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
101,715

KenF answered 7 years ago

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.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2008 Dodge RAM 2500

Write a car review

Review another car

Shortcuts

Search Dodge RAM 2500 Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Dan Connell
    Reputation
    5,600
  • #2
    Ram2500Diesel
    Reputation
    1,600
  • #3
    Tony Williams
    Reputation
    1,550
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
1,038 Great Deals out of 30,965 listings starting at $3,800
Used Dodge RAM 3500
30 Great Deals out of 480 listings starting at $5,500
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
1,390 Great Deals out of 43,401 listings starting at $2,995
Used Dodge RAM 1500
79 Great Deals out of 1,600 listings starting at $1,999
Used GMC Sierra 2500HD
570 Great Deals out of 21,171 listings starting at $5,995
Used Ford F-150
6,073 Great Deals out of 134,779 listings starting at $1,500
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,159 Great Deals out of 131,123 listings starting at $875
Used Ford F-350 Super Duty
903 Great Deals out of 23,107 listings starting at $4,995
Used GMC Sierra 1500
1,937 Great Deals out of 67,237 listings starting at $3,400
Used Toyota Tundra
1,127 Great Deals out of 33,997 listings starting at $3,399
Used Toyota Tacoma
1,988 Great Deals out of 33,738 listings starting at $2,990

Used Cars For Sale

2009 Dodge RAM 2500 SLT Quad Cab RWD For Sale
5 listings starting at $12,595
2008 Dodge RAM 2500 SLT Quad Cab RWD For Sale
2 listings starting at $15,355
2007 Dodge RAM 2500 SLT Quad Cab RWD For Sale
9 listings starting at $12,777
2006 Dodge RAM 2500 SLT Quad Cab RWD For Sale
7 listings starting at $10,900

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.