Electronic key does not work (suddenly). Truck runs for 2 seconds and shuts off. What happened?

Asked by ronh1973 Feb 05, 2017 at 10:39 AM about the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 SLT Quad Cab RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I got out of truck and tried to use key to lock it; nothing happened. After 30 minutes, I returned to the truck to drive away and it started, ran for 2 seconds and shut off. I put a new battery in the key, still nothing. I tried the spare key, nothing. I checked several fuses, nothing. I removed the battery cables for 15 minutes, still nothing. It is as if the computer lost the programming for the key. How do I fix this?

2 Answers

103,085

Assuming nothing is defective with the computer modules or keys (PCM/ECU & ATM) you'll have to have them reprogrammed to accept the keys again. If I recall, you can add a new chipped key when you have TWO working keys, but if you have no working key, this will have to be done at the dealership. (You can add a fob as long as you have one working fob, but for keys you need two.) A qualified locksmith might be able to do it for less.

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