Losing or damaging your Chrysler Town & Country key fob can be a stressful experience. Understanding how these key fobs work, how to program them, and what your replacement options are is crucial for any owner. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about your Chrysler Town & Country key fob.
Programming a New Key Fob: What You Need to Know
For Chrysler Town & Country models, programming a new key fob yourself has limitations. Typically, you need two already working key fobs to program a third one, and you can program up to a total of eight. If you already have two functional fobs, you likely have the ability to program additional ones. This is a useful feature for adding a spare or replacing a lost fob, assuming you have the necessary working fobs to begin with.
However, be cautious when purchasing key fobs online. Some third-party sellers offer key fobs that may have been previously programmed to another vehicle. These used fobs often cannot be reprogrammed to a different vehicle, rendering them useless. Always ensure you are buying new, unprogrammed key fobs if you intend to program them yourself.
Alt text: Comparison of a new Chrysler key fob with white lettering and a worn, used Chrysler key fob with yellowed lettering, highlighting the visual signs of age and usage.
Identifying Your Key Fob and Features
Chrysler Town & Country key fobs can vary in appearance, particularly between new and older fobs. A new key fob typically has bright white lettering on the buttons and casing, indicating minimal use. In contrast, an older, more used key fob may exhibit yellowing of the lettering and general wear and tear on the casing.
Another feature to consider is remote start. Some Chrysler Town & Country vehicles are equipped with remote start functionality, indicated by a button with a circular arrow symbol shown twice (⟳⟳) on the key fob. If your fob has this button, your vehicle likely has remote start capability. Examine your existing fobs to identify features like remote start before seeking a replacement.
Key Fob Programming and Hardware Stores: A Word of Caution
You might encounter hardware stores or similar services offering key programming at seemingly attractive prices. However, be wary of these offers, especially for Chrysler vehicles. Hardware stores often employ a simpler key duplication method that involves reading the chip in your existing key and cloning it onto a new key. This method is generally not compatible with Chrysler key fobs.
Chrysler key fobs require a specific programming process that “tags” the fob to your vehicle’s immobilizer system. This means the key fob becomes uniquely linked to your car during programming and cannot be reprogrammed for another vehicle. Therefore, hardware store solutions are unlikely to work for Chrysler Town & Country key fobs, and you risk wasting money on a service that won’t provide a functional key.
Cost of Key Fob Replacement: Locksmith vs. Dealer
When it comes to professional key fob replacement and programming, you have two main options: a local locksmith or a Chrysler dealership. Locksmiths specializing in automotive keys often offer more competitive pricing. You might find a locksmith who can provide a new key fob and programming for around $75.
Dealerships, on the other hand, typically have higher costs. Expect to pay around $200 or potentially more at a dealership for a new key fob and programming. This cost usually breaks down to approximately $125 for the key fob itself and about half an hour of labor for cutting the physical key (if applicable) and programming the fob to your vehicle.
While dealerships are more expensive, they offer the advantage of certainty. A dealer can definitively tell you if your vehicle is equipped with remote start based on your VIN and ensure the correct programming and key fob type for your Chrysler Town & Country. For peace of mind and guaranteed compatibility, a dealership might be the preferred option despite the higher cost.
