Spare key? Maybe dumb newbie question?

jkmccoy · 07-04-2009, 12:27 AM

Please forgive me if this is a dumb question or one that has been answered many times...

I recently bought a new 2009 3500 that has keyless entry. The remote for the entry and alarm is in the key. Apparently the keys also contain a transponder that is necessary to start the truck.

I have always carried a spare key in my wallet (or on a cord around my neck or in a zippered pocket). I'm often far out in the boonies and being locked out of my truck is potentially a serious problem.

The keyless entry keys obviously won't fit in my wallet. Those keys also won't survive some activities in a zippered pocket (e.g. being completely under water). I still need a foolproof way to avoid being locked out of the truck.

Is it possible to get a plain, flat, metal key that will open the door? Has any one tried to use such a key to start the truck? If I can get a plain key I can keep it with me and leave one of the electronic keys inside. Anyone have any other suggestions to absolutely prevent being locked out?

Cheers,
Kelly McCoy
West Texas

__________________
2009 3500, 4x4, 6 spd., 3.42 axles, QC, LB, SRW, bone stock (so far).

bob4x4 · 07-04-2009, 01:08 AM

I keep a plain key in my wallet for that lock out scenario.It will not start the truck but will get you in out of the rain.

__________________
05 2500 4x4 Carli Dominator 3.0 Suspension Baja proven
94 2500 4x4 Carli performance 2.0 with full leafs
90 wrangler injected locked and caged crawler

***gregh514*** · 07-04-2009, 01:10 AM

Any key cutting place can cut a flat metal key to open the door. If it's locked and you use the flat metal key to open the door, the alarm will probably go off until you get inside and push the unlock button on the big ole key.
Why would you lock the door if you're so far out in the boonies? haha jk.

__________________
08 Mega 4X4 6.7 3.73 bone stock

***Onelongshot*** · 07-04-2009, 01:14 AM

You can get an older style dodge head transponder key cut for your vehicle that will not have the keyless entry built in, but will still start the truck. That is what I did and it works great.
Andy

Search ebay for this and see.. 2006 2007 2008 06 07 08 DODGE RAM STREET KEY

__________________
2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab, Short Bed, 4X4 Manual T-Case, 68RFE, 3:73's, Edge Insight, I support. Marco@www.madselectronics.com ..... Bob@www.smartypower.com ...... James@www.rollinsmokediesel.com ....... Latest_Smarty_S67me_update_here_http://madselectronics.com/DownloadS67ME.html

Last edited by Onelongshot : 07-04-2009 at 01:16 AM. Reason: add list

bob4x4 · 07-04-2009, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onelongshot

You can get an older style dodge head transponder key cut for your vehicle that will not have the keyless entry built in, but will still start the truck. That is what I did and it works great.
Andy

Search ebay for this and see.. 2006 2007 2008 06 07 08 DODGE RAM STREET KEY

It will also be a big bulge in your wallet unless you very carefully trim away the plastic covering

__________________
05 2500 4x4 Carli Dominator 3.0 Suspension Baja proven
94 2500 4x4 Carli performance 2.0 with full leafs
90 wrangler injected locked and caged crawler

***Onelongshot*** · 07-04-2009, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob4x4

It will also be a big bulge in your wallet unless you very carefully trim away the plastic covering

Yep, but as a spare key in your pocket or on a chain around your neck to go swimming or rafting it is perfect. It is smaller than the stock and it is water proof.
Andy

__________________
2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab, Short Bed, 4X4 Manual T-Case, 68RFE, 3:73's, Edge Insight, I support. Marco@www.madselectronics.com ..... Bob@www.smartypower.com ...... James@www.rollinsmokediesel.com ....... Latest_Smarty_S67me_update_here_http://madselectronics.com/DownloadS67ME.html

tdi2cummins · 07-04-2009, 08:03 PM

I agree with the ebay key I got two of them, put one in magnetic key hide box that you can get at any key place that way I'm never locked out. Just cutting a key without a transponder will not start the truck, I have tried.

__________________
2007 quad cab short bed 4wd 3.73 6.7l 6-speed manual what else is there?

DodgeLuvr · 07-04-2009, 08:09 PM

I have this on my 08' AS LONG AS YOUR THE ONLY ONE THAT KNOWS ABOUT IT, ITS NICE. It can be a real hazzard iam assuming if others know about it, ive had it for several months and no complaints yet.

