Replacing your Chrysler 300 key fob battery should be a straightforward task, but what happens when it doesn’t work afterwards? Many Chrysler 300 owners have faced the frustrating situation where their key fob becomes unresponsive after a battery change. You’re not alone if you’re experiencing this issue! This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps to get your Chrysler 300 key fob working again after a battery replacement.
Understanding Why Your Chrysler 300 Key Fob Might Fail After Battery Replacement
Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand why your Chrysler 300 key fob might stop working after a seemingly simple battery replacement. There are a couple of common reasons:
Battery Installation Issues
The most basic issue could be incorrect battery installation. Key fobs for Chrysler 300 models often use multiple small batteries, and they need to be placed in the correct orientation to function. Even a slight misplacement can prevent the fob from powering up. Furthermore, ensuring you’re using the correct type of battery (usually CR2016 or CR2032 – check your owner’s manual or the old battery for the exact type) is crucial.
Key Fob Programming Loss
While generally key fobs use non-volatile memory, in some cases, especially if the battery is removed for an extended period, the key fob might lose its programming. This means the fob is no longer recognized by your Chrysler 300’s Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system. This is less likely with a quick battery change, but it’s a possibility, especially in older Chrysler 300 models.
DIY Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Your Chrysler 300 Key Fob
Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try at home before resorting to a dealership visit.
1. Double-Check Battery Installation
This might seem obvious, but it’s the easiest and most common fix. Open your Chrysler 300 key fob and carefully examine the battery placement.
- Correct Battery Type: Ensure you’ve used the correct battery type (CR2016, CR2032, or as specified in your manual).
- Polarity: Verify that the batteries are placed with the correct polarity (+ and – signs aligned as indicated in the fob casing).
- Secure Connection: Make sure the batteries are making good contact and are securely seated in their positions.
Chrysler 300 key fob battery replacement check battery polarity
If you’re unsure, remove the batteries and reinstall them, paying close attention to the correct orientation. It’s also a good idea to test the new batteries with a multimeter to confirm they are actually charged and providing the correct voltage.
2. Attempt Key Fob Reprogramming via EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center)
Many Chrysler 300 models (especially those with an EVIC) allow for key fob reprogramming without special tools. Here’s a general procedure based on user experiences and owner’s manual information, but always refer to your specific Chrysler 300 owner’s manual for the exact steps:
- Enter Programming Mode: Turn your ignition to the “ON” position (without starting the engine). Navigate through your EVIC menu using the steering wheel controls until you find the “Vehicle Settings” or “Personal Settings” menu. Look for options like “Program Remote,” “Train Remote,” or “Keyless Entry Training.”
- Initiate Training: Select the “Program Remote” option and follow the on-screen prompts. The EVIC will likely instruct you to “Press and hold Lock and Unlock buttons then press Unlock button”. This wording can be confusing, as noted in the original forum.
- Button Press Sequence: Simultaneously press and hold the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons on your key fob for a second or two, and then immediately press and release the “Unlock” button only.
- Confirmation: Listen for a chime from your Chrysler 300, which indicates that the programming sequence has commenced or that the key fob has been successfully programmed. You may have around 30 seconds to complete the programming process.
- Test: After the chime (or if prompted by the EVIC), test your key fob buttons (lock, unlock, panic) to see if they are now working.
Important Notes on EVIC Programming:
- Timing is Key: The timing of button presses in the programming sequence can be crucial. Try different timings if it doesn’t work on the first attempt.
- Simultaneous Press: Make sure you are pressing the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons truly simultaneously.
- All Remotes: Programming a new remote via EVIC may erase previous programming. Therefore, have all the key fobs you want to use with your Chrysler 300 present and program them all during the same session.
- Owner’s Manual: Again, your Chrysler 300’s owner’s manual is your best resource for the precise EVIC programming steps for your specific model year.
3. Consider the 15-Second Battery Rule (Potentially Misinformation)
One user in the original forum mentioned a “15-second rule” – suggesting that replacing the battery within 15 seconds prevents memory loss. While this is mentioned in the forum, it’s not a confirmed or standard procedure and might be inaccurate. Modern key fobs are generally designed to retain memory during brief battery changes. However, if you want to try this as a quick measure, you can attempt to replace the battery as swiftly as possible. If this were to work, it would only be preventative for future battery changes and not a fix for an already non-working fob after battery replacement.
When to Seek Professional Help for Your Chrysler 300 Key Fob
If you’ve tried the DIY troubleshooting steps and your Chrysler 300 key fob is still not working, it might be time to seek professional assistance.
Dealership Programming
If the EVIC programming method fails, or if your Chrysler 300 model doesn’t have EVIC programming capability, you may need to visit a Chrysler dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith. They have specialized diagnostic tools and programmers that can reprogram your key fob to your vehicle. Dealership programming is usually reliable but can be more expensive than DIY methods.
RKE Module Issues
In rare cases, if your key fob still doesn’t work after reprogramming, there might be an issue with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) module in your Chrysler 300. This module is responsible for receiving signals from your key fob. If it’s faulty, it won’t recognize your key fob even if it’s correctly programmed. Diagnosing and replacing an RKE module requires professional automotive diagnostic equipment and expertise.
Alt text: Image showing a Chrysler 300 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) module, potentially needing replacement if key fob issues persist after troubleshooting.
Conclusion: Getting Your Chrysler 300 Key Fob Working Again
A non-working Chrysler 300 key fob after a battery replacement can be a minor inconvenience or a major headache. By systematically troubleshooting, starting with basic checks like battery installation and attempting EVIC reprogramming, you can often resolve the issue yourself. Remember to consult your Chrysler 300 owner’s manual for specific instructions related to your model year. If DIY methods fail, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a dealership or a qualified locksmith to get your key fob functioning properly and regain convenient access to your Chrysler 300.
