Replacing the battery in your Chrysler key fob should be a straightforward task. However, many Chrysler owners find themselves locked out when their key fob stops working immediately after a battery change. If you’ve just replaced your Chrysler key fob battery and are now facing issues, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps and solutions to get your key fob functioning again.
Common Issue: Key Fob Not Working After Battery Replacement
Like many car owners, you might have experienced your Chrysler key fob failing to operate after a seemingly simple battery replacement. Users often replace the depleted batteries in their key fobs, expecting everything to work as usual, only to find that the lock, unlock, and panic buttons are unresponsive. This can be a frustrating situation, especially when you rely on your key fob daily for vehicle access and security.
The most common battery type for Chrysler key fobs is the CR2016 3V battery. Often, owners correctly replace these batteries, ensuring proper polarity, yet the key fob remains stubbornly inactive. Even inserting the old, weak batteries back sometimes yields the same negative result, leaving drivers puzzled and potentially stranded.
Chrysler key fob with battery compartment open
Why Your Chrysler Key Fob Might Fail After Battery Replacement?
While Chrysler key fobs are designed to retain their programming even after battery changes, several factors can lead to malfunction after a battery replacement:
- Incorrect Battery Installation: Even if you’ve used the correct CR2016 batteries, ensure they are installed with the correct polarity (+ and – sides facing the right direction). A simple mistake here can prevent the fob from working.
- Battery Contact Issues: Sometimes, the metal contacts within the key fob battery compartment can become corroded or slightly bent. This can prevent a good connection with the new battery, leading to a non-functional fob.
- Synchronization Loss (Rare): Although Chrysler key fobs are designed with non-volatile memory, in rare cases, a prolonged period without power or a slight electrical anomaly during battery change could potentially cause a temporary loss of synchronization with the vehicle’s receiver. This is less likely but possible.
- Underlying Key Fob Issues: The battery replacement might simply coincide with an existing, unrelated issue with the key fob itself. Internal components can fail over time due to wear and tear or exposure to moisture.
Chrysler Key Fob Programming and Reprogramming Methods
Fortunately, Chrysler vehicles offer a few methods to potentially resolve key fob issues after a battery replacement, ranging from DIY programming to professional dealership assistance.
1. EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center) Programming
Many newer Chrysler models are equipped with an EVIC, which allows for user-programmable features, including key fob programming. This is often the first and easiest method to try if your key fob is unresponsive after a battery change.
Here’s a general procedure based on user experiences and owner’s manuals (steps might slightly vary by model year):
- Enter the Vehicle: Manually unlock your Chrysler using the physical key blade within your key fob.
- Turn Ignition to ‘ON’ (Engine OFF): Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the ‘ON’ position, but do not start the engine.
- Navigate to EVIC Menu: Use the steering wheel controls to navigate through the EVIC menu until you find the “Program Remote” or “Train Remote” option. The exact menu names and navigation steps will be in your owner’s manual.
- Initiate Programming Sequence: Select “YES” to program a remote. The EVIC will typically display a prompt, such as “PRESS REMOTE LOCK & UNLOCK THEN PRESS UNLOCK”.
- Press Buttons on Key Fob: Simultaneously press and hold the ‘Lock’ and ‘Unlock’ buttons on your key fob for a few seconds, then release. Immediately after, press and hold the ‘Unlock’ button for a few seconds.
- Listen for Confirmation: The vehicle should chime or provide another form of indication (like a message on the EVIC) to confirm successful programming.
- Test the Key Fob: Turn the ignition off and test all buttons on your key fob (lock, unlock, trunk, panic) to ensure they are working correctly.
Important Notes on EVIC Programming:
- Simultaneous Press: The wording in the EVIC prompts can be confusing. “Lock & Unlock buttons followed by the unlock button” often means pressing Lock and Unlock together first, then pressing Unlock alone immediately after.
- Timing: The timing of button presses might be crucial. Experiment with holding the buttons for a second or two each time.
- All Remotes Present: Some users report that programming via EVIC might erase previous programming. Therefore, have all the Chrysler key fobs you intend to use with the vehicle present during the programming process.
- Owner’s Manual is Key: Always consult your Chrysler owner’s manual for the precise key fob programming procedure for your specific model year.
A photo of a Chrysler vehicle’s EVIC display, showcasing a typical menu interface where key fob programming options might be located.
2. Dealership Programming
If EVIC programming fails, or if you don’t have an EVIC, a visit to a Chrysler dealership might be necessary. Dealerships have specialized diagnostic tools and equipment to program key fobs, especially in situations where all key fobs are lost or have lost programming.
When Dealership Programming Might Be Required:
- EVIC Programming Ineffective: If you’ve carefully followed the EVIC programming steps and your key fob still doesn’t work.
- Lost All Key Fobs: If you’ve lost all your original key fobs and are starting with a new, unprogrammed fob.
- Suspect RKE Module Issue: In rare cases, a faulty Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) module in the vehicle might be the root cause, requiring dealership diagnosis and potential module replacement.
Cost Consideration: Dealership key fob programming typically involves a service fee, and you may also need to purchase a new key fob from them if yours is deemed faulty. Inquire about costs beforehand.
Tips for a Smooth Chrysler Key Fob Battery Replacement
To minimize the chances of encountering issues after a Chrysler key fob battery replacement, consider these tips:
- Work Quickly (But Carefully): While it’s debated whether Chrysler key fobs have volatile memory that is lost immediately upon battery removal, some users suggest replacing the battery within a short timeframe (e.g., 15 seconds) to potentially avoid reprogramming needs. However, prioritize careful battery handling over speed.
- Double-Check Battery Type: Ensure you are using the correct battery type (usually CR2016 3V) as specified in your owner’s manual or on the key fob itself.
- Inspect Battery Contacts: Before inserting the new battery, visually inspect the metal contacts in the battery compartment. Gently clean any corrosion with a soft, dry cloth or a pencil eraser. Ensure the contacts are making good contact with the battery.
- Correct Polarity: Pay close attention to the battery polarity (+ and – markings) and install the new batteries in the correct orientation.
- Test Immediately: After battery replacement, test the key fob functions right away, before moving away from your vehicle, to confirm it’s working.
Key Fob Compatibility and Part Numbers
For certain Chrysler models and years, there might be compatibility differences in key fobs. For example, some older Chrysler models might use different key fob frequencies or RKE modules than newer ones. If you are replacing an entire key fob (not just the battery), ensure you are using a compatible part number for your vehicle’s year and model.
For Chrysler 300M models (as discussed in the original forum), users have mentioned part number 4602260AC as a potentially compatible and updated key fob. However, always verify compatibility with your dealership or parts supplier based on your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your Chrysler key fob should be a simple maintenance task. If you encounter issues after a battery change, troubleshooting steps like checking battery installation, cleaning contacts, and attempting EVIC programming can often resolve the problem. When these DIY methods fail, or if you suspect a more significant issue, seeking professional help from a Chrysler dealership is recommended to ensure your key fob is functioning reliably for your vehicle’s security and convenience. By following these guidelines, you can confidently address Chrysler key fob battery replacement challenges and keep your remote working smoothly.
