Experiencing problems with your 2020 Ram 1500 key fob? You’re not alone. Many owners encounter situations where their key fob seems less responsive than it should be. While modern key fobs are built to be robust, battery issues can still arise, even in relatively new vehicles. Let’s explore some common scenarios and what you can do about them, focusing on your key fob’s battery.
One frequent concern is reduced range. If you find you need to be increasingly closer to your Ram 1500 for the remote start, lock, or unlock functions to work, a weakening key fob battery is a prime suspect. Think about it: if you used to start your truck from inside your house with ease, and now you have to be practically next to it, the signal strength might be diminishing. This could point to a battery that’s starting to lose its charge.
Another, perhaps less obvious, factor that can sometimes interfere with key fob operation is related to LED lights, particularly aftermarket LED brake lights. It’s been noted in some cases that low-quality LEDs in the Center High Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL) can create electrical interference. This interference might affect the key fob’s signal when you press the brake pedal while inside the truck, especially when attempting to start the vehicle by pressing the start button. While this is less directly about the key fob battery itself, it’s a related electrical issue that’s worth considering if you’ve recently upgraded your brake lights to LEDs and are experiencing fob problems.
It’s also worth understanding the “dead fob” trick mentioned in many owner circles. Even with a very weak or seemingly dead battery, your key fob still contains an RFID chip. This chip can be read by the vehicle when the fob is held very close to the start button. The small amount of energy from the vehicle’s ignition system is enough to activate this chip, allowing you to start the truck even if the battery is too weak to power the regular remote functions. This is a good emergency measure, but not a long-term solution.
So, what should be your first step when diagnosing 2020 Ram 1500 key fob issues? Start with the battery. Even if the key fob’s indicator light illuminates when you press a button, it doesn’t guarantee the battery is in optimal condition. Batteries can weaken over time, and the battery that came with your vehicle might have been sitting on a shelf for a while before it was even installed in your fob. Factors like temperature changes and humidity can also affect battery performance and longevity. Replacing the key fob battery is a simple and inexpensive first step that can often resolve range and responsiveness problems. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct battery type and replacement instructions. It’s a quick fix that could save you from more complex troubleshooting.
