Hello Scotty,
I would like to bring this issue to your attention and hope you can help get the information out.
I have a 2022 Promaster 2500 159" High Roof Van, which I purchased new at the beginning of last year. I bought it along with the extended warranty and the key pass (key replacement insurance). I am a small independent contractor and use my van for hauling commercially 5 days a week.
In June 2022 I lost my key/fob and went to the dealer for a replacement. They informed me that to get a new key/fob it would have to be laser cut at the factory. When the new key/fob came in, the Chrysler dealer couldn’t program it because of a design flaw in the 2022 Promaster Vans. A design flaw only on the first 2 months of the model year 2022, when they switched to the new push button start on the ‘22s. Programming a key/fob requires replacement of the receiver hub, body control module and engine control module. I at the time I was waiting on backorder for the body control module to get a new key/fob programmed.
Unfortunately, I lost the 2nd key/fob on March 16th of this year and had to have the van towed to the dealership. Since I was, still waiting for the first key/fob to be programmed I could not use it to drive. To their credit, the Ram rep I was working with helped me get the backorder parts and 2nd replacement key/fob quicker. I was have been paying out of pocket for a rental vehicle 15 days of downtime. But the techs at the dealership still couldn’t program the key/fob. The Chrysler dealer had to contact outside sources, and through much trial and error, they informed me it was finally ready to pickup March 28th. I was able to drive it from the dealership to my place of work.
The *next* day my van wouldn’t start and needed to be towed back at the dealership. It’s still not fixed; My van is sitting at the dealer and costing me money every day.
My key pass insurance covered the cost of the replacement keys and programming but that was only $911. The dealership led me to believe that Chrysler would help me out with the cost of repairs but once they got my credit card, they denied all claims for assistance immediately. Because they said the issue was not caused by a mechanical failure.
Total out of pocket expense $1480 for Labor, $1905 for Parts, and $735 of rental fees (so far). The key module problem should be recalled by Chrysler! No one should have to pay $4000 for a replacement key!
Agreed 👍
Scotty always says to stay away from Chrysler
What's the best choice for a cargo van when I replace this one?
I personally like the Ford e350s the only trouble is they haven't made them in a little while
which I purchased new at the beginning of last year
Why? $50,000 for that Fiat Ducato?
Wait until that lovely 9 speed explodes - a gearbox that was too week for the sub 3,000 lbs Fiat 500X, in a truck with a maximum gross weight of 8,900 lbs.
Unfortunately, I lost the 2nd key/fob on March 16th of this year and had to have the van towed to the dealership.
Well that on you. on most cars loosing both key fobs results in a really big repair bill.
should be recalled by Chrysler
Recalls are for safety issues, certain procedures being hard to perform is not.
Because they said the issue was not caused by a mechanical failure
I'd argue that it is, since as you said - "Programming a key/fob requires replacement of the receiver hub, body control module and engine control module" it's a failure on their part.
On the other hand, the insurance probably has limited coverage and other clauses that you should know about.
No one should have to pay $4000 for a replacement key!
No one should buy a Chrysler / Fiat duh. Also keys at the dealer are uber expensive.
Heck that Magneti Marelli key that's used on most Fiats, on a non faulty car (that will accept a new key) - where I live that's like $15 for the blank, $20 for the "blade" replication and like maybe $50 for the programming (Chrysler has got that nasty system that requires you to pay to log in through your scan tool to their online utility so maybe like an additional 100 here), nowhere near the $900 bucks they charged you.
The reality of box trucks in the US is pretty sad, it's a dead market with very little competition on it. You can't just get the world golden standard, the samller Citroen-Toyota Jumpy/ProAce or just something like a Renault Master.
What's the best choice for a cargo van when I replace this one?
Honestly? if you're sure you need. Maybe if you can find a Mercedes Sprinter with a turbo diesel.
If you can find a Ford Transit without the 10 speed and whiteout the turbo.
Thanks for sharing your story. It is important to share this kind of info. Just reaffirms my commitment ti avoid all Chrysler Fiat Stellantis products.
