Key fobs are incredibly convenient, until they’re not. Misplacing or damaging your Dodge Challenger Key Fob can throw a wrench in your day. Luckily, understanding your options can save you time and money. As a Challenger owner, knowing how to handle key fob issues is essential.
DIY Challenger Key Fob Programming: If You Have Two Keys
Proactive owners can actually program a new key fob themselves, right in their driveway, provided they still have two original, working key fobs. This is a straightforward process detailed in your vehicle’s manual – although you might find it’s been removed from newer editions, the procedure often remains effective. Here’s how you can program a spare Challenger key fob at home:
- Insert your first valid, working integrated key into the ignition. Turn the ignition to the ON position and hold it for at least 3 seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the ignition to the LOCK position and remove the key.
- Within 15 seconds of removing the first key, insert your second valid, working integrated key into the ignition. Turn the ignition to the ON position. After about 10 seconds, you should hear a chime, and the Vehicle Security Light will begin to flash. Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and remove the second key.
- Now, within 60 seconds, insert the new, unprogrammed integrated key into the ignition. Turn the ignition to the ON position. After 10 seconds, you’ll hear a single chime, and the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing, turn on again for three seconds, and then turn off.
Your new Challenger key fob is now programmed! This process also programs the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter simultaneously. You can repeat these steps to program up to a total of eight keys.
When You Lose a Key: Dealer Programming is Necessary
What happens if you’re down to only one key, or worse, you’ve lost all of them? Unfortunately, the DIY programming route is no longer an option. At this point, you’ll need to visit an authorized Dodge dealer to get a replacement key fob programmed.
Be prepared for this to be a more costly and time-consuming process compared to DIY programming. Dealers have specialized equipment to program key fobs when you don’t have existing working keys. They can also erase lost keys from your vehicle’s system memory, which is crucial for security – preventing a lost key from being used to start your Challenger.
Important Security Note: If you have lost a key, it’s highly recommended to have your dealer erase all existing keys from the system’s memory and reprogram the keys you currently have. This ensures that the lost key cannot be used to start your vehicle, enhancing your vehicle’s security. Remember to bring all your existing keys with you to the dealership for reprogramming service.
In conclusion, being proactive and programming a spare Challenger key fob while you have two working keys can save you significant hassle and expense down the road. Don’t wait until you’re stranded – take action now to secure a backup.
