what does the sentry-key chip in the key fob look like?

 

I have never had a key apart.....don't know if it is visible when you replace the battery? Just wondering ? Why wold you want to know? Any benifits?

 

A little microchip. Could be Texas Instruments since they are into transponders and RFID.

MikeyB

 

I bought some non-remote, just plain keys with the sentry chip in them off of E-Bay for about $29. They are gray and just look like normal keys. They are labeled STRATTEC. It cost me $3 to get them cut. The locksmith was annoyed when I wouldn't pay him $25 to program them into the truck.

I used my regular keys to program them in, so now I have two keys that operate the door locks (I don't use them in the ignition) and two plain looking keys that will start and run the truck.

Anyway, the chip has to be pretty small. The plain keys aren't very big.

 

If you have both original sentry keys you don't need a locksmith to program a new one. The procedure for programming a new key is in the owners manual.

MikeyB

 

gray keys will not start the trucks only the black ones

 

yes they will, thats all I have are grey keys...

 

Yes. That's why the locksmith was annoyed. He thought he would get an extra $25 dollars after only charging $3 for cutting the blanks. I went out and programmed them into the truck before I left.

Gray keys with the RFID chip in them will work (STRATTEC). I tried them before programming them into the truck, and the truck would start and run for a couple seconds and then die. I only use the gray keys to start and run the truck now. That way I can lock and unlock the doors with the engine running. I also keep two keys at home, so I will always be able to add in a new key.

 

I have a 2007 5.9L 2500. I looked on E-bay and did not see any keys for the 2007 Ram. I saw some for a 2007 Caravan, 2002-2005 Ram Truck and 2005-2007 Dakota. Will any of these keys work?

Thanks,

Tom

 

HOW THEY WORK...
A transponder is short for: transmitter + responder. The word was invented around 1944.

In basic terms a transponder is a miniaturized electronic chip that has what is called nonvolatile

memory. Nonvolatile memory is the type of memory that does not need constant energy for

retention. Along with that electronic chip is a set of windings, very fine wire coiled around a tube.

These windings look similar to the windings you would find in a electric motor.

There are two basic types of transponders. The first are the Electric Coupled Transponder

systems. Electric coupled transponder systems are not limited to small areas for transmission but

can transmit messages or signals for different ranges of distance including several inches to

miles, as used in Satellites and Airplanes. These systems require large amounts of constant

electricity to operate.

The second type is what automobile manufacturer’s are using and they are called Magnetic

Coupled Transponder systems. Magnetic Coupled Transponder systems are passive in

nature. This means they do not require constant electricity and thus do not need a power source

of their own. They operate in the frequency range area of 125KHz. Since Magnetic Coupled

Transponders do not have their own power source they are very limited to range of communication

and generally operate in the range of 1cm to 15cm. Since this is a radio frequency it can

penetrate materials that would make the transponder not directly visible, such as the plastic or

rubber in the bow of a key.

The process of key identification is similar in most automotive transponder systems. Once

a key is inserted into the ignition lock and turned to one of the ‘on’ or ‘run’ positions, the induction

coil that is mounted around the ignition lock sends out an electromagnet field of energy. The

windings in the transponder chip absorb that energy and power the electronic chip to emit a

signal. The signal is usually an alphanumeric set of digits which is considered the Identification

Code. The induction coil reads the signal and sends it to some type of computer device to recognize

the signal. If the signal is recognized as being already in the computer’s memory the signal

is accepted and other electronic components in the vehicle are set into motion to allow the starting

of the vehicle or the continuation of the engine running.

Transponders can be made into several different shapes and sizes and can be used in

many different types of applications such as: warehouse pallets, retail clothing, animal management,

and of course electronic automobile key identification.

Hopes this helps how these keys actually work

 

great job!!!

 

E-Bay..............put this number in the search box 220077948996 Great Price.

 

simadown i would really try running it with another key. maybe it is the microchip in the key.

 

tried that. Even the dealer reprogrammed the keys with the new security module with no problems.

 

I think you are answering in the wrong post.....this is about Sentry Key not Simadowns Lemon Law Post