Lost your 2006 Town And Country Key Fob or simply need a spare? Replacing and programming a new key fob might seem daunting, but you can actually do it yourself at home, saving time and money. This guide will walk you through the process of programming a new key fob and transponder key for your 2006 Chrysler Town and Country, assuming you already have two working keys.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary items:
- New Key Fob Blank: Purchase a compatible “keyless fob blank” online.
- Used Key (for components): Acquire a used key, often available on eBay, for its internal components.
- Cut Key Blank: Have the new key blank professionally cut to match your vehicle’s ignition.
Programming Your 2006 Town & Country Key Fob – Step-by-Step Guide
This procedure leverages your existing programmed keys to add a new one to your vehicle’s system.
Step 1: Prepare Your Keys
- Assemble the New Fob: Once you have your new cut key blank and the used key, carefully transfer the internal components (“guts”) from the used key into the new key fob. This combines the new, cut key with the necessary electronic components.
Step 2: Ignition Cycle with First Valid Key
- Insert Valid Key 1: Place your first working, programmed key into the ignition switch.
- Turn Ignition ON: Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position. Make sure all your dashboard lights come on.
- Hold for 3-15 Seconds: Keep the ignition in the “ON” position for a minimum of 3 seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds.
- Turn Ignition OFF and Remove Key 1: Switch the ignition back to the “OFF” position and remove the first key from the ignition.
Step 3: Ignition Cycle with Second Valid Key
- Insert Valid Key 2: Immediately insert your second working, programmed key into the ignition switch within 15 seconds of removing the first key.
- Turn Ignition ON: Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position.
- Wait for Chime and Light: After approximately ten seconds, you will hear a chime sound, and the Theft Alarm Light on your dashboard will start to flash. This indicates the system has entered programming mode.
- Turn Ignition OFF and Remove Key 2: Turn the ignition switch back to the “OFF” position and remove the second key.
Step 4: Programming the New Key
- Insert New Blank Key: Within 60 seconds of removing the second valid key, insert the newly cut key blank (with the transferred internal components) into the ignition switch.
- Turn Ignition ON: Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position.
- Wait for Chime: After about 10 seconds, you will hear a single chime. The Theft Alarm Light will stop flashing, illuminate steadily for 3 seconds, and then turn off. This confirms that your new key has been successfully programmed. The keyless entry transmitter (key fob remote) is also programmed during this process.
Step 5: Verify Programming
- Test the New Key: Turn the ignition to the “START” position to start your 2006 Town and Country with the new key.
- Test Key Fob Functions: Test the buttons on your new key fob (lock, unlock, panic) to ensure they are working correctly.
You can repeat this entire procedure to program up to a total of 8 keys for your vehicle.
Important Notes and Tips
- Two Valid Keys Required: This DIY programming method only works if you possess two already programmed and working sentry keys. If you only have one or have lost all your keys, you will need to contact a qualified locksmith or your Chrysler dealership for programming services.
- Lost Key Security: If a programmed key has been lost or stolen, it is crucial to visit your dealer to have all existing keys erased from the system’s memory and reprogrammed. This will prevent unauthorized access to your vehicle with the lost key. Remember to bring all your vehicle keys with you to the dealership at the time of service for reprogramming.
- Professional Cutting: Ensure your new key blank is professionally cut by a locksmith or key cutting service to match your vehicle’s specific key code. An incorrectly cut key will not work in your ignition.
- eBay Parts: While purchasing used keys and blanks from eBay can be cost-effective, verify the seller’s reputation and ensure the parts are compatible with your 2006 Town and Country model.
By following these steps carefully, you can successfully program a new key fob for your 2006 Town and Country and gain an extra key for convenience or as a replacement.
