My initial quest was simple: acquire red keys for my Durango R/T Tow & Go to mirror the power modes found in Hellcats. My reasoning was straightforward – with teenage drivers occasionally behind the wheel, having a way to limit horsepower via a “black key” while retaining full power for myself with a “red key” seemed ideal. This sparked my investigation into the actual mechanics of these keys and their impact on engine performance, starting with part numbers and calibration files.
Unraveling the Durango Hellcat Key Fob Part Number and PCM Calibration
My research began by identifying the part number for what is believed to be the Durango Hellcat red key fob: 68467666aa. However, digging deeper into an OEM 2021 Durango Hellcat PCM calibration file revealed something unexpected – a potential discrepancy in how the red and black keys are configured compared to expectations set by Charger and Challenger Hellcat models.
Looking at the parameters from a 2021 Durango Hellcat PCM, the values associated with the “Red key” and “Black key” power settings appear to be reversed. The “Black key” is listed with a value of 707, presumably representing horsepower, while the “Red key” shows 500. This is contrary to the anticipated function where the red key should unleash maximum power.
In comparison, my 2023 Durango R/T Tow & Go calibration parameters present values that align more with the expected behavior, where higher values would logically correspond to higher power output for the red key.
This inversion in the Hellcat calibration raises a crucial question: Are the red keys provided with Durango Hellcats simply standard black keys encased in red plastic? Or is there a different mechanism at play? Could these “Power Mode” fields merely be for display on the uConnect screen, and not actually control engine output, especially since Durango Hellcats don’t display horsepower figures on their screens like Chargers and Challengers?
The Role of the Black Key Torque Multiplier in Power Management
To further investigate power limitation, I turned my attention to the “Black key torque multiplier.” This parameter seemed more likely to be the actual control mechanism for reducing performance when using a black key.
The Hellcat black key multiplier values suggest a clear reduction in torque, which would directly translate to reduced performance. Comparing this to my Durango R/T Tow & Go’s black key multiplier values:
The data reinforces the idea that the torque multiplier is the key factor in limiting power, regardless of the labeling of “red” or “black” keys in the PCM power mode settings.
Experimenting with a Durango Hellcat Red Key Fob for Power Customization
Based on these findings, my hypothesis is that purchasing a 2023 Durango Hellcat key fob and programming it to my R/T Tow & Go’s BCM should allow it to be recognized as a “red key.” This would enable me to then adjust the black key torque multiplier to a lower setting, effectively creating a true “valet mode” or “teen driver mode” while retaining full power access with the red key.
To validate this, a practical test is necessary. After pairing the red key fob, I plan to significantly reduce the black key torque multiplier – for example, setting it to 0.10 (10% torque) while leaving the red key at 1.0 (100%). Although the Durango uConnect screen won’t display horsepower figures to confirm the change, the difference in driving performance should be immediately noticeable.
Conclusion: Seeking Community Insight on Durango Hellcat Key Fob Performance
Ultimately, the investigation suggests that while Durango Hellcats come with red key fobs, their internal configuration and actual function might differ from the red keys in Charger and Challenger Hellcats. The power limitation seems to be primarily controlled by the black key torque multiplier, and the “red key” may simply be a standard key in a different colored shell.
This leads to a final question for the Durango Hellcat community: Has anyone successfully purchased and programmed a black key (or another red key) for their Durango Hellcat to achieve reduced performance? Real-world experiences and further insights would be invaluable in fully understanding the nuances of the Red Dodge Key Fob and its functionality in the Durango Hellcat.
