Chrysler 300 Key Fob Programming: A Comprehensive Guide

Losing or damaging your Chrysler 300 key fob can be a real hassle. Not only does it prevent you from easily accessing and starting your vehicle, but the replacement and programming process can also seem daunting. As a car repair expert at keyfobx.com, I’m here to guide you through the Chrysler 300 Key Fob Programming process, ensuring you get back on the road quickly and without unnecessary dealership costs.

This guide is designed to be more comprehensive and SEO-optimized than a typical forum post, providing you with step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and essential information to successfully program your Chrysler 300 key fob.

Understanding Chrysler 300 Key Fob Programming

Before diving into the programming methods, it’s crucial to understand why and when you might need to program your Chrysler 300 key fob. Typically, programming is required in these scenarios:

• New Key Fob Replacement: If you’ve purchased a new key fob to replace a lost or broken one, it needs to be programmed to communicate with your vehicle’s security system.
• Adding a Spare Key Fob: Having a spare key fob is always a good idea. Programming an additional fob provides convenience and peace of mind.
• After Battery Replacement (Sometimes): While not always necessary, in some cases, after replacing the battery in your key fob, reprogramming might be needed to restore its functionality.

There are generally two primary methods for programming a Chrysler 300 key fob, depending on your vehicle’s Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) or Overhead Trip Information System (OTIS). Let’s explore both.

Programming Your Chrysler 300 Key Fob: Step-by-Step Guides

The method you’ll use depends on whether your Chrysler 300 is equipped with an EVIC or OTIS system. The EVIC offers a more user-friendly, menu-based programming approach, while the OTIS system, or vehicles without EVIC, requires a manual procedure.

Method 1: Using EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center)

Vehicles equipped with the EVIC system offer the easiest way to program your Chrysler 300 key fob. This method utilizes the car’s onboard computer to guide you through the process.

1. Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine.

2. Navigate to the “Train Remote” menu using the EVIC controls. Typically, you’ll press the “Menu” button and cycle through the options using the “Step” or arrow buttons until you see “Train Remote” displayed on the EVIC screen.

   Chrysler 300 EVIC display showing menu options

3. Select “YES” to train a remote. The EVIC will display a message indicating that training will erase all previously programmed remotes for security reasons. Confirm “YES” to proceed.

4. Follow the on-screen prompts. The EVIC will then display “PRESS REMOTE LOCK & UNLOCK THEN PRESS UNLOCK”.

5. On the key fob you wish to program, press and hold both the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons simultaneously, then release. Immediately after, press and release the “Unlock” button again.

6. Listen for a chime. A chime from the vehicle indicates successful programming of the key fob.

7. Repeat step 5 for any additional key fobs you want to program, up to a maximum of four. A chime will sound after each successful programming.

8. Press the “Menu” button again when finished. The EVIC will display “TRAIN DONE, x TRAINED” (where ‘x’ is the number of key fobs programmed). If no key fobs are programmed within approximately 30 seconds, the EVIC will display “TRAIN TIMEOUT”.

9. Turn the ignition off to exit programming mode.

10. Test all programmed key fobs to ensure they are working correctly by locking and unlocking the doors and, if applicable, starting the vehicle.

Method 2: Manual Programming (for OTIS or without EVIC)

If your Chrysler 300 has an OTIS (Overhead Trip Information System) or does not have an EVIC, you’ll need to use a manual programming procedure. This method requires a working, already programmed key fob to initiate the process.

1. Insert your working key fob into the ignition and turn the ignition to the “ON” position. Do not start the car.
2. Press and hold the “Unlock” button on the working remote for 10 seconds.
3. While still holding the “Unlock” button, press and release the “Panic” button for one second.
4. Release both buttons simultaneously. The vehicle should chime, signaling that it has entered programming mode.
5. Immediately press any button on the new key fob you want to program.
6. Listen for a chime. Another chime indicates that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
7. Repeat step 5 for any additional key fobs.
8. Turn the ignition off to exit programming mode.
9. Test all programmed key fobs to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Another Manual Procedure Variation:

Some sources suggest a slight variation of the manual procedure, which might be helpful if the first method doesn’t work:

1. Follow steps 1-4 from the manual programming method above.
2. Press and release both the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons together on the new remote. The vehicle will chime.
3. Immediately press and release the “Unlock” button on the new remote again. The vehicle will chime again, signaling programming.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 for any additional remotes.
5. Turn off the ignition to exit programming.
6. Test all key fobs.

Troubleshooting Common Key Fob Programming Issues

Even with these guides, you might encounter issues during the Chrysler 300 key fob programming process. Here are some common problems and troubleshooting tips:

• Vehicle Not Entering Programming Mode: If you don’t hear the initial chime indicating programming mode, re-check each step. Ensure you are holding the buttons for the correct duration and in the right sequence. Try both manual methods.
• New Key Fob Not Responding After Programming:
  • Battery Issues: Double-check the battery in your new key fob. Ensure it’s the correct type and properly installed. A weak or incompatible battery can prevent programming.
  • Incorrect Key Fob Part Number: Verify that the new key fob is the correct part number for your Chrysler 300 model year. Incompatible fobs cannot be programmed.
  • Faulty Key Fob: The new key fob itself might be defective. If possible, try programming another new fob to rule out this issue.
• Existing Key Fob Stops Working: During programming, especially with the EVIC method, all previously programmed fobs are erased for security. You must reprogram all desired key fobs (including your original working ones) during the same programming session.
• OTIS vs. EVIC Confusion: If you are unsure whether your vehicle has an EVIC or OTIS, check your instrument cluster and overhead console for menu buttons and display screens. The EVIC is more sophisticated and graphically driven, while the OTIS is simpler. If you’re still unsure, consult your owner’s manual or a Chrysler service guide.
• “Train Timeout” Message on EVIC: This message indicates that the programming sequence timed out because no new key fobs were programmed within the allotted time (usually 30 seconds). Repeat the EVIC procedure more quickly, ensuring you press the buttons on the new fob promptly after initiating programming mode.

If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and are still unable to program your Chrysler 300 key fob, it might be necessary to seek professional help.

When to Seek Professional Help

While these methods are designed to be DIY-friendly, there are situations where professional programming is required:

• No Working Key Fob: If you don’t have an existing working key fob, you cannot use the manual programming methods. In this case, you’ll need to visit a Chrysler dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith. They have specialized tools and diagnostic equipment to program key fobs even without a working original.
• Persistent Programming Failures: If you’ve meticulously followed the steps and troubleshooting tips, and the key fob still won’t program, there might be an underlying issue with your vehicle’s security system or the key fob itself. A professional can diagnose and resolve these more complex problems.

Conclusion

Programming a Chrysler 300 key fob can be straightforward, especially if your vehicle has the EVIC system. By following these detailed guides and troubleshooting tips, you can often program a new or spare key fob yourself, saving time and money. However, remember that having a professional assist you is sometimes necessary, particularly when you don’t have a working key fob or encounter persistent issues.

For more car key fob solutions, replacement fobs, and expert advice, visit keyfobx.com – your trusted resource for automotive key and remote needs.