Losing or damaging your key fob can be a real hassle, especially for a vehicle as convenient as the 2016 Chrysler Town and Country. If you’re looking to replace your key fob, you’re probably wondering about your options and the most cost-effective way to get back on the road. Let’s explore what you need to know about replacing your 2016 Chrysler Town and Country key fob.
Programming a New Fob Yourself
The good news is, if you already have two working key fobs for your 2016 Chrysler Town and Country, you might be able to program a third one yourself. Chrysler’s system often allows for owner programming under this condition, supporting up to 8 fobs in total. The fact that both of your current fobs start the vehicle suggests they are functioning correctly and should enable you to program an additional fob. However, be cautious when purchasing key fobs online. Some aftermarket fobs may have been previously programmed and cannot be reprogrammed to a different vehicle, rendering them useless.
Risks of Hardware Store and Used Key Fobs
You might consider hardware stores for key programming, but be aware that their capabilities can be limited. Typically, hardware stores can only copy the chip data from an existing key to a new one, which is insufficient for Chrysler vehicles. Chrysler key fobs require a specific programming process that tags the fob to your vehicle; they cannot simply be cloned or reused from another car. Therefore, relying on a hardware store for a 2016 Chrysler Town And Country Key Fob Replacement might not be successful. Similarly, used key fobs from unknown sources carry the risk of being unprogrammable.
Locksmiths and Dealerships: Professional Options
For reliable 2016 Chrysler Town and Country key fob replacement and programming, consider professional locksmiths or dealerships. Locksmiths specializing in automotive keys often have the necessary tools to both cut and program new key fobs. You might find their prices more competitive than dealerships. In fact, quotes from locksmiths for a new key and programming can be around $75, significantly less than other options.
Dealerships are another dependable option, although generally more expensive. Expect to pay around $200 or possibly more for a new key fob and programming at a dealership. This cost usually breaks down to approximately $125 for the key fob itself, plus labor charges for cutting the physical key and performing the programming, often around half an hour of labor. A benefit of using a dealership is that they can definitively tell you if your vehicle is equipped with remote start, which is indicated by the circle arrow button x2 on compatible key fobs.
Conclusion
Replacing your 2016 Chrysler Town and Country key fob involves several options, each with varying costs and levels of convenience. While self-programming is possible with two existing working fobs and purchasing online might seem appealing, be aware of potential pitfalls with used or incompatible fobs. For guaranteed results, consider the services of a qualified automotive locksmith or your local Chrysler dealership to ensure your new key fob is correctly programmed and functions seamlessly with your vehicle.
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