Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a major inconvenience, especially for sophisticated vehicles like the Chrysler 300. Many Chrysler 300 owners find themselves in a situation where they need to program a new key fob but no longer have the original. Fortunately, programming a Chrysler 300 key fob without the original, while seemingly daunting, is achievable. This guide, brought to you by the auto repair experts at keyfobx.com, will walk you through the methods available to get you back on the road.
Programming Your Chrysler 300 Key Fob Using the EVIC System
For many Chrysler 300 models, particularly those equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), programming a new key fob is a relatively straightforward process, even without an original fob. The EVIC system provides a user-friendly interface to manage various vehicle settings, including key fob programming.
What is EVIC?
The EVIC is a digital display typically located within your instrument cluster. It allows you to access and control different vehicle functions through menus and prompts. If your Chrysler 300 has an EVIC, you can utilize its built-in “Train Remote” feature to program new key fobs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Programming with EVIC:
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Access the EVIC Menu: Turn your ignition key to the “ON” position, but do not start the engine. Navigate through the EVIC menus using the buttons on your steering wheel or instrument panel until you find the “Vehicle Settings” or “Customer Settings” menu. The exact menu names may slightly vary depending on your model year.
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Locate “Train Remote”: Within the settings menu, look for an option labeled “Train Remote” or “Remote Training”. Select this option.
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Initiate Programming Mode: Once “Train Remote” is selected, the EVIC will likely ask “TRAIN REMOTE – Yes/No?”. Choose “Yes” and press the “MENU” or “Enter” button to confirm.
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Prepare Your New Key Fob: Have your new, unprogrammed Chrysler 300 key fob ready.
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Follow EVIC Prompts: The EVIC screen will display a message such as “PRESS REMOTE LOCK & UNLOCK THEN PRESS UNLOCK”. At the same time, a chime will sound, indicating that the system is in programming mode. You typically have around 30 seconds to complete the next steps.
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Execute the Training Sequence: On your new key fob, press and hold both the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons simultaneously for a few seconds, and then press the “Unlock” button again by itself.
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Confirmation Chime: If the programming is successful, you should hear a chime from the vehicle. This chime confirms that the new key fob has been recognized and programmed.
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Program Additional Fobs (Optional): If you need to program multiple key fobs, you can repeat step 6 for each additional fob within the 30-second window. A chime will sound after each successful programming.
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Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all desired key fobs, press the “MENU” or “Enter” button again. The EVIC should display “TRAIN DONE ‘X’ TRAINED”, where ‘X’ is the number of key fobs successfully programmed. If no fobs were programmed within 30 seconds, the EVIC will display “TRAIN TIMEOUT”.
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Test Your New Key Fobs: Turn off the ignition and test all the functions of your newly programmed key fobs, including locking, unlocking, remote start (if applicable), and panic button.
Important Notes for EVIC Programming:
- Memory Settings: If your Chrysler 300 has memory seat and mirror settings linked to the key fobs (“Remote Link to Memory” is set to “YES” in EVIC), the first key fob programmed will be associated with memory setting 1, and the second with memory setting 2. Subsequent fobs will not be linked to memory settings.
- Erasing Previous Remotes: Be aware that programming new key fobs using the EVIC may erase previously programmed remotes. You may need to reprogram all your key fobs if you want to continue using them.
Programming a Chrysler 300 Key Fob Without EVIC (Customer Programming Method)
If your Chrysler 300 is not equipped with EVIC or if you prefer an alternative method, there is a customer programming procedure that can be used, but it requires at least one already programmed key fob to begin with. If you have lost all your key fobs, this method will not work, and you will need professional assistance.
Customer Programming Steps (Requires One Existing Fob):
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Turn Ignition ON: Insert your existing, programmed key fob into the ignition and turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine.
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Press and Hold “Unlock”: Press and hold the “Unlock” button on your programmed key fob for a duration between 4 and 10 seconds.
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Press “Panic” Button (While Holding “Unlock”): While still holding the “Unlock” button, press and release the “Panic” button on the same programmed key fob.
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Release Both Buttons: Release both the “Unlock” and “Panic” buttons.
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Programming Mode Confirmation: The Body Control Module (BCM) should chime to indicate that you have successfully entered programming mode.
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Program New Fob(s): To program your new key fob(s), simultaneously press and hold the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons on the new key fob for three seconds. Then, release both buttons and immediately press the “Unlock” button again.
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Confirmation Chime for Each Fob: Listen for a chime from the BCM after attempting to program each new key fob. This chime confirms successful programming.
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Exit Programming Mode: To exit programming mode, turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” position or simply wait for approximately 32 seconds. The BCM will chime again to signal that programming mode has been exited.
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Test Your New Fobs: Test all functions of your newly programmed key fobs.
Limitations of Customer Programming Method:
- Requires Existing Fob: This method is only for adding additional key fobs when you already have at least one working fob. It cannot be used if all fobs are lost.
- Complexity and Timing: The timing of button presses can be sensitive, and it may take a few attempts to successfully enter programming mode and program new fobs.
When DIY Programming Isn’t Enough: Seeking Professional Help
While these methods offer ways to program a Chrysler 300 key fob without the original, there are situations where professional assistance is necessary:
- Loss of All Key Fobs: If you have lost all your original and programmed key fobs, the customer programming method will not work. You will need to visit a qualified locksmith or dealership.
- No EVIC and No Existing Fob: If your Chrysler 300 does not have EVIC and you don’t have an existing programmed key fob, professional programming with specialized tools is required.
- Programming Failures: If you encounter difficulties with either of these methods, or if the key fobs do not program correctly, it’s best to seek professional help to diagnose and resolve the issue.
Why Choose Professional Programming?
- Specialized Equipment: Locksmiths and dealerships have professional diagnostic tools (like the DRBIIIt scan tool mentioned in the original forum post) that can bypass security systems and program key fobs even when all original keys are lost.
- Expertise and Reliability: Professionals have the training and experience to handle complex key programming situations and ensure the job is done correctly.
- Warranties and Guarantees: Professional services often come with warranties or guarantees, providing peace of mind.
In conclusion, programming a Chrysler 300 key fob without the original is possible, especially if your vehicle has the EVIC system. However, understanding the limitations of DIY methods and knowing when to seek professional help is crucial. For reliable key fob solutions and expert advice, trust the team at keyfobx.com to keep you connected to your Chrysler 300.
