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How to Open a Chrysler, Dodge or Ram with a Dead Key Fob
- First, if you are already inside, click here for help getting started!
- Second, for video help, click here!
- Finally, if you need another manufacturer, click here.
Retrieving the mechanical key
Retrieving the mechanical keyTo remove the emergency (mechanical) key from a key fob belonging to early Chrysler or Dodge vehicle, slide the mechanical latch at the top of the back of the Key Fob (remote control or ‘clicker’) to the side and then pull the mechanical key out with your free hand.
The Key Fobs used in models built after 2010 are sleeker and rounded (see the image to the right) but work the same way. Slide the mechanical latch at the top of the back of the Fob to the side and pull the emergency key out with your free hand.
Even newer models, including Ram trucks, use an updated, flatter version of the key fob. The button is on the side, as denoted by the bottom arrow. The mechanical key is removed by once again pulling on the key ring end with your free hand.
Getting Inside
In all these models except the Charger EV (below), a key hole is visible at the back of the driver’s door. Simply insert the mechanical key and turn and you’re in.
Charger EV
Before doing anything, please, please be aware that the car frameless glass doors and includes a smart drop feature that ensures the glass lowers slightly when the door is opened. This prevents the glass edge from making contact with the metal retainer that attaches the door seal to the vehicle, and requires that the vehicle has power.
And as near as we can tell, it requires that the key fob has power as well! We do not recommend trying this if the window is up!
There is an emergency mechanical key and instructions for unlatching, not unlocking, the drivers door when the vehicle has lost power, which is intended for use if the window is at least partially down.
To unlatch the driver door manually, a small cover near the back of the handle must be removed to reveal a latch release (right). It looks like a key cylinder, there again is no indication that this is a lock cylinder.
The first use of the emergency key is to pry off the cover. Slip the key in behind the cover to pry it off by pulling outward. Then insert the emergency key into the latch release and turn it toward the rear. This will unlatch the door, allowing access to the vehicle.
We have not been able to verify that opening the car this way when only the fob battery is dead will activate the smart drop feature to keep from damaging the glass.
Thus, if the key fob does not work and the driver’s door window is up, which is likely, we have to recommend replacing the fob’s battery before doing anything else.
We will update this page if and when we learn more.
Chrysler models examined include the 200, 300, Pacifica, Town and Country and Voyager. Dodge models examined include Caravan, Challenger, Charger, Charger EV, Dart, Durango, Hornet, Journey, and Viper. Ram models examined include 1500, 2500, 3500, Chassis cab, Promaster, and Cargo Van. Model years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
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The information on this website is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY