below to diagnose and repair the causes of a RAM key fob not being detected.

1. Interferenced Caused by LED Light Bulbs

Perhaps the most common and yet least obvious reason a key fob won’t be detected is due to interference with LED bulbs. If you recently replaced your RAM’s standard light bulbs with LED ones, that could be the culprit.

You may have to revert back to using the standard factory halogen bulbs in order to stop the “key fob not detected” issue.

In the meantime, try pressing the start/stop button with the key fob itself in order to start your RAM truck.

2. A Bad Battery

The first and cheapest action is to replace the batteries inside the key fob.

You may need a small, flat screwdriver to lift up the old battery and insert a new one.

1. Press the release button located on the side of the fob and extract the emergency key.
2. It will expose a small gap on either side of the emergency key slot.
3. Use the flat-bladed screwdriver to carefully pry the cover slightly open.
4. Once the gap is created, you can use your fingers to split both sides of the key fob and pull them apart.
5. Study the position of the old battery, particularly ensuring that the positive (+) side is facing up.
6. Pry out the worn battery (you may need to use the flat blade screwdriver for this)
7. Replace the worn-out battery, once again paying particular attention to ensuring the positive (+) side faces up.
8. Place the two sides of the key fob together and snap them closed.

3. Damaged Key Fob Casing

If the key fob casing is cracked or has chips out if it, this could result in:

1. Moisture getting inside, which at the very least may cause corrosion on the battery terminals or the soldered joints.
2. Contamination may get inside, which may reduce the efficacy of the electrical connections.

Although a new key fob is an optimal solution, if it still works, possibly after a new battery has been inserted, you can fill in the chips or cracks with fast-curing epoxy.

If you use this method, it is very important to ensure that the glue does not affect the buttons or prevent access to the emergency key.

4. Damaged Key Fob Transmitter Or Receiver

Carefully inspect the key fob for worn buttons or a damaged casing.

If the key fob shows excessive wear, the buttons or contact points on the fob may be worn; it may be time to purchase a new unit.

A clue that this is the problem is when some of the buttons’ functionality works, and others don’t. It is a sign that the fob has worn down, probably on the most frequently used buttons.

While the factory (dealership) key fobs are more expensive, I still recommend that these be chosen over third-party copies.

5. Key Fob Needs Resetting Or Reprogramming

It is very easy to reprogram the RAM key fob as it does not require any special equipment.

1. Sit in the driver’s seat.
2. Using the key fob, lock the doors (this needs to be done within ten seconds of locking the doors).
3. Insert the key in the ignition switch and turn it on.
4. Simultaneously press the unlock button on the key fob and release it.
5. With the key still in place, press the unlock and panic buttons on the key fob and release them.
6. Press the “unlock” button one more time.
7. The key fob should now be programmed.

6. The Key Fob Has Been Hacked

If the key fob stops working in a public place, possibly the strip mall parking lot, take time to view your surroundings, keeping your eye out for anyone lurking suspiciously close to your RAM or seeming very interested in you.

While not yet widespread in America, there is a growing trend in other countries to use powerful transmitters for two possible purposes.

1. To prevent owners from locking the cars from which the bad guys can steal possessions.
2. To clone the key fob and replicate it, which allows them to seamlessly enter the vehicle and drive off in it (they can do this without any physical contact with you or your key fOB).

There is not much that can be done to prevent this other than to stay aware of your surroundings and ensure your RAM is properly locked before moving away.

7. Key Fob Is Out Of Range

It is a seemingly obvious problem, but the key fob has a defined range beyond which it won’t work.

As the battery starts to drain, the range will become shorter, which is a sign you can use to assess the battery’s condition and replace it as necessary.

8. The Car Battery Is Flat

If the car battery is flat, the receiver in the system will not be active, and the key fob will not work.

Use the emergency key to access the car and try to start the engine. If the battery is flat, there will be no reaction, a sharp fire repeated clicking sound, or a tired-sounding groan from the starter motor.

Either charge the battery up (following the procedure outlined in the charger’s instructions) or replace it with a new unit.

Conclusion

There are seven primary reasons why a RAM key fob is not detected. These include:

A discharged battery, damaged casing, damaged transmitter, or receiver. It may also mean that the key fob need to be reset or reprogrammed or that it has been hacked.

Of course, if the key fob is out of range or the car battery is flat, the key fob will not work either.

Lastly, if you recently replaced your factory halogen bulbs with LED bulbs, that could be the problem as they can interfere with the key fob signal.

References

https://www.kwikpicklockandsafe.com/locksmith-blog/reasons-a-car-wont-detect-the-key-Fob