2017 1500 Tradesman fails to add key fob

I have a 2017 tradesman with the manual key and no push button start failing to learn new key fobs. I have tried the above processes w/mx+ and full version of alphaodb but nothing works. My key fobs look like Ram factory keys. A locksmith told me trucks with manual keyed passenger door locks are not equipped to support key fobs. My Ram dealer stated my truck wasn’t equipped as well. AlphaODB detects a RF hub and the manual key(while inserted) but not the new fobs. Also, I have erased and reprogramed the manual key with no problem. When I try using the baseline or the tradesman baseline it just tries >15 minutes then then fails to detect the fobs. I’m in the process of verifying the red for the bypass cable in case MX+ suggestion was wrong. Any ideas or suggestions on hardware needed or software would be appreciated.

Steps I took for my 2017 Ram 1500 new key FOBs;

1. Install a Security Bypass Cable:(I was told by MX+ I didn’t need this cable for my 2017 / Skipped)
   • Obtain a security bypass cable and connect it to your OBDLink MX+ device and Android device.
   • Use the AlfaOBD app (available for Android) for the next steps.
2. Retrieve Your PIN: Done
   • Obtain your PIN using the Chrysler Pin Puller app or other methods.
3. Configure the Car: Done
   • Open AlfaOBD and connect to your OBDLink MX+ device.
   • Navigate to “My car” > Dodge/Ram > RAM 1500 (DS/DX/DT) Body Computer My2018 PowerNet. (Goes to 2016+ automatically)
   • Click the open hood icon at the bottom right corner.(PC version doesn’t show a hood. Found under Diagnostics)
   • Scroll to “Car configuration change” and find “VehConfig 3: RKE System Present.” Set it to “yes” and click “Start.”
4. Reset the Radio Frequency HUB (RFH): Done but queried PIN code using AlphaODB
   • Change the control unit to “Radio Frequency HUB (RFH)” (select “Radio Frequency HUB My2012-21 PowerNet”).
   • Click “Open Hood.”
   • Choose “RF-HUB Reset/Replace,” enter your PIN, and click “Start.”
5. Program Ignition FOBIKs:
   • Follow the on-screen prompts to program your FOBIK.
   • Enter your PIN and click “START.”
   • Disconnect and exit the app.
   • Wait 5-10 minutes for the car computer to reset.
6. Test the Key Fob:
   • Try the lock/unlock buttons on your new remote key fob to see if they work.

Remember to back up your settings before making any changes.

When you say “manual” key do you mean a key that looks like the below picture?

The 2017 does not need a security bypass cable. Only 2018 and newer trucks have a security gateway.

I had to end up getting a lock smith to get my new ones to work. I never could get them to work.

Looking at possibly replacing my RF hub.
RFHub Differences

My key looks like this

rramb said:

My key looks like thisView attachment 546858

Click to expand...

I’m not aware of AlfaOBD programming that type of key. It’s kind of an old school key with a chip in the plastic top. You only see your original key on the RF hub when it’s in the ignition because that’s where the security chip is read. You do not need a security bypass cable.

The key fob I have been trying to program looks like this. I would be willing to try a different one before attempting the RF hub + wiring harnesses changes. Any recommendations…

I absolutely was able to erase the old school key and reprogram using alphaodb2. Apparently my truck was a government game warden vehicle. This is the reason it came with the cheap manual key. Either way I am still looking for a way to add key fobs without spending $$$.

rramb said:

I absolutely was able to erase the old school key and reprogram using alphaodb2. Apparently my truck was a government game warden vehicle. This is the reason it came with the cheap manual key. Either way I am still looking for a way to add key fobs without spending $$$.

Click to expand...

Where to start…
I have programmed the type fob you have pictured above. If I remember correctly it required the “high line” or hi-line programming not the basic programming. It’s been a few years since I added new fobs to my 2018 but I’m pretty sure it’s the high line programming option in AlfaOBD.

Do you have power door locks? It may be a rudimentary question but without power locks the vehicle can’t really use a fob.

