Experiencing a frustrating issue with your 2015 Ram Eco-Diesel where the key fob gets stuck in the ACC position? You’re not alone. Many 2015 Ram owners have encountered this perplexing problem, preventing the key from turning to the OFF position and potentially draining your battery. Let’s delve into the potential causes and DIY troubleshooting steps you can take, especially if you’re in a remote location and getting to a dealership isn’t immediately feasible.
One owner of a 2015 Ram Eco-Diesel with around 105,000 miles recently faced this exact scenario. After parking their truck, the key fob refused to budge from the ACC position. While this issue had occurred intermittently before, it was becoming more frequent and persistent. Typically, leaving the key in ACC for a short period and then jiggling it between RUN and ACC would resolve the problem. However, this time, the key remained stubbornly stuck.
Initial troubleshooting steps involved trying various methods to release the key. Attempting to start and stop the engine, ensuring the truck was firmly in park by backing up and carefully re-engaging the parking gear, and even driving around to reposition the shifter, all proved unsuccessful. These actions were taken based on anecdotal suggestions that improper or rushed shifting into park might contribute to the problem.
Alt text: Close-up of a 2015 Ram key fob, highlighting the key portion and buttons, emphasizing potential issues with key release from the ignition.
Desperate for a solution, the owner resorted to a temporary fix: disconnecting the negative battery terminal. After waiting a few moments and reconnecting the battery, the key fob miraculously released. While this provided immediate relief, it was clear that this was not a long-term solution as the key continued to get stuck every time the truck was driven, only releasing after a battery disconnect.
This recurring issue points towards an underlying electrical problem, possibly a malfunctioning security feature or a “gremlin” in the system. The consistently wet weather conditions experienced in recent months, with frequent snow and rain, raise concerns about potential moisture intrusion into electrical connectors. A wet connector could certainly disrupt the signals required for the key release mechanism to function correctly.
For those in remote areas, like rural Alaska, where dealership access is challenging due to distance or weather conditions, DIY troubleshooting becomes crucial. While disconnecting the battery works as a temporary workaround, a more permanent solution is needed. Further investigation into potential electrical issues, starting with checking for corroded or wet connectors related to the ignition system and steering column, could be the next step in diagnosing and resolving this 2015 Ram Key Fob problem. If DIY attempts are unsuccessful, seeking professional help from a qualified mechanic may be necessary to avoid further complications.
