Dodge Ram 1500: Resetting the Anti Theft

Amanda T
Feb 14, 2021

Blue 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 With White Backgorund

When you’re purchasing a new truck, you want a vehicle with a solid anti-theft system.

The Dodge Ram 1500 comes equipped with an anti-theft system that may need to be reset if it’s activated by mistake.

How do you reset the Dodge Ram 1500’s anti-theft system?  

While the engine is off, place the key in the ignition for at least 60 seconds to reset the anti-theft system. Then, start your vehicle as normal.  

Here, we’ll take a look at how the anti-theft system in a Dodge Ram 1500 works, and we’ll go over the details of why placing your key in the ignition can reset the system. Then, we’ll check out what some customers have to say about this issue with their Dodge Ram. Finally, we’ll go over the next steps you need to take if you’re considering purchasing this vehicle.

1500 Series Anti-Theft System

Many factors can activate your 1500 series truck’s anti-theft system. Many drivers find that they accidentally activate the system when working on their vehicle, especially while doing work that involves disconnecting the battery.

Other drivers find that the system becomes activated after someone else borrows their truck, and they have to spend some time pressing different buttons to get a feel for how to operate the vehicle.

When the anti-theft system is activated, the truck will not start. While this can be annoying as a driver, it’s nice to know that if someone is trying to steal your vehicle, you have a built-in protection system without having to purchase a separate security system for your vehicle. Luckily, turning off the anti-theft system is simple on the Dodge Ram 1500 series.

How Do I Perform a Dodge Ram 1500 Series Anti-Theft System Reset?

It’s frustrating: You put your key in the ignition of your 1500 series truck, but you can’t get the engine to start. You know that there’s nothing wrong with your truck; rather, the anti-theft system has been activated. Even though you’re the rightful owner of your vehicle, anti-theft systems can act against you.

To deactivate the anti-theft system so that you can drive your vehicle normally once again, the steps are simple:

  1. Place your key in the ignition of the vehicle.
  2. Do not attempt to crank up your truck.
  3. Allow your key to sit in the ignition for 60 seconds. Do not move the key or try to start the vehicle.
  4. After 60 seconds have passed, start your vehicle as normal.

After you get your vehicle to start, think about what may have happened to activate the anti-theft system so that you can avoid the issue happening in the future.

If you’re consistently having this issue and you can’t connect it to anything you’re doing, you may want to stop in to see your dealer to get some more information about how to avoid the problem and to have a mechanic check to see if there’s an issue with your truck.

What Drivers are Saying

Many Dodge Ram 1500 drivers have experienced the issue of having the anti-theft system activated accidentally. This often happens after doing work on the truck or after putting the windows up and down repeatedly. While having the system activated can be a pain, most drivers find that leaving the key in the ignition for 60 seconds fixes the problem quickly and efficiently.

Thinking about a 1500 Series Truck? Here’s Your Next Step

If you’re researching vehicles to find the perfect fit for you, you’re making smart moves by looking up issues to make an informed decision. Your next step: Get a report from Vehicle History. This will help you decide whether the Dodge Ram 1500 is the right truck for your needs.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Terry on March 31, 2024
Garbage Truck
The Trucks Anti Theft System has activated and I can't start the Truckl. I was just changing the battery and by doing that I can't drive the Truck. You know what? Guess where this Truck is headed to? The River. I'll Never buy another Ram they want $1,500 to get the Truck out of Theft mode. Yeah I know all of the other brands have that electronic wizard stuff also. Just amazing you can't even change a battery in your own truck. Maybe a horse and wagon will be better. All I have to do is feed him a little oats and he will take me anywhere. LOL. Ford did that to me in 1979. Guess what I never bought another Ford? Who won that? Lol. Ford lost money for doing that to me? Oh well. Ram is going to suffer the same. But they don't care.
accountCircle Jay on March 18, 2024
Insane!!
We change the battery and even after doing the Anti-Theft Smart Key Reset, the alarm goes off and the truck won't start... This definitely doesn't seem like a SMART key.... Now I have to get the truck TOWED to the dealership and pay for something that clearly should NEVER happen in the first place....
accountCircle JeffD. on May 24, 2023
Crazy truck
I have tried everything one place told me to disconnect the battery for 15 minutes. One place told me to change the win module but that has to be programed. So yeah ill try this one when i get to my truck.
accountCircle Kadin Bell on December 30, 2022
2013 ram 1500 Won’t start at all
I’ve tried all things on the internet and I can’t seem to get it started! The dash blinks on and off and the radio says “Anti theft code,please restart the system” someone please help me
accountCircle David M on April 8, 2024
2023 Ram 1500 anti theft system triggered
In my case I disconnected the battery over night and nothing happened until I left the key fob close to ignition button for 5 minutes and the dashboard started working and then it started
accountCircle David on November 26, 2022
Truck won't start
2009 dodge ram1500 won't start..it has some kind of anti theft device connected to the fuse box
accountCircle Ken on November 28, 2022
Security
I cant get the security system to go off on my 3018 ram 1500 Express
avatar Amanda T
Amanda T. is a freelance writer, mom, and health nut who refuses to drive anything other than a Nissan. She has six years of automotive writing experience, and loves providing drivers with well-researched information to help them make informed decisions.
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