Viper Key Fob Programming: A Step-by-Step Guide

Programming your Viper Key Fob can seem daunting, but it’s actually a straightforward process you can accomplish yourself. This guide, brought to you by the experts at keyfobx.com, will walk you through the necessary steps to program your Viper key fob, ensuring you regain full remote access to your vehicle. Whether you own a Gen I or Gen II Viper, we’ve got you covered with model-specific instructions.

Programming Your Gen II Viper Key Fob (1996-2002)

These instructions apply to Viper models manufactured between 1996 and 2002.

1. Disable the Alarm System: Begin by ensuring that your Viper’s alarm system is completely disarmed. This is crucial to prevent any interference during the programming process.

2. Locate the Ground Wire: The next step involves grounding a specific wire. For Gen II Vipers, you’ll need to find a loose green wire connected to pin C13. This wire is taped to the harness of the EEM (Electronic Entry Module) connector. The EEM is located under the dash, mounted on the left side of the transmission tunnel, directly above the accelerator pedal.

   • Access Tip: For easier access, we recommend removing the knee bolster and the rubber bungee cord that secures the EEM to the tunnel. This will provide a clearer view and more working space.

3. Ground the Wire: Once you’ve located the green wire at pin C13, ground it to a solid body ground. A reliable way to ensure a proper ground is to test it with an ohm meter.

4. Enter Programming Mode: With the green wire grounded, turn your Viper’s ignition to the “run” position. If you’ve successfully entered programming mode, the dash LED will flash.

   • Troubleshooting: If the LED doesn’t flash, double-check the following:
     • Correct Wire: Ensure you’ve grounded the correct green wire at pin C13.
     • Solid Ground: Verify that the ground connection is secure and making good contact.
     • Timing: Make sure the green wire remains grounded before and while you turn the ignition to the “run” position. If you lose ground connection even momentarily after turning the key, you’ll need to start over.

5. Program the Key Fob: Take the Viper key fob you wish to program and press and hold both buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds. When the EEM accepts the key fob, you will hear a distinct triple horn chirp.

   • Transmitter Check: If you don’t hear the horn chirp, ensure your key fob transmitter is functioning correctly. Common issues include a dead battery or poor battery contacts. Replace the CR2032 battery (available at Zbattery.com for around $1.19) and clean the battery contacts within the fob. Sometimes, electrical weakness within the fob itself can also be the problem.

6. Program All Key Fobs: It’s essential to program all your Viper key fobs during the same programming session. Gen II Vipers can accommodate up to 4 key fobs.

Programming Your Gen I Viper Key Fob (All Years)

These steps are for all Gen I Viper models.

1. Disable the Alarm System: Just like with Gen II models, start by confirming that the alarm system is disarmed.

2. Locate the “Program” Wire: For Gen I Vipers, locate the green “Program” wire. This wire is situated next to the SAM (System Acquisition Module) and RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) modules. It’s a green wire and typically has a bullet connector on the end. You can find it under the driver’s side instrument panel.

3. Ground the Program Wire: Ground the green “Program” wire to a reliable body ground. Again, using an ohm meter to test the ground is recommended.

4. Enter Programming Mode: Turn the ignition to the “run” position while keeping the green wire grounded. The dash LED should flash to indicate entry into programming mode.

   • Troubleshooting: If the LED doesn’t flash, review these points:
     • Correct Wire: Confirm you are grounding the correct green “Program” wire near the SAM and RKE modules.
     • Ground Integrity: Double-check for a solid and consistent ground connection.
     • Timing: Ensure the green wire is grounded before and during ignition switch to the “run” position.

5. Program the Key Fobs: For Gen I Vipers, press and release the “arm” or “disarm” button on one key fob. Then, repeat the same process for any additional key fobs you need to program.

   • Transmitter Condition: As with Gen II, ensure your key fob transmitter is working. Check and replace the CR2032 battery if needed and clean the battery contacts. A weak electrical connection within the fob itself can also cause programming issues.

6. Program All Key Fobs: Program all your Gen I Viper key fobs in a single programming session. Gen I Vipers can usually handle up to 2 key fobs.

Final Steps and Testing

After completing the programming steps for your Viper generation:

1. Turn off the Ignition: Switch the ignition off.
2. Remove Ground Wire: Disconnect the green ground wire.
3. Test Functionality: Test the arm and disarm functions of each programmed key fob to ensure they are working correctly.

Programming your Viper key fob is a simple process once you identify the correct wire and follow these steps. With this guide from keyfobx.com, you can confidently program your key fobs and enjoy the convenience of remote access to your Viper.