Experiencing a “key fob not detected” error in your 2016 Dodge Charger can be frustrating and leave you stranded. This issue, where your vehicle fails to recognize the presence of your key fob, can prevent you from starting your car and accessing its features. If you’re encountering this problem, along with related issues like a trunk that won’t stay closed or unexpected electrical glitches after dashcam installation, this guide is for you. We’ll explore potential causes, troubleshooting steps, and solutions to get you back on the road.
Understanding the “Key Fob Not Detected” Issue
The “key fob not detected” message indicates a communication breakdown between your Dodge Charger and its key fob. Your car relies on radio frequency identification (RFID) to sense the fob’s proximity and authorize actions like starting the engine or locking/unlocking doors. When this system malfunctions, it can manifest in various ways, as highlighted in a recent user experience:
“So I got in my car this afternoon and it wouldn’t start when I pushed the button. It told me that the key fob was not in the vehicle. After a few tries it told me to push the fob against the button and that worked.”
This user’s experience is a common starting point. Initially, the system might intermittently fail to detect the fob, requiring repeated attempts or physical contact with the start button for the car to respond.
Common Causes for Key Fob Detection Problems
Several factors can contribute to your 2016 Dodge Charger not detecting the key fob:
- Low Key Fob Battery: This is the most frequent culprit. Key fobs are powered by small batteries that deplete over time. A weak battery might not transmit a strong enough signal for the car to recognize.
- Vehicle Battery Issues: While less common, a low or weak car battery can also affect the key fob detection system. The car’s computer systems need sufficient power to operate correctly.
- Signal Interference: Radio frequency interference from external sources can sometimes disrupt the communication between the fob and the vehicle. This is less likely to be a consistent issue but worth considering if the problem occurs in specific locations.
- Faulty Key Fob: The key fob itself could be malfunctioning due to internal damage or wear and tear.
- Vehicle Receiver Problems: The receiver in your Dodge Charger that detects the key fob signal could be faulty. This is a more serious issue requiring professional diagnosis.
- Aftermarket Accessory Installation: As seen in the original user’s case, recently installed aftermarket electronics, like a dashcam, can sometimes interfere with the car’s electrical system or introduce unexpected issues.
Troubleshooting Steps for “Key Fob Not Detected”
Before heading to a dealership, try these troubleshooting steps to potentially resolve the issue yourself:
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Replace the Key Fob Battery: This is the easiest and most common fix. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct battery type (usually a CR2032 button cell battery). Replace the battery in your key fob and see if the problem persists.
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Try the Second Key Fob: If you have a spare key fob, test if it works. If the second fob is detected without issue, the problem likely lies with the original fob.
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Check the Car Battery Voltage: Use a voltmeter to check your car battery’s voltage. A healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts when the engine is off. If it’s significantly lower, consider charging or replacing the car battery.
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Inspect Dashcam Wiring (If Applicable): If you recently installed a dashcam or any other aftermarket electronics, carefully inspect the wiring. Ensure the connections are secure and not interfering with other car systems. The user in the original post mentioned a dashcam installation and subsequent issues:
“Here is the maybe bad news. I installed a dash cam yesterday… I pulled the ACC power from the lighter socket… and used one of those tap connectors to tap into the red wire on the wiring harness under the cup holders.”
If you’ve done something similar, try disconnecting the dashcam temporarily to see if it resolves the key fob issue and other electrical problems.
- Emergency Start Procedure: As a temporary workaround, the owner’s manual for your 2016 Dodge Charger should describe an emergency start procedure. This usually involves placing the key fob in a specific location (often against the start button) to bypass the standard detection system and start the engine. This was also mentioned in the original user’s experience:
“After a few tries it told me to push the fob against the button and that worked.”
While this might get you going, it doesn’t fix the underlying problem.
Addressing the Trunk That Won’t Stay Closed
The user also reported a trunk malfunction:
“I popped the trunk to put the box in and now the trunk won’t stay closed… To be clear, it locks for about 2 seconds and then pops open again.”
This issue could be related to the key fob detection problem or a separate mechanical or electrical fault. Here are some possibilities:
- Safety Feature Malfunction: Modern cars sometimes have safety features that prevent the trunk from latching if they detect a key fob inside. However, this shouldn’t activate when the fob is outside the trunk. A malfunctioning sensor could be the cause.
- Trunk Latch or Actuator Problem: The trunk latch mechanism or the actuator that controls it might be faulty.
- Electrical Glitch: An electrical issue, potentially linked to the key fob detection problem or the dashcam installation, could be affecting the trunk latch.
Troubleshooting the Trunk:
- Check for Obstructions: Ensure nothing is physically blocking the trunk from closing properly.
- Manual Latch Check: Try manually manipulating the trunk latch mechanism to see if it moves freely.
- Inspect Wiring: Look for any damaged or loose wiring around the trunk latch area.
The Chrysler Logo and Missing SRT Pages – A Sign of Deeper Issues
The most concerning issue reported was the change in the car’s display after a battery reset:
“I seem to have changed my Cat into a Chrysler. I lost the XM and all SRT pages on the computer and when I turn it off, it gives me a Chrysler logo. WTF?”
This indicates a potential problem with the car’s computer system or a deeper electrical issue. A battery reset should not fundamentally change the car’s brand identity or remove features like SRT pages. This could suggest:
- CAN Bus Communication Problems: The Controller Area Network (CAN bus) is the car’s central nervous system, allowing various modules to communicate. Electrical interference or faults can disrupt this communication.
- BCM (Body Control Module) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module) Issues: These modules control various car functions, and malfunctions could lead to strange symptoms.
- Software Glitches: Less likely, but a software glitch in the car’s infotainment system or main computer could be responsible.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried the basic troubleshooting steps and the “key fob not detected” issue, trunk problem, or Chrysler logo issue persist, it’s time to consult a professional. Given the combination of symptoms, especially the unexpected Chrysler logo and missing SRT pages, there might be an underlying electrical or computer system problem that requires expert diagnosis and repair.
A qualified mechanic or Dodge dealership technician can:
- Diagnose the Key Fob System: Use specialized tools to test the key fobs, receiver, and related components.
- Investigate Electrical Issues: Thoroughly check the car’s electrical system for faults, shorts, or interference, especially if aftermarket accessories have been installed.
- Scan for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): While the user mentioned “no codes stored,” professional scanners can sometimes retrieve deeper or pending codes that might not be visible to basic OBD-II scanners.
- Address Computer System Problems: Diagnose and repair issues with the car’s BCM, PCM, or infotainment system.
In conclusion, while a “key fob not detected” issue can sometimes be a simple fix like a battery replacement, in cases like the one described, with multiple symptoms arising after dashcam installation and battery reset, a professional diagnosis is highly recommended to ensure proper and safe repair of your 2016 Dodge Charger.
