How Do I Program My Dodge Key Fob for Ultimate Convenience?

A car’s key fob is the small electronic device you use to access some of its most essential functions. It makes life easier, as you don’t have to put the key in a slot for basic operations such as locking or unlocking the vehicle, turning the engine on, and opening the trunk. However, as with many other electronic devices, it may sometimes require programming to work as it should. 

Modern Dodge vehicles come with keyless entry and ignition systems that allow you to get in the car and turn the engine on without even having to take the key fob out of your pocket. Being able to program it when necessary can help keep your vehicle secure and save you the hassle of needing to call a professional to do the job for you. Keep reading to find out how you can program your Dodge key fob, for your convenience and security.

Gather Your Tools and Information

As with most tasks, preparation can pave the way for success. The first thing you need to do when attempting to program your Dodge key fob is to gather the required tools and research your next steps. The main item you need is the actual key fob. Depending on your situation, this may be the key fob on your brand-new Dodge or a replacement key fob after something happened to your original one. 

You also need to have your vehicle parked in a relatively open area that gives you full access to all doors. Your owners manual includes important information specific to your particular Dodge model, so you’ll want to have it nearby in case you need to consult it.

Determine Your Dodge Model and Year

Dodge continuously works on upgrading every element of its vehicles from one generation to the next. This means that determining your Dodge’s exact model and year can be a helpful piece of information when attempting to program its key fob. A quick way to identify the year it was made is by reading its vehicle identification number (VIN). It’s usually visible when looking at the bottom part of the windshield or on the driver’s side dashboard. The 10th VIN digit is usually your Dodge’s model year. Some documents you can look at to find your Dodge’s model and year include:

• The vehicle’s title and registration.
• The contract with the insurance company.
• The build plate, which is usually located in the engine bay.

Dodge Key Fob Programming Steps

Once you have everything you need, it’s time to program your Dodge key fob. The good news is that it shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes. Let’s look at the steps you can typically take.

Step 1: Access the Vehicle

The first step is to park your Dodge in a quiet and accessible area, then get inside. After getting behind the wheel, use your key fob to lock the door. It’s essential that you do this within the first 10 seconds of entering the vehicle. This first step sets up the whole programming operation.

Step 2: Insert Key and Turn the Ignition On/Off 

Once you’re in and the doors are locked, put your key in the Dodge’s ignition. Turn the key to the “Run” position while simultaneously pressing and holding the “Unlock” button located on the driver’s door. Do this without turning the engine on.

Step 3: Press and Release the Lock/Unlock Buttons

Next, press the “Unlock” button on your door, while also pressing your key fob’s “Panic” button, and then release them both at the same time. Repeat this process with the “Unlock” and “Lock” buttons on your door, pressing them both at the same time and releasing them simultaneously. After doing that, press “Unlock” one last time. You should now have your Dodge key fob linked to your car and ready to go. 

Step 4: Program Additional Key Fobs

You may use multiple key fobs on your Dodge vehicle, and this is common when more than one driver uses the same car. Luckily, programming multiple key fobs is as easy as programming the first one. Simply repeat the steps above with another key fob, and you’ll have it programmed and ready to use in just a few minutes.

Step 5: Test the Key Fob

It’s important to test all the key fob’s functions after programming it to make sure you did everything correctly and that it works as it should. You can do that by trying each function in turn and checking whether it works properly or not. Start by locking and unlocking the doors. Depending on your Dodge model and trim, the key fob may perform several other functions. You can find out what they are by consulting your owners manual, but here are some functions you’re likely to have and that you should test:

• Rolling the windows down and back up.
• Lowering the tailgate.
• Remotely starting your Dodge’s engine.

Troubleshooting

If your Dodge key fob still doesn’t work as it should after following these steps, the first thing you can do is look in your owners manual, as your Dodge model may have specific key fob programming instructions. Then, you should perform the steps all over again, as you may have missed something. If these actions don’t do the trick, you can try the following:

• Replace the key fob battery.
• Disconnect and reconnect your Dodge’s battery.
• Try programming your spare key fob to rule out the possibility that your main key fob is malfunctioning.
• Check to see if your car’s locks work if you operate them manually.

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