Hey fellow Challenger enthusiasts! Like many of you, I decided it was time to refresh my trusty Dodge Challenger key fob. The original case was starting to show its age, so I opted for a new key fob cover. Thinking it would be a straightforward swap, I dove right in, and wanted to share my experience, including a few unexpected bumps along the road, to help you if you’re considering a similar upgrade.
Circuit Board Removal: Handle with Care
The first step in replacing your Challenger Key Fob Cover is getting to the circuit board. It’s secured inside the original case by a small plastic peg, located in the upper left corner. Now, mine was really in there! It wasn’t budging with gentle persuasion. To get it out, I carefully used a sharp knife to trim the head off that little black plastic post that was sticking through the board and holding everything in place. Looking back, a Dremel with a cut-off wheel might have made this step a bit easier and cleaner, but the knife did the job. Once that peg head was gone, I was able to carefully wiggle and pull the circuit board free from the old OEM case.
Fitting the Circuit Board into the New Cover: A Minor Setback
With the circuit board out, I went to install it into the brand new challenger key fob cover. Everything seemed to line up, except for that same mounting hole in the upper left corner! It turned out the hole in the new case was just a tad too small for the original mounting peg on the circuit board to fit through. No problem – a drill bit to the rescue! I carefully widened the hole just a little bit. After that minor modification, the circuit board slid perfectly into the new cover. Battery installed, case closed – success, right? Almost.
Key Blade Compatibility: An Unexpected Hurdle
Here’s where I ran into another snag. I tried to insert my original key blade into the new challenger key fob cover. It went in and locked into place, but then… it wouldn’t come back out! Turns out, the latch design in this new case was slightly different from the original. After a bit of a struggle, I did manage to get it out, but it was clear this wasn’t going to be a practical solution. So, it looks like I’ll need to get the new, uncut key blade that came with the cover copied from my original key. Just one of those little things you encounter sometimes!
Reprogramming the New Key Fob: Dealer Visit Required
My project is actually a two-parter. Along with replacing the case, I’m also getting a completely new key made. I ordered it online from a supplier for significantly less than the dealer price – about $80 compared to nearly $100 more at the dealership. The dealer quoted me $55 for reprogramming, but they wouldn’t guarantee it would work since it’s an aftermarket key. They did say it usually works about 95% of the time, which was somewhat reassuring. However, when I went to the dealership to get it programmed, I found out I needed to make an appointment first due to new Covid-19 policies. So, the reprogramming will have to wait for another day. A little frustrating, but I’ll get it sorted out.
I’ll be sure to post an update soon once I get the new key programmed. Stay tuned!
