Is your Viper key fob refusing to cooperate? Don’t worry, programming your Viper key fob can be a straightforward process you can tackle yourself. This guide provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions to get your key fob working again, saving you a trip to the dealership. Whether you own a Gen I or Gen II Viper, we’ve got you covered.
Programming Your Gen II Viper Key Fob (1996-2002)
These instructions apply to Viper models manufactured between 1996 and 2002.
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Disable the Alarm System: Ensure your Viper’s alarm system is completely disarmed before starting the programming process.
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Locate the Ground Wire:
- For Gen II Vipers, you need to ground pin C13. This is a loose green wire taped to the harness of the EEM (Electronic Entry Module) connector.
- The EEM connector is located under the dash, on the left side of the transmission tunnel, directly above the accelerator pedal.
- For easier access, remove the knee bolster (the padded panel under the steering wheel) and the rubber bungee cord that secures the EEM to the tunnel.
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Ground the Wire: Connect the green wire (pin C13) to a solid body ground. To ensure a good connection, use an ohm meter to test the ground.
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Turn Ignition to Run: With the green wire still grounded, turn your Viper’s ignition to the “run” position. Do not start the engine.
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Confirm Programming Mode: The dash LED should flash to indicate that the EEM has entered programming mode. If the LED doesn’t flash:
- Double-check that you have grounded the correct green wire.
- Ensure you have a solid ground connection.
- Make sure the ground connection remained secure after turning the ignition to the “run” position. If it fails to flash, restart from step 3.
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Program the Key Fob: For Gen II models, press and hold both buttons on the key fob simultaneously for 10 seconds. You should hear a triple horn chirp, signaling that the EEM has accepted the key fob.
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Program Additional Key Fobs (Optional): If you have multiple key fobs to program, you must program them all during this same session. You can program up to 4 key fobs for a Gen II Viper. Repeat step 6 for each additional key fob.
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Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition off and disconnect the green ground wire.
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Test Your Key Fobs: Test the arm and disarm functions of all programmed key fobs to ensure they are working correctly.
Programming Your Gen I Viper Key Fob (ALL Years)
These instructions are for all Gen I Viper models.
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Disable the Alarm System: Make sure the alarm system is disarmed.
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Locate the Program Wire: Find the green “Program” wire located next to the SAM (System Acquisition Module) and RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) modules. This is a green wire with a bullet connector on the end and is situated under the driver’s side instrument panel.
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Ground the Program Wire: Connect the green “Program” wire to a reliable body ground. Use an ohm meter to verify a solid ground connection.
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Turn Ignition to Run: With the green wire grounded, turn the ignition to the “run” position (engine off).
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Confirm Programming Mode: Look for the dash LED to flash, indicating entry into programming mode. If it doesn’t flash, re-verify the wire, ground, and ignition steps as outlined in the Gen II troubleshooting section.
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Program the Key Fobs: For Gen I Vipers:
- Press and release the arm or lock button on the first key fob.
- Then, do the same for any subsequent key fobs you wish to program.
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Program Additional Key Fobs (Optional): Program all desired key fobs in this session. Gen I Vipers typically support up to 2 key fobs.
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Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition off and remove the green ground wire.
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Test Your Key Fobs: Confirm that all programmed key fobs are functioning correctly by testing the arm and disarm functions.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Key Fob Battery: Before you begin, ensure your key fob has a fresh CR2032 battery (or the correct battery type for your fob) and that the battery contacts are clean. A weak battery or poor connection within the key fob is often the culprit.
- Solid Ground Connection: A reliable ground connection is crucial for successful programming. Double-check your ground point with an ohm meter.
- Correct Wire: Confirm you are grounding the correct wire as specified for your Viper generation.
- Timing: Ensure you maintain the ground connection while turning the ignition to the “run” position and throughout the programming steps.
By following these steps, you should be able to program your Viper key fob quickly and easily. Enjoy the convenience of your working remote!