Ultra Touch - Ultra Touch Invisible Switch

__________________
2008 Laramie "Speed costs money, How fast can you Afford to go?" Performance Shops I Prefer, www.rollinsmokediesel.com / www.k2dieselperformance.com / www.genosgarage.com

foxface · 07-04-2009, 09:11 PM

Compustar makes a command start PROSTARFM200 or something like that. Can be setup for an alarm system and to start your truck with turbo timers and all that fun stuff. Best part is a knock sensor on your windshield. you can use it as a paging system someone can knock on it and your can unlock it if your within your 1km range of your transponder or you can knock on the windshield with a certain combination of knocks and it will unlock the doors. it's a 4 digit knock combo so it should be REALLY hard for someone to break in.

__________________
2008 6.7L 2500 4x4 Mega cab Laramie. Electric blue. AFE Stage II. 5" TBE with 6" rolled tip, XRT & Edge Insight.

jkmccoy · 07-04-2009, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregh514

Why would you lock the door if you're so far out in the boonies? haha jk.

Good point. Unfortunately, the paranoia doesn't go away just because I'm out in the middle of no-where. I'm a big city guy and I always lock my truck. There's also the possibility of someone hitting the lock button without thinking and locking all the keys inside. It's a problem if there's no cell service and it's 5+ miles to any possible help.

Thanks everyone for the great information. I'll get a flat key cut to keep in my wallet and I'll get one of the plain transponder keys to carry at the beach, rafting, etc.

Cheers,
Kelly McCoy
West Texas

__________________
2009 3500, 4x4, 6 spd., 3.42 axles, QC, LB, SRW, bone stock (so far).

txpig · 07-05-2009, 02:17 PM

I keep a plain transponder key wired (hidden) under my truck. I paid like $3-$4 for the key on eBay. So in the event I lose my remote key I have a key that will start the truck. I also keep a "flat" key handy so I can leave it running and still lock the doors.

****FYI*****
Don't try to start your truck with a "flat" key!!! I will turn over and start, but it only runs for about 3 seconds. If you attempt to start the truck THREE times with a "flat" key or a transponder key that's not programmed to your truck you will be S**T out of luck and your truck will be behind a tow truck enrout to your beloved dealer so they can reset the PCM/ECM..

__________________
2008 3500, QC, SB, 4X4 Laramie, 68RFE, XRT, MP-8, 5" TBE, MPH trans tune, EGR/BlueTec Badge MIA, Volant Power-Core CAI, Raptor 150,Amsoil By-Pass, Mag-Hytec Trans & Rear Diff, Lorenz Bilstein 5100 System, PSC Steering Brace, B&W GN, Ride Rite bags

07-04-2009, 12:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
jkmccoy Newbie Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: West Texas Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts jkmccoy's Truck Pics	Spare key? Maybe dumb newbie question? Please forgive me if this is a dumb question or one that has been answered many times... I recently bought a new 2009 3500 that has keyless entry. The remote for the entry and alarm is in the key. Apparently the keys also contain a transponder that is necessary to start the truck. I have always carried a spare key in my wallet (or on a cord around my neck or in a zippered pocket). I'm often far out in the boonies and being locked out of my truck is potentially a serious problem. The keyless entry keys obviously won't fit in my wallet. Those keys also won't survive some activities in a zippered pocket (e.g. being completely under water). I still need a foolproof way to avoid being locked out of the truck. Is it possible to get a plain, flat, metal key that will open the door? Has any one tried to use such a key to start the truck? If I can get a plain key I can keep it with me and leave one of the electronic keys inside. Anyone have any other suggestions to absolutely prevent being locked out? Cheers, Kelly McCoy West Texas __________________ 2009 3500, 4x4, 6 spd., 3.42 axles, QC, LB, SRW, bone stock (so far).

