Viper Key Fob Not Working? Easy Programming Guide and Troubleshooting

Is your Dodge Viper key fob suddenly refusing to cooperate? A non-working key fob can be a major inconvenience, leaving you locked out of your prized vehicle or unable to arm your alarm system. Fortunately, reprogramming your Viper key fob can often be a straightforward process you can handle yourself, saving you a trip to the dealership. This guide provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for programming Viper key fobs for Gen I and Gen II models, ensuring you get back on the road quickly.

Programming Your Viper Key Fob: Step-by-Step Instructions

Before you begin, ensure your Viper’s alarm system is disarmed. The programming procedure varies slightly depending on whether you own a first-generation (Gen I) or second-generation (Gen II) Viper. Carefully follow the instructions below that correspond to your vehicle’s model year.

Programming a Gen II Viper Key Fob (1996-1998)

For 1996 to 1998 Gen II Vipers, the programming process involves grounding a specific wire located near the Electronic Entry Module (EEM).

1. Locate the EEM Connector and Ground Wire: The EEM is situated under the dashboard on the left side of the transmission tunnel, directly above the accelerator pedal. Access is easiest if you remove the knee bolster and the rubber bungee cord securing the EEM to the tunnel.

2. Identify Pin C13 (Green Wire): Look for a loose green wire taped to the harness of the EEM connector. This green wire, which is typically tucked up under the dash to the left of the radio, will have a rubber boot on the end and is not connected to anything. This is the wire you need to ground.

3. Ground Pin C13: Using a low-amperage fused jumper wire for safety, carefully ground the green wire (Pin C13). Ensure you are connecting to a solid body ground by testing with an ohm meter beforehand.

4. Turn Ignition to Run: With the green wire still grounded, turn your Viper’s ignition to the “run” position.

5. Observe the Dash LED: The EEM will acknowledge that it has entered programming mode by flashing the dash LED. If the LED does not flash, double-check that you have grounded the correct wire securely and that the ignition is in the “run” position. If it fails, restart the process.

6. Program the Key Fob: Press and hold BOTH buttons on the key fob simultaneously and continuously for 10 seconds. You should hear a triple horn chirp, indicating that the EEM has accepted the key fob’s signal.

7. Program Additional Key Fobs (If Necessary): If you have additional key fobs to program, you must program them during this same session. Repeat step 6 for each additional key fob you wish to program (up to a maximum of 4 for Gen II Vipers).

8. Complete Programming: Turn the ignition off and remove the green wire from the ground. Test the arm and disarm functions of each programmed key fob to confirm successful programming.

Programming a Gen II Viper Key Fob (1999-2002)

For later Gen II Vipers (1999-2002), the grounding point changes to the Data Link Connector (DLC).

1. Locate the DLC and Terminal 1: The DLC, or Data Link Connector, is the OBD2 connector located under the dash above your left knee. You will be grounding Terminal 1 of this connector.

2. Ground Terminal 1 of the DLC: Similar to the previous procedure, use a low-amperage fused jumper wire to ground Terminal 1 of the DLC. Ensure a solid ground connection.

3. Turn Ignition to Run: With Terminal 1 grounded, turn the ignition to the “run” position.

4. Observe the Dash LED: The dash LED should flash to indicate programming mode entry. If not, re-verify your ground and ignition position.

5. Program the Key Fob: Press and hold BOTH buttons on the key fob for 10 seconds until you hear the triple horn chirp, signifying successful programming.

6. Program Additional Key Fobs: Program any additional key fobs (up to 4) in the same session by repeating step 5 for each fob.

7. Complete Programming: Turn the ignition off, remove the ground from Terminal 1, and test all programmed key fobs.

Programming a Gen I Viper Key Fob (All Years)

Programming Gen I Viper key fobs involves locating a specific green “Program” wire near the Security Alarm Module (SAM) and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) modules.

1. Locate the “Program” Wire: Find the green “Program” wire located under the driver’s side instrument panel, next to the SAM and RKE modules. This wire is typically green with a bullet connector on the end.

2. Ground the “Program” Wire: Ground the green “Program” wire using a fused jumper wire and a verified solid ground point.

3. Turn Ignition to Run: Turn the ignition to the “run” position while keeping the green wire grounded.

4. Observe the Dash LED: The dash LED should flash, indicating programming mode.

5. Program Key Fobs: For Gen I Vipers, press and release the arm or disarm button on each key fob you want to program, one after the other.

6. Program Additional Key Fobs: Program up to 2 key fobs for Gen I Vipers using this method in the same session.

7. Complete Programming: Turn off the ignition, disconnect the ground from the green wire, and test the programmed key fobs.

Troubleshooting: Viper Key Fob Still Not Working?

If you’ve followed the programming steps carefully and your Viper key fob is still not working, consider these troubleshooting tips:

• Check the Key Fob Battery: The most common cause of a non-working key fob is a dead or weak battery. Replace the battery in your key fob with a fresh one and try the programming procedure again.

• Verify Ground Connection: Ensure you have a solid ground connection during the programming process. A poor ground can prevent the system from entering programming mode. Use an ohm meter to confirm your ground point is valid.

• Correct Wire Identification: Double-check that you are grounding the correct wire for your Viper’s generation and year. Refer to your vehicle’s service manual or reliable Viper forums for specific wire identification if needed.

• Fuse Issues: Inspect the fuses related to the remote keyless entry system and alarm system. A blown fuse can disable the key fob functionality.

• Receiver Problems: In rare cases, the issue might lie with the Viper’s receiver module itself. If you suspect a receiver problem, or if you are still unable to program your key fob after trying these steps, it is recommended to consult a qualified automotive locksmith or a Dodge Viper specialist for further diagnosis and repair.

• Key Fob Damage: Inspect your key fob for any signs of physical damage. If the key fob is damaged internally, it may not be programmable and might need replacement.

By following these programming instructions and troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve a non-working Viper key fob issue yourself. However, for complex problems, seeking professional help ensures your Viper’s security and keyless entry system are functioning correctly.