Losing or damaging your key fob can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to your 2009 Dodge Journey. Many owners face the question of key fob replacement and the associated costs. Initially, when we purchased our Journey, it came with only one key, prompting us to explore cost-effective solutions for obtaining spares.
One common route is visiting the dealership. We opted to purchase aftermarket keys online and take them to a local dealership for programming. The dealership quoted us $50 for programming one key, emphasizing that this charge applied regardless of whether the programming was successful. This highlights that dealership key programming can be costly, even without the purchase of the key fob itself.
However, there’s good news for owners who already have two functioning key fobs. You can program additional or spare key fobs yourself, without needing to revisit the dealership for programming. A quick online search will reveal the programming procedure, which is generally straightforward and user-friendly. This DIY approach can save you significant money on programming fees for your 2009 Dodge Journey Key Fob Replacement.
Another potential avenue for key fob replacement is related to vehicle recalls. During a recall service for our Journey, we learned that the manufacturer paperwork indicated a willingness to replace keys programmed to the vehicle, even if they were not OEM keys. While it required some persistence and communication with both the dealership and FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), we were ultimately able to get our aftermarket spare keys replaced under the recall. This suggests that checking for applicable recalls is a worthwhile step when considering a 2009 Dodge Journey key fob replacement, as it might offer a cost-free solution.
It’s also important to be aware of the limitations regarding the number of keys that can be programmed to your Journey’s Wireless Ignition Module (WIM). There is a finite capacity, typically around 7 or 8 keys. Once this limit is reached, programming additional keys will not be possible.
For those inclined towards DIY and advanced diagnostics, the landscape of aftermarket scan tools is evolving. Previously, tools like the Autel MD802 and Foxwell NT510 (with Chrysler software) offered bidirectional testing but lacked key programming capabilities for vehicles like the 2009 Dodge Journey. However, recent software updates for tools like the Foxwell NT510 are changing this. With the latest software versions, functionalities such as SKIM/SKREEM key programming are becoming available, even for older models like our 2006 Caravan, and potentially extending to the 2009 Dodge Journey. This opens up possibilities for owners to program their own key fobs using these updated scan tools, further reducing reliance on dealerships for key fob replacement and programming.
In conclusion, replacing a 2009 Dodge Journey key fob involves several options. Dealership programming is a reliable but potentially expensive method. DIY programming is feasible with two existing keys. Recall services might offer free replacements. And increasingly, updated aftermarket scan tools are providing DIY programming capabilities. Exploring these avenues will help you find the most suitable and cost-effective solution for your 2009 Dodge Journey key fob needs.
