Losing or damaging your key fob can be a major inconvenience. For 2010 Dodge Challenger owners, needing a key fob replacement is a situation that requires prompt attention. Luckily, programming a new key fob for your 2010 Dodge Challenger can often be done yourself, saving you time and money compared to dealership programming. This guide provides a step-by-step process to program a third key fob, assuming you already have two working key fobs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Programming a Third Key Fob
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- Your 2010 Dodge Challenger vehicle.
- Two already programmed and functioning Sentry Key FOBIKs (key fobs).
- A new, blank Sentry Key FOBIK that is compatible with your 2010 Dodge Challenger. This blank fob will need to have its mechanical key cut to match your vehicle’s door lock cylinder.
Once you have gathered these items, proceed with the following steps:
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Initial Key Insertion: Insert one of your two working key fobs into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Do not start the engine, just turn the key to the position right before engine ignition, where the car’s electronics are active.
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First Key Cycle: Leave the ignition in the ON position for a period longer than 3 seconds but no more than 15 seconds. After this brief period, turn the ignition switch back to the OFF position. Remove the first key fob from the ignition.
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Second Key Insertion and Cycle: Immediately insert your second working key fob into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch back to the ON position. It’s crucial to insert the second key fob within 15 seconds of removing the first one to maintain the programming sequence.
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Programming Mode Engagement: Approximately 10 seconds after completing Step #3, you should observe the security indicator light on your instrument cluster begin to flash. Simultaneously, you will hear a single audible chime. These are signals indicating that your vehicle’s system has successfully entered the Customer Learn programming mode, allowing you to program a new key fob.
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Introduce New Key Fob: Within 60 seconds of entering the Customer Learn programming mode (indicated by the flashing security light and chime), turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Remove the working key fob and replace it with your new, unprogrammed Sentry Key FOBIK. Turn the ignition switch back to the ON position.
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Finalization and Confirmation: Again, approximately 10 seconds after completing Step #5, you will hear a single audible chime. The security indicator light will stop flashing, remain illuminated solid for about 3 seconds, and then turn OFF. This sequence confirms that your new Sentry Key FOBIK has been successfully programmed to your 2010 Dodge Challenger. The system will automatically exit the Customer Learn programming mode.
After completing these steps, turn the ignition to the OFF position and attempt to start your Dodge Challenger using the newly programmed key fob. If the programming was successful, the vehicle should start normally.
Important Notes and Considerations
- Timing is Critical: Each step in this programming procedure must be executed in the given sequence and within the specified timeframes. If steps are missed or timing is off, the system will exit the programming mode, and you will need to start over.
- Blank Transponder Required: Ensure the new key fob you are programming has a blank transponder. The system is designed to recognize and program blank transponders during this procedure. Attempting to use a pre-programmed or incorrect type of key fob will cause the programming to fail.
- Maximum Key Fobs: The vehicle’s system can only store a limited number of programmed key fobs (typically up to 8). If you have already programmed the maximum number of key fobs, you may need to have an old key fob’s programming erased by a professional before adding a new one.
- Customer Learn Mode Exit: The system will automatically exit the Customer Learn programming mode if it detects a non-blank transponder when it expects a blank one, if the maximum number of key fobs are already programmed, or if the ignition is left in the OFF position for more than approximately 50 seconds during the programming sequence.
- Starting in Customer Learn Mode: Do not attempt to start the vehicle while the security indicator is flashing (Customer Learn mode). The engine will stall after a couple of seconds, similar to starting with an invalid key, although no fault codes will be set.
- One-Time Programming: Once a Sentry Key FOBIK has been programmed to a specific vehicle, it cannot be programmed to another vehicle.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues during the programming process, double-check each step and ensure you are following the timing guidelines precisely. If you continue to have trouble, it is recommended to consult a qualified automotive locksmith or your Dodge dealership for assistance. They have specialized tools and diagnostic equipment that can help with key fob programming and address any underlying issues with your vehicle’s security system.
This guide is intended to help 2010 Dodge Challenger owners program a third key fob themselves. By carefully following these steps, you can potentially save time and money on key fob replacement.
