The Dodge Durango Hellcat, a formidable SUV, comes standard with two red keys. Unlike the Charger and Challenger Hellcats, which include both black (valet) and red (full power) keys, the Durango Hellcat’s red keys seemingly offer unrestricted performance. This begs the question: are these red keys truly different, or just standard keys in a red shell? This article delves into the mystery of the Red Hellcat Key for the Durango, exploring its functionality and potential for performance modification.
Durango Hellcat Key: Red Exterior, Black Interior?
The factory part number for the Durango Hellcat key (68467666aa) led to an investigation into the OEM 2021 Durango Hellcat PCM calibration files. Surprisingly, the values for black and red key power appear reversed. In the Hellcat’s calibration data, the black key is associated with 707 horsepower while the red key shows 500. This contradicts the expected configuration where the red key signifies full power.
Comparing this to a standard Durango R/T Tow & Go reveals the expected power values: the red key corresponds to full power and the black key to a reduced output.
This discrepancy raises the possibility that the Durango Hellcat’s red keys might simply be standard keys with a red casing. Are the “Power Mode” fields merely for display on the uConnect screen, irrelevant to actual performance? Since the Durango’s uConnect system, unlike the Charger and Challenger, doesn’t display horsepower figures, these fields might be functionally meaningless.
Torque Multiplier: The True Key to Power Control?
Further investigation focused on the Black Key Torque Multiplier, a parameter that directly impacts performance. The Hellcat’s Black Key Multiplier shows the expected reduced value:
Comparing this to the R/T TnG’s Black Key Multiplier confirms a similar pattern of reduction:
This suggests the torque multiplier, not the visually displayed “Power Mode,” is the primary mechanism for performance adjustment.
Adding a Valet Key to the Durango Hellcat
Based on these findings, it’s likely possible to program a standard Durango Hellcat key fob to the BCM as a “red key,” then adjust the black key’s torque multiplier for reduced performance. Pairing a new red key and setting the black key multiplier to a lower value (e.g., 0.10 for 10%) could achieve the desired valet mode. However, confirming functionality without horsepower displayed on the uConnect screen presents a challenge. Significant adjustments to the black key multiplier might be necessary for noticeable performance differences during testing. Has anyone successfully implemented a reduced performance black key on their Durango Hellcat?
