Experiencing problems with your 2020 Ram key fob? It can be frustrating when your key fob becomes unreliable, especially when you’re trying to start your truck remotely or simply unlock the doors. One of the most common culprits behind key fob malfunctions is a low or dead battery. Let’s delve into the potential battery issues with your 2020 Ram key fob and explore some troubleshooting steps.
It’s not uncommon to assume the key fob battery is strong, especially if your truck is relatively new. As one user mentioned, their original key fob battery in a 16-month-old truck seemed robust, even capable of remote starting from a considerable distance. However, even if your key fob appears to be working intermittently, the battery could still be the source of the problem.
One peculiar issue some 2020 Ram owners encounter is related to starting the truck when inside the cabin. Sometimes, pressing the start button might not register immediately. Jiggling the key fob or repositioning it might seem to resolve the issue, leading to speculation about interference. While pocket items could potentially play a minor role, a more prominent factor could be related to LED lights, particularly if you’ve upgraded your vehicle’s lighting.
The LED Light Interference Factor
Interestingly, LED lights, especially aftermarket or low-quality LEDs, can sometimes interfere with key fob signals. This is a known phenomenon, particularly concerning the Center High Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL). If you’ve replaced your 3rd brake light bulbs with LEDs, and are experiencing key fob issues when pressing the brake pedal to start the truck (which activates the CHMSL), there might be a connection.
Similarly, interference isn’t limited to vehicle lights. Some users have reported issues with garage door opener key fobs when using LED bulbs in their garage opener mechanism. Flickering LED bulbs, in particular, might create enough electrical noise to disrupt the key fob signal, making it difficult for the fob to communicate reliably.
However, basic functions like locking, unlocking, and remote starting from a reasonable distance usually remain unaffected by minor interference. These key fobs operate on low-power radio waves that are generally line-of-sight. Modern vehicles like the 2020 Ram are equipped with multiple antennas to enhance key fob detection and range, whether the fob is nearby or inside the vehicle.
The “Dead Fob Battery Trick” and Battery Basics
Even if your key fob battery is very weak, there’s a clever workaround: the “dead fob battery – hit the start button with the fob” trick. This works because the start button area in your Ram can read the RFID chip embedded within your key fob, even if the fob’s battery is too depleted to transmit a regular signal. This RFID communication requires minimal power, drawn directly from the vehicle when the fob is in close proximity to the start button.
The first and simplest troubleshooting step for any 2020 Ram key fob issue should be battery replacement. While the owner’s manual might suggest that a lit LED indicator on the fob means the battery is okay, this isn’t always definitive. The battery’s lifespan can be affected by various factors, including how long it was stored before installation and environmental conditions. If you purchased your Ram off the dealership lot, the key fob could have been sitting for an extended period, potentially leading to battery degradation or oxidation of battery contacts inside the fob.
Therefore, before exploring more complex causes, replacing the key fob battery is a logical and inexpensive first step to resolving potential issues with your 2020 Ram key fob. It’s a quick fix that can often restore full functionality and eliminate battery drain as a potential problem source.
