If you drive a 2019 Ram 1500 and still fumble for your key fob every time you want to unlock the door, you’re not alone. That’s why today, I tackled a project that’s been on my radar since I bought this truck—the Ram 1500 passive entry install. And let me tell you, once you experience hands-free entry, there’s no going back.
As a proud owner of a Bighorn edition Ram 1500, I’ve often scratched my head wondering why my truck didn’t come with passive entry, especially since it already has push-button start. Our Jeep Grand Cherokee has it, and after a few years of enjoying that convenience, I couldn’t stand living without it. So I decided to change that.
Table of Contents
Getting Started with the Ram 1500 Passive Entry Install
I began this Ram 1500 passive entry install by gathering the necessary parts and following a popular guide on the 5th Gen Rams Forum. Everything from harnesses to handles came from trusted sources, including some custom-made wiring kits from forum members.
Step one was removing the door panel. That involved a trim tool, a 10mm socket, and a bit of patience. The top trim piece had a stubborn little clip that didn’t want to let go. I used a curved pick—probably from Harbor Freight—to nudge it free without damaging anything.
Once the panel was off, I unplugged the window and door lock connectors and detached the door handle cable. I used a 5-gallon bucket to support the door panel while working. From there, I accessed the mirror harness, which involved popping out a few more clips and carefully threading the new wiring harness into place.
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Removing and Modifying the Door Handle
Next, I tackled the handle. There’s a T25 screw you need a long shank to reach. Once loosened, the cap came off easily. Sliding the handle back released it from the door. I also had to remove a T27 screw holding the door latch and a T25 screw exposed by the removed handle.
With the handle off, I removed the grommet that would interfere with the new harness, pushed the wiring through the door cavity, and carefully fished it out using a pick tool. It took a few tries, but eventually, the harness slid through cleanly.
Wiring and Routing for the New System
Routing the wires and pinning the connectors was a delicate process. The pin layout was clearly outlined in the forum instructions. Once I had them inserted, I taped the grommets and moved on to reinstalling the carrier plate. That part took a little finesse, but with everything in place, I reconnected the mirror and window switches, closed up the access holes, and reinstalled the handle.
The reassembly wasn’t too bad, although one of the door panel clips had broken during removal. Fortunately, I had some replacements on hand—if you ever plan to do a Ram 1500 passive entry install, I highly recommend ordering a full set of clips in advance. It’ll save a ton of frustration later.
Finishing Touches: Rear Antenna and Programming
The final hardware step was installing the rear antenna. I ran the cable under the bed, zip-tied it along the existing wiring, and plugged it into the designated connection point. Everything was now in place for passive entry to work.
The last piece of the puzzle is programming, which I didn’t cover in this install. There are several methods for activating the new system, from AlfaOBD apps to dealership services. Plenty of guides are out there to walk you through that part.
Final Thoughts on the Ram 1500 Passive Entry Install
If you’re tired of digging through your pockets for the key fob, doing a Ram 1500 passive entry install is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make. It’s not the easiest project, and it does take a few hours, but it transforms your daily driving experience. The sense of convenience alone is worth every scraped knuckle and stubborn clip.
So if you’re considering the upgrade, don’t wait. Gather your parts, prepare your tools, and get to it. You’ll be pulling on the handle and hearing that satisfying “click” before you know it—no fob juggling required.
