Replacing the battery in your Chrysler 300 key fob should be a straightforward task, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. If you’ve just replaced your key fob battery and it’s no longer working, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps and solutions to get your key fob working again.
Understanding the Battery for Your Chrysler 300 Key Fob
Chrysler 300 key fobs typically use CR2016 3V batteries. These are small, button-cell batteries readily available at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers. It’s important to use the correct type of battery to ensure proper function of your key fob. Using two CR2016 batteries stacked is common in these fobs to achieve the necessary voltage.
Common Problems After Chrysler 300 Key Fob Battery Replacement
The most common issue after a battery replacement is that the key fob stops working entirely. This means none of the functions – locking, unlocking, or panic button – respond when pressed. In some cases, even after replacing the battery, the car may not recognize the key fob, leaving you unable to remotely control your vehicle.
Troubleshooting Steps for a Non-Working Key Fob
If your Chrysler 300 key fob isn’t working after a battery change, here’s a systematic approach to diagnose and potentially fix the problem:
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Battery Installation: Double-check that you’ve installed the batteries correctly. CR2016 batteries need to be placed in the correct sequence, usually positive side up. Refer to your owner’s manual or the key fob itself for diagrams if unsure.
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Battery Voltage: Even new batteries can sometimes be faulty. Use a multimeter to test the voltage of the new batteries to ensure they are providing the correct voltage (3V each for CR2016). Also, check the voltage output from the key fob itself after battery installation to confirm power is reaching the device.
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Contact Points: Inspect the metal contact points inside the key fob where the battery connects. Ensure they are clean and making good contact with the battery. Corrosion or dirt can impede the flow of electricity.
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Reseat Batteries: Remove and re-insert the batteries. Sometimes, simply reseating them can establish a better connection.
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Check with Old Batteries: If possible, try putting the old batteries back in (even if they were weak). This can help determine if the issue is with the new batteries or something else. If the fob still doesn’t work with the old batteries, it indicates a problem beyond just battery replacement.
Chrysler 300 Key Fob
Reprogramming Your Chrysler 300 Key Fob
If the basic troubleshooting steps don’t work, your Chrysler 300 key fob might need to be reprogrammed. Luckily, many Chrysler 300 models (especially those with an EVIC – Electronic Vehicle Information Center) allow for DIY key fob programming.
Using the EVIC to Program Your Key Fob:
- Enter the Vehicle: Get inside your Chrysler 300.
- Ignition to ON: Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position, but do not start the engine.
- Navigate to EVIC Menu: Use the buttons on your steering wheel to navigate through the EVIC menu until you find the “Program Remote” or “Train Remote” option. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your model year.
- Select “YES”: Once you find the “Program Remote” option, select “YES” using the step or menu buttons.
- Follow On-Screen Prompts: The EVIC will display instructions, typically prompting you to “PRESS REMOTE LOCK & UNLOCK THEN PRESS UNLOCK”. This instruction can be a bit confusing, as noted in user forums.
- Simultaneous Button Press: The correct interpretation is often to press and hold the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons simultaneously for a second or two, then immediately press and release the “Unlock” button only.
- Listen for Chime: After performing the button sequence, the car should chime, indicating it has entered programming mode. You usually have around 30 seconds to complete the programming.
- Press Lock or Unlock: On the key fob you are programming, press and release either the “Lock” or “Unlock” button.
- Confirmation Chime: The car should chime again to confirm that the key fob has been successfully programmed.
- Test the Fob: Test all buttons on the newly programmed key fob to ensure they are working correctly.
- Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition off to exit the programming mode. The system may chime again upon exiting.
Important Notes on EVIC Programming:
- Single Remote Programming: The EVIC method can often program a single remote even if you don’t have a working remote to begin with.
- Erasing Previous Remotes: Be aware that programming a new remote using the EVIC may erase the programming of previously linked remotes as a security feature. Therefore, it’s advisable to program all your key fobs at the same time if you have multiple.
- Confusing Instructions: As highlighted in user discussions, the on-screen prompts can be unclear. Experiment with the timing of pressing the lock and unlock buttons if you are having trouble.
When to Seek Professional Help for Key Fob Issues
If you’ve tried battery replacement and EVIC reprogramming without success, it might be time to seek professional help.
- Dealership Programming: If the EVIC programming method fails, or if your Chrysler 300 model doesn’t have EVIC programming capabilities, you will likely need to visit a Chrysler dealership. Dealerships have specialized tools to program key fobs, especially when all remotes are lost or not functioning.
- No EVIC Option: Some older or base models of the Chrysler 300 might not be equipped with the EVIC programming feature. In these cases, dealership programming is generally required.
- Underlying Vehicle Issues: In rare cases, key fob problems after battery replacement could be indicative of a more significant issue with your car’s receiver module or Body Control Module (BCM). A professional technician can diagnose these more complex problems.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your Chrysler 300 key fob should be a simple fix, but when it’s not, understanding the troubleshooting steps and reprogramming procedures can save you time and money. By systematically checking the battery, attempting reprogramming via EVIC, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can effectively address most key fob issues and ensure you’re back on the road with a fully functional remote.