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07-04-2009, 01:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
bob4x4 Diesel Head Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,699 Thanks: 2 Thanked 25 Times in 23 Posts bob4x4's Truck Pics	I keep a plain key in my wallet for that lock out scenario.It will not start the truck but will get you in out of the rain. __________________ 05 2500 4x4 Carli Dominator 3.0 Suspension Baja proven 94 2500 4x4 Carli performance 2.0 with full leafs 90 wrangler injected locked and caged crawler

07-04-2009, 01:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
*gregh514* Cummins Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 120 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts gregh514's Truck Pics	Any key cutting place can cut a flat metal key to open the door. If it's locked and you use the flat metal key to open the door, the alarm will probably go off until you get inside and push the unlock button on the big ole key. Why would you lock the door if you're so far out in the boonies? haha jk. __________________ 08 Mega 4X4 6.7 3.73 bone stock

07-04-2009, 01:14 AM	#4 (permalink)
*Onelongshot* OUTLAW CUMMINS DIESEL Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Columbia, Illinois ALSO KNOWN AS THE COMMUNIST STATE OF CHICAGO Posts: 1,332 Thanks: 296 Thanked 165 Times in 130 Posts Onelongshot's Truck Pics	You can get an older style dodge head transponder key cut for your vehicle that will not have the keyless entry built in, but will still start the truck. That is what I did and it works great. Andy Search ebay for this and see.. 2006 2007 2008 06 07 08 DODGE RAM STREET KEY __________________ 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab, Short Bed, 4X4 Manual T-Case, 68RFE, 3:73's, Edge Insight, I support. Marco@www.madselectronics.com ..... Bob@www.smartypower.com ...... James@www.rollinsmokediesel.com ....... Latest_Smarty_S67me_update_here_http://madselectronics.com/DownloadS67ME.html Last edited by Onelongshot : 07-04-2009 at 01:16 AM. Reason: add list

07-04-2009, 08:03 PM	#7 (permalink)
tdi2cummins Cummins Fan Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 82 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts tdi2cummins's Truck Pics	I agree with the ebay key I got two of them, put one in magnetic key hide box that you can get at any key place that way I'm never locked out. Just cutting a key without a transponder will not start the truck, I have tried. __________________ 2007 quad cab short bed 4wd 3.73 6.7l 6-speed manual what else is there?

07-04-2009, 08:09 PM	#8 (permalink)
DodgeLuvr Diesel Head Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: On a Farm, Kentucky Posts: 1,707 Thanks: 82 Thanked 46 Times in 35 Posts DodgeLuvr's Truck Pics	I have this on my 08' AS LONG AS YOUR THE ONLY ONE THAT KNOWS ABOUT IT, ITS NICE. It can be a real hazzard iam assuming if others know about it, ive had it for several months and no complaints yet. Ultra Touch - Ultra Touch Invisible Switch __________________ 2008 Laramie "Speed costs money, How fast can you Afford to go?" Performance Shops I Prefer, www.rollinsmokediesel.com / www.k2dieselperformance.com / www.genosgarage.com

07-04-2009, 09:11 PM	#9 (permalink)
foxface Cummins Fan Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Stony Plain Posts: 59 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts foxface's Truck Pics	Compustar makes a command start PROSTARFM200 or something like that. Can be setup for an alarm system and to start your truck with turbo timers and all that fun stuff. Best part is a knock sensor on your windshield. you can use it as a paging system someone can knock on it and your can unlock it if your within your 1km range of your transponder or you can knock on the windshield with a certain combination of knocks and it will unlock the doors. it's a 4 digit knock combo so it should be REALLY hard for someone to break in. __________________ 2008 6.7L 2500 4x4 Mega cab Laramie. Electric blue. AFE Stage II. 5" TBE with 6" rolled tip, XRT & Edge Insight.

07-05-2009, 02:17 PM	#11 (permalink)
txpig Diesel Freak Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: DFW, TEXAS Posts: 730 Thanks: 12 Thanked 12 Times in 12 Posts txpig's Truck Pics	I keep a plain transponder key wired (hidden) under my truck. I paid like $3-$4 for the key on eBay. So in the event I lose my remote key I have a key that will start the truck. I also keep a "flat" key handy so I can leave it running and still lock the doors. **FYI* Don't try to start your truck with a "flat" key!!! I will turn over and start, but it only runs for about 3 seconds. If you attempt to start the truck THREE times with a "flat" key or a transponder key that's not programmed to your truck you will be ST out of luck and your truck will be behind a tow truck enrout to your beloved dealer so they can reset the PCM/ECM.. __________________ 2008 3500, QC, SB, 4X4 Laramie, 68RFE, XRT, MP-8, 5" TBE, MPH trans tune, EGR/BlueTec Badge MIA, Volant Power-Core CAI, Raptor 150,Amsoil By-Pass, Mag-Hytec Trans & Rear Diff, Lorenz Bilstein 5100 System, PSC Steering Brace, B&W GN, Ride Rite bags