Digital Key Considerations: FCA/Stellantis

Details Posted on 24 September 2025 | Share:

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The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner convenience. How does this affect repairs? Let’s take a look at what FCA/Stellantis has to say.

FCA/Stellantis offers ways to gain access and start their vehicles besides a physical key or key fob, such as: the Smart Phone As A Key (SPAAK) System or digital key, and a Near Field Communication (NFC) Card or key card as part of their app-based connected services.

FCA/Stellantis has information and procedures for parts related to the SPAAK and NFC Card in vehicle-specific service information under: 08 Electrical ➤ 8Q Vehicle Theft Security.

Per the Vehicle Theft Security Description And Operation (Smart Phone As A Key (SPAAK) System) document:

• "A technician CANNOT get a digital key unless the customer provides them access."
• "In instances in which the Digital Key Control Module (DKCM) is replaced, new NFC cards will have to be issued, and the customer will have to re-register their Smart Device to the new SPAAK (DKCM) module."
• "Each NFC Card is Unique and can only be programmed ONCE."

A 2025 RAM 1500 capable of supporting SPAAK has ultra-wideband (UWB) sensors mounted behind both sides of the bumper covers.

There is a Smart Phone As A Key Verification Test that is found under: 28 DTC-Based Diagnostics ➤ Module, Digital Key Control (DKCM) ➤ Standard Procedures.

Per the 2025 RAM 1500 Smart Phone As A Key Verification Test procedure:

"The DKCM reset routine includes a UWB sensor anchor learn. This needs to be performed anytime a UWB sensor is unplugged in order for the vehicle to recalibrate the key identification zone."

The U Connect Frequently Asked Questions has a Learn More About Digital Key area that provides information, with questions including:

• "Which vehicles support Digital Keys?"
• "Can I service my vehicle with a Digital Key?"

For additional FCA/Stellantis information, check out the following pages:
Alfa Romeo OEM Information
Chrysler OEM Information
Dodge OEM Information
Fiat OEM Information
Jeep OEM Information
RAM OEM Information

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