Ok, this is a simple problem that could cost hours of grief and tons of $$$ if not recognized early. Even better - it's a cheap and easy fix.
Applicability: Ignition Keys with the remote lock system. I suspect this must apply thoughout the Dodge/Chrysler model lines but it is certainly true for my '05 Magnum. The older your key...the more likely it will happen. Mine are just less than 2 yrs. old with moderate use on the one that failed.
Problem: Car will start and run briefly (2 sec.) then die. Further attempts to start it without removing the key won't even fire. In my case it first showed up in traffic when the car just quit when waiting for a light to change. So watch out, it could happen anytime.
Cause: A button cell battery (#2032) in the key is used to power a transmitter that sends a unique key code to the car so that it will continue running. This is discussed in my '05 owner's manual, pages 11-14. If the battery is weak or the transmitter fails - you are stuck.
Symptoms: I'd noticed my unlock range was getting pretty short - maybe 20 to 30 feet (normally it's out to 100+ft). The car was hard to start occassionally and twice had died or stumbled with no OBDII codes reported. After about 2 months of this erratic behavior, it failed completely. I could unlock the car manually and everything seemed to function. It just wouldn't start and run.
Fix: 1. Using a small phillips screwdriver, remove the retaining screw on the back of the key.
2. You'll then need to use a small flat screwdriver to pop the back off of the key.
3. Lift the circuit board from the key housing.
4. Slide the battery sideways from the holder. Throw it away so you don't get it confused with the new one sitting beside you.
5. Insert the new (about $3 ea.) battery and reverse the process.
6. Lastly...and just as important, find your spare key and replace it's battery as well.
Difficulty: Easy, fast and cheap. You need to know how to run a screwdriver and have a $3 battery for each key. I'd guess that if you moved slowly it might take as long as 10 min. to fix two keys. In the time it took to write this, I could have changed all the batteries in a small fleet.
I hope this saves someone from having a tow-truck call, hours stranded and a mind numbing repair bill for something so simple.
Dex
Applicability: Ignition Keys with the remote lock system. I suspect this must apply thoughout the Dodge/Chrysler model lines but it is certainly true for my '05 Magnum. The older your key...the more likely it will happen. Mine are just less than 2 yrs. old with moderate use on the one that failed.
Problem: Car will start and run briefly (2 sec.) then die. Further attempts to start it without removing the key won't even fire. In my case it first showed up in traffic when the car just quit when waiting for a light to change. So watch out, it could happen anytime.
Cause: A button cell battery (#2032) in the key is used to power a transmitter that sends a unique key code to the car so that it will continue running. This is discussed in my '05 owner's manual, pages 11-14. If the battery is weak or the transmitter fails - you are stuck.
Symptoms: I'd noticed my unlock range was getting pretty short - maybe 20 to 30 feet (normally it's out to 100+ft). The car was hard to start occassionally and twice had died or stumbled with no OBDII codes reported. After about 2 months of this erratic behavior, it failed completely. I could unlock the car manually and everything seemed to function. It just wouldn't start and run.
Fix: 1. Using a small phillips screwdriver, remove the retaining screw on the back of the key.
2. You'll then need to use a small flat screwdriver to pop the back off of the key.
3. Lift the circuit board from the key housing.
4. Slide the battery sideways from the holder. Throw it away so you don't get it confused with the new one sitting beside you.
5. Insert the new (about $3 ea.) battery and reverse the process.
6. Lastly...and just as important, find your spare key and replace it's battery as well.
Difficulty: Easy, fast and cheap. You need to know how to run a screwdriver and have a $3 battery for each key. I'd guess that if you moved slowly it might take as long as 10 min. to fix two keys. In the time it took to write this, I could have changed all the batteries in a small fleet.
I hope this saves someone from having a tow-truck call, hours stranded and a mind numbing repair bill for something so simple.
Dex