Chrysler Town and Country minivans are known for their convenience and family-friendly features. A key element of this convenience is the remote key fob, giving you control over your vehicle at your fingertips. Many owners, particularly in the UK and Europe, have noticed something curious about their key fobs, especially when it comes to the sixth button – the panic button. If you’ve been wondering why your Chrysler Town and Country key fob seems to have an extra button that doesn’t work, you’re not alone. Let’s delve into the specifics of programming your Chrysler Town and Country key fob and uncover the mystery behind the seemingly inactive panic button.
It appears that while many Chrysler key fobs, including those for the Town and Country, are manufactured with the physical presence of six micro-switches on their circuit boards (PCBs), the functionality might be limited by a missing component: a conductive membrane with the necessary circuitry for all six buttons. This discovery came from experiments with aftermarket key fob cases, like this 6 button case and blade designed for Chrysler and Jeep vehicles. These cases suggest the possibility of a 6-button remote, and indeed, the internal PCB of a standard 5-button fob, similar to this 5 button remote, often has the layout for six buttons.
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The Missing Link: Conductive Membrane
The key to understanding why the sixth button doesn’t function lies in a small, seemingly insignificant part: the conductive tracked membrane. This membrane, described as cellophane-like, sits between the PCB and the outer shell of the key fob. It’s designed to translate button presses into electrical signals that the PCB can interpret. For a 6-button fob to work correctly, this membrane needs to have conductive tracks for all six micro-switches, including the panic button.
However, it appears that for European and UK versions of Chrysler key fobs, this conductive membrane is often designed for only five buttons. Even though the PCB itself has the micro-switch for the sixth button, the missing conductive track on the membrane means that pressing the panic button won’t complete the circuit, and therefore, won’t activate the panic alarm. You can even purchase replacement micro switches, like these micro switches for Chrysler remote key fobs, highlighting the availability of the components, but not necessarily the complete solution.
The Solution: Importing a US 6-Button Fob?
So, what can you do if you desire a fully functional 6-button key fob for your Chrysler Town and Country? One potential solution, as explored by some owners, is to source a complete 6-button key fob from the United States, such as this example from keyless-remotes.com. The theory is that US-spec fobs are more likely to include the 6-track conductive membrane needed to activate the panic button.
The idea is to obtain a second-hand US fob, perhaps from eBay in America, like this listing for a 6-button remote. Then, carefully disassemble both your existing European/UK fob and the US fob. The crucial step is to transfer the 6-track conductive membrane from the US fob into your European/UK fob, along with your original PCB (which already has the 6 micro-switches). By doing this, you might be able to create a fully functional 6-button key fob.
Programming Your Key Fob
Once you have addressed the hardware issue of the conductive membrane, you may need to program your key fob to your Chrysler Town and Country. Luckily, resources for programming Chrysler key fobs are readily available online. Websites like FreeRemoteInstructions.com offer programming guides for various Chrysler models. Keep in mind that programming procedures can vary depending on the year and specific model of your Town and Country, so it’s essential to consult the correct instructions for your vehicle.
Important Note on Transponder Chips: When dealing with key fobs and programming, transponder chips are a crucial component. These chips are responsible for security and allow your key to start the car. Chrysler vehicles often use ID46 transponder chips. If you are replacing or modifying your key fob, ensure that you are using a compatible transponder chip. Be cautious not to accidentally purchase Peugeot-specific chips, as they may not be compatible with Chrysler systems.
In conclusion, while your European or UK Chrysler Town and Country key fob might physically appear to have a panic button, its functionality is likely disabled due to a missing conductive track on the membrane. Exploring options like importing a US fob and transferring the membrane could potentially unlock the full 6-button capability. Remember to consult programming guides to ensure your key fob is correctly paired with your vehicle after any modifications.
