Experiencing trouble starting your 2019 Ram 1500 with the key fob can be frustrating, especially when you’re on the go. It’s a common issue that many Ram 1500 owners face, and thankfully, there are several potential causes and solutions you can investigate before heading to the dealership. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps to help you get your truck running again.
Symptoms of a 2019 Ram 1500 No Start Issue with Key Fob
Before diving into solutions, let’s identify the common symptoms when your 2019 Ram 1500 refuses to start with the key fob:
- “Press pedal and push button to start” message stuck on the instrument cluster: This message remains displayed even when you’ve followed the instructions.
- Inability to switch power modes: Pressing the start button without pressing the brake pedal should cycle through ACC, ON, and RUN modes, but this doesn’t happen.
- Key fob buttons not working: The key fob might fail to lock or unlock doors, indicating a potential communication issue.
These symptoms point towards a problem preventing the truck from recognizing the key fob or initiating the starting sequence.
Common Causes and How to Troubleshoot
Here are some common reasons why your 2019 Ram 1500 might not start with the key fob, along with troubleshooting steps:
1. Check the Ignition Fuse
A blown fuse can interrupt the power supply to critical systems, preventing your truck from starting.
- Locate the fuse box: Refer to your Ram 1500 owner’s manual to find the location of the fuse box, usually under the hood or inside the cabin.
- Identify the ignition fuse: Check the fuse box diagram for the ignition fuse, often labeled as F24 or similar.
- Inspect the fuse: Visually inspect the fuse for a broken filament. If it’s blown, replace it with a fuse of the same amperage.
2. Verify the Gear Shift Position
The Ram 1500, like most modern vehicles, has a safety feature that prevents starting unless it’s in Park (P) or Neutral (N).
- Ensure the truck is in Park: Double-check that the gear selector is firmly in the ‘P’ position.
- Try starting in Neutral: If you’re unsure about the park position, attempt to start the truck in Neutral (N). You may need to use the lanyard pull method (consult your owner’s manual) to ensure it’s fully in Neutral if there’s an issue with the gear selector mechanism.
3. Battery and Electrical Connections
A weak battery or poor electrical connections are frequent culprits behind starting problems.
- Check Battery Terminals: Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion or looseness. Clean any corrosion with a wire brush and ensure the terminals are securely tightened.
- Examine the Ground Strap: Locate the ground strap (a thick wire connecting the negative battery terminal to the vehicle’s chassis). Ensure it’s clean, tight, and free from damage.
- Test the Battery Voltage: Use a multimeter to test the battery voltage. A healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts when the engine is off. If it’s significantly lower, the battery might be weak or dead and require charging or replacement.
4. Potential Anti-theft System Issue
Modern vehicles have anti-theft systems that can sometimes be triggered, preventing the engine from starting.
- Anti-theft Lockdown: Some dealerships suggest that the anti-theft system might enter a lockdown mode. While less common, it’s worth considering. In some cases, waiting for a period (like 4 hours as suggested by a dealer) might reset the system. However, this is not a guaranteed solution and is less likely to be the primary cause in most scenarios.
5. Issues Related to Aftermarket Installations (like IID Devices)
If you’ve recently had an aftermarket device installed, such as an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), it’s possible that the installation process may have inadvertently caused a starting issue.
- Inspect IID Installation: If an IID was recently installed, it’s worth having the installation technician re-examine their work. Improper wiring or connections during the IID installation could interfere with the vehicle’s starting system.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and your 2019 Ram 1500 still won’t start with the key fob, it’s time to consult a professional. A certified mechanic or your Ram dealership’s service department can perform a more in-depth diagnosis to pinpoint the exact cause, which could involve:
- Scanning for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Professional scan tools can read error codes stored in the vehicle’s computer system, providing clues about the problem.
- Key Fob and Immobilizer System Testing: They can test the key fob’s signal and the vehicle’s immobilizer system to rule out issues with key fob programming or receiver problems.
- Electrical System Diagnosis: Technicians have specialized tools and expertise to thoroughly diagnose complex electrical system faults.
By systematically checking these potential causes, you can often resolve the “2019 Ram 1500 won’t start with key fob” issue or gather valuable information to help a professional diagnose and fix the problem efficiently.