The fob you posted in the pic above is for a push to start ignition system. This would require a new ignition switch as well as the antennas that sense the fobs presence. There are two antenna that sense these types of fobs. One is under the center console and the other is on the rear cab wall near the RF hub. These type fobs are picked up by the interior antenna whereas the type fob I posted in a previous post uses a signal sent out by the fob when the buttons are depressed. I’m not sure but the two different types of fobs may use different frequencies.

It’s very possible your RF hub is not capable of using the type of fob you are trying to program. I say this because I have a 2018 BigHorn that used the type of fob that I posted a picture of. I wanted a push button start and proximity handle lock system like the factory Keyless and Go system and I had to replace my RF hub when I switched from the old fobs to the new type fob that you are trying to program.

There is a good chance that your truck was ordered without any supporting hardware for a keyfob/RKE system as it was a government fleet vehicle. Not that it can’t be done with the correct wiring, RF hub and fobs but does the CANBUS and BCM installed in your truck support the upgrade?

If you have power door locks you may have more success trying to program the basic remote keyless entry “fobik” pictured below. Your truck presently has the most basic of systems with a chipped key. The next level up would be the fob pictured below as the top of the line systems use the fob you are trying to program. In my limited experience your truck does not have the required wiring or hardware to use the fob you are trying to program.

My 2018 has the chipped keys and I ordered it that way. We have two 2016 Darts that came with fobs. I programmed chipped keys and even figured out how to install a passenger side key lock on both Darts. I don't use fobs and see no problem with using a key. Maybe it's because I'm over 75 and because I wish it wasn't so easy for thieves to steal a vehicle by cloning a fob signal.

Atcer2018 said:

I’m not aware of AlfaOBD programming that type of key. It’s kind of an old school key with a chip in the plastic top. You only see your original key on the RF hub when it’s in the ignition because that’s where the security chip is read. You do not need a security bypass cable.

Click to expand...

I got that key. Locksmith cut the new key. Dealer needs to program with AlphaOBD and I believe a 4-digit PIN. Whereas the similar transponder key for my 2000 Wrangler, I was able to program with just another key. Did not need the dealer or AlphaOBD.

This is a Transponder Key
Swimmers, Surfers, Hikers, use them all the time
They are essentially Waterproof & very Rugged

My 2016 Ram Big Horn SLT has Remote Start, with a operating range of close to 100 feet

The remote is the Passive Type, the Remote is fitted into the Ignition




Car Key Fob For 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 Keyless Entry Remote Fcc Id

I bought 1 at a Local Mobile Locksmith, they had 3 Vans with all the needed equipment & they operate out of a brick & mortar store

I have not checked to see if MY RF Hub is part of the Ignition, as they were for several years
or
The RF Hub was mounted on the rear of the cab, behind the back seats, like some of the 2018 Rams

This video shows the 2016 Ram have it behind the rear seat
He shows how he removed it, his had gotten wet,
Likely from a broken Cab Exhauster Vent, that it is mounted right next to it

rramb said:

My key looks like thisView attachment 546858

Click to expand...

My truck uses the key fob type in post 9. The kind with the door key hidden inside it.

I wanted a low profile key that doesn't stick out of the WIN socket so far, so I cut the metal off of one of the keys in your post, and used AlphaOBD to program it. It programmed on the first try and I've been using it for about 5 years.


My original post on it, from back in 2019.

Post in thread 'What did you do with your 4th Gen this week?' https://www.ramforum.com/threads/what-did-you-do-with-your-4th-gen-this-week.34480/post-2168945

Thanks Atcer2018 ! I order the basic key fob you referenced and it arrived today. I tried to first program with the key sitting on the console and nothing was being found. After inserting the tip in the key slot and during the search the basic programming was successful in a matter of seconds.

1. Program Ignition FOBIKs:
   • Go to BaseLine Programming
   • Insert FOBICK in Ignition KEY if old key is TIP KEY or physical key
   • Follow the on-screen prompts to program your FOBIK.
   • Enter your PIN and click “START.” I was able to acquire my pin using alphaODB
   • Disconnect and exit the app.
   • Wait 5-10 minutes for the car computer to reset.

I ordered my 2018 Tradesman with manual keys. I did buy Fobs a year later and had them programmed. They work fine, but I don't have push-button start

Dorman 99360 worked for me.