Ram Proximity Door Handle (Beginners Guide)
Locking and unlocking your car door with a mechanical key is an outdated method of operating your car doors.
Therefore, you can, nowadays, lock and unlock your vehicle using your ignition system or the remote keyless entry.
You have to grab the outside door handle, which will take the necessary action. Thus, this option gives you more comfort and convenience as a driver.
The Ram proximity keyless entry enhances the vehicle’s ignition system that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle without touching the key fob or the unlock buttons. It automatically unlocks the doors when you grab the exterior door handle. Proximity keys are also called: intelligent keys, keyless go, keyless access, e.t.c
Can You Add Proximity Keyless Entry Door Handles?
You can add an aftermarket proximity keyless entry to your car. The new proximity unlock feature comes in the remote start kits for the first time.
This feature was only accessible on newer automobiles some few decades ago. You can now add this premium feature to any vehicle for an enhanced original equipment manufacturer (OEM) experience.
Furthermore, a proximity key is a compact remote control that allows for keyless ignition and entrance.
Within an acceptable range (usually three to six feet), the remote connect with your automobile using radio waves to lock and unlock doors and start the engine.
Undoubtedly, you must add several system components to the typical central locking system for the Passive Entry/Go functionality to work.
Among them are:
#1. Control system:
This “comfort control unit” is behind the glove box, on the right side of the dashboard.
Several functions are controlled by the comfort control unit, including the central locking system, the convenience of opening and closing the side windows and the sunroof, and the alarm management system.
In addition, the immobilizer controls the tire pressure. This control unit is also in charge of tracking and storing mistakes in the system.
#2. ID transmitter:
This component is a radio transmitter key with extra passive functions.
Proximity keyless entry is a simple combination of remote control and an identification transmitter. The ID transmitter communicates with the control unit via radio waves.
What is Proximity Unlock?
The proximity unlock feature makes your car doors automatically unlock when your key fob is within range of your vehicle.
As a result, it makes it easier than ever to get inside your vehicle.
Depending on where your remote starter’s antenna is placed on the car, the range of operation is usually three to six feet.
Therefore, this saves you the stress of unlocking your car. Especially when you have your hands full of groceries, coffee, files, or even kids as you stroll to your car.
But how does this work?.
The following are some of the most common names of proximity keyless entry:
- Smart keyless entry
- Keyless entry system
- Keyless enter-n-go
- Push to start button, among others.
Note that your automobile key fob and your computer remote operate similarly.
By pressing the button on your remote, it sends a signal to the vehicle’s computer to unlock the doors and disarm the security system.
Similarly, the proximity unlocks controls work in the same manner but without pressing the button.
The amazing part is that; it works the same even with the key in your pocket. Your remote will emit the signal when you are within three to six feet of the antenna.
However, the remote start antenna range varies slightly depending on where it is installed on your car.
Additionally, many other factory security features will be compromised when you have this feature installed on your car.
Another important fact about remote proximity keyless is that the driver can retain the smart key in their pocket or handbag while unlocking, locking, and starting the vehicle.
One of the numerous antennae on the automobile body and a radio pulse generator on the key will identify it.
Furthermore, in case of loss, vehicles with a smart key system also have a mechanical key backup, normally provided as a replacement key blade.
The keyhole is frequently disguised under a cover plate for aesthetic and safety reasons.
How to Install Proximity Door Handle?
Installing a proximity door handle is no arduous task; you can even do it yourself.
However, you have to be careful to get all the details right, as one wrong turn could invalidate your efforts.
Here are some steps that can guide you;
#1. Step one:
Remove the handles: Remove the grommet on the rear swing gate to access the TOP screw that holds the cap in place.
#2. Step two:
Take off the door panels: Use the following tools; Torx T20, Torx T30, and a plastic pry tool.
#3. Step three:
Start this step by removing the inner door card using a 10mm socket. Then, remove nine bolts around the plate’s perimeter.
Continue by rolling the window down until the bolts holding the window in place are visible.
Remove the bolts holding the window in place and tape them up to keep them out of the way.
Once the window is up, carefully slide the inner card back to expose the wire that connects the door lock and handle.
However, this is the most difficult phase; you must slightly raise to get the bottom out first.
Then, you must clear the power window track and actuator by pulling down and twisting just enough.
#4. Step four:
Reassemble the components.
#5. Step five:
Use the plastic pry tool to swing the rear gate jumper.
#6. Step 6:
Install a new jumper in place of the power lock harness.
#7. Step 7:
Replace the plastic panel.
#8. Step 8:
Take the vehicle to your dealer to add sales code GXD and have the vehicle programmed.
Conclusion
If you’re contemplating buying a Ram model, you should do so because it’s one of the most reliable vehicles with a high-reliability score.
Not only for its dependability but also for its elegant and user-friendly entertainment system, great handling, overall driving experience, and the availability of a proximity door handle.
