Many 2012 Chrysler Town & Country owners are curious about the extra button on aftermarket key fob cases, often labeled “panic.” You might have even purchased a 6-button case hoping to activate this function, only to find it doesn’t work with your existing key fob internals. Let’s delve into why this happens and how you might actually enable that panic button.
Understanding the 6-Button Key Fob Mystery
If you’ve disassembled your standard 5-button Chrysler key fob, you might be surprised to find a circuit board (PCB) equipped with six micro switches. Yes, the hardware for that sixth “panic” button is indeed present! The issue, however, lies within a thin, cellophane-like component called a conductive membrane. This membrane, positioned between the PCB and the key fob shell, is responsible for translating your button presses into electronic signals.
For European Chrysler models, including those sold in the UK, this conductive membrane is designed with only five tracks, corresponding to the five standard buttons: lock, unlock, trunk, and the two power door buttons. Even though the sixth micro switch is physically present on the PCB, without a corresponding track on the membrane, pressing a button over that switch will not register – hence, the inactive panic button despite having a 6-button case.
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The Solution: Importing a US 6-Button Fob
To get that panic button working on your 2012 Chrysler Town & Country, the most straightforward solution involves sourcing a complete 6-button key fob from the United States. American versions of these fobs are equipped with the necessary 6-track conductive membrane to activate all six micro switches on the PCB.
The process involves obtaining a US spec 6-button fob, disassembling both your original 5-button fob and the new 6-button fob, and then carefully transferring the internal PCB from your original fob into the American 6-button fob casing. Crucially, you must also ensure you are using the 6-track conductive membrane that comes with the US fob.
By swapping your existing PCB into the US 6-button fob – complete with its 6-track conductive membrane – you effectively bypass the limitation of the European 5-track membrane. With the hardware correctly aligned, the panic button should now be functional after standard key fob programming procedures, which you can typically find on websites dedicated to remote programming instructions.
In conclusion, while your 2012 Chrysler Town & Country key fob PCB is likely capable of supporting a panic button, the missing link is often the conductive membrane in European models. By utilizing a complete 6-button fob from the US market, you can unlock the full potential of your key fob and finally have that panic button functionality.
