Replacing your Chrysler key fob battery should be a straightforward task. However, like the user “aerobahn” in our forum discovered, sometimes a simple battery swap can lead to unexpected issues – the key fob stops working altogether. If you’ve just replaced your Chrysler key fob battery and are now facing a non-responsive remote, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps and programming solutions to get your key fob working again, ensuring you avoid a costly trip to the dealership if possible.
Common Issue: Key Fob Not Working After Battery Replacement
It’s frustrating when a seemingly simple task like replacing a key fob battery results in a malfunctioning remote. The original poster, aerobahn, experienced this exact problem after replacing the batteries in their 2002 Chrysler 300M Special key fob with new CR2016 batteries. They correctly installed the batteries and even verified the voltage, but the fob remained unresponsive. This scenario raises a common question: can replacing the battery wipe the key fob’s memory, requiring reprogramming?
While key fobs are generally designed with non-volatile memory to prevent data loss during battery changes, several factors can lead to a non-working key fob after a battery replacement. These include:
- Incorrect Battery Installation: Although seemingly simple, ensure the batteries are installed with the correct polarity (+ and – sides oriented properly).
- Battery Type Compatibility: Double-check that you are using the correct battery type. Chrysler key fobs often use CR2016 or CR2032 batteries. Using an incorrect type can lead to insufficient power.
- Loose Battery Contacts: Sometimes, the metal contacts within the key fob case can become slightly bent or corroded, preventing a good connection with the new battery.
- Synchronization Loss: In some cases, the key fob may lose synchronization with the vehicle’s receiver after a power interruption, even if brief. This is less about memory loss and more about a temporary communication breakdown.
Before assuming a major issue, let’s explore some troubleshooting steps and programming methods you can try at home.
Quick Battery Replacement Guide for Chrysler Key Fobs
While not always necessary, understanding the correct battery replacement procedure can prevent issues. Here’s a general guide, though specific steps may vary slightly depending on your Chrysler model and key fob type:
- Identify Your Battery Type: Check your owner’s manual or the old battery itself to determine the correct battery type (usually CR2016 or CR2032).
- Open the Key Fob Casing: Most Chrysler key fobs have a small notch or seam. Use a small flathead screwdriver or a coin to gently pry open the case. Some may have a small screw that needs to be removed first.
- Remove the Old Battery: Carefully remove the old battery, noting the polarity (+ and – orientation).
- Insert the New Battery: Install the new battery, ensuring the polarity matches the markings in the case.
- Close the Key Fob Casing: Snap the key fob case back together until it’s securely closed. If there was a screw, re-install it.
- Test the Key Fob: Try locking and unlocking your car to see if the key fob is working.
Chrysler 300M Special
Chrysler 300M Special car model, similar to the vehicle discussed in the forum thread, facing potential key fob issues after battery replacement.
Troubleshooting Steps for a Non-Working Chrysler Key Fob
If your Chrysler key fob is still unresponsive after replacing the battery, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Verify Battery Polarity and Type Again: Double-check that the batteries are installed in the correct orientation and that you’ve used the right battery type (CR2016 or CR2032). Sometimes, it’s easy to miss the small polarity markings inside the case.
- Check Battery Voltage: Although aerobahn already did this, if you have a multimeter, test the voltage of the new batteries to ensure they are actually charged. A new CR2016 or CR2032 battery should read around 3V.
- Clean Battery Contacts: Inspect the metal contacts inside the key fob case. If they look tarnished or corroded, gently clean them with a cotton swab and a bit of rubbing alcohol. This can improve the battery connection.
- Try the “15-Second Rule” (Potentially): One forum user, JAMROCK, suggested that replacing the battery within 15 seconds might prevent memory loss. While not officially documented by Chrysler, it’s a quick and easy thing to try. Remove the battery again, wait a few seconds, and quickly re-insert it. Test the fob.
- Check for Button Issues: Less likely after just a battery change, but ensure the buttons on your key fob are not physically stuck or damaged. Press each button firmly to see if there’s any response from the car.
If none of these simple steps work, the next step is to attempt key fob programming.
Chrysler Key Fob Programming Methods
Depending on your Chrysler model and its features, you may be able to program the key fob yourself, or you might need to visit a dealership.
1. EVIC Programming (If Equipped)
For Chrysler vehicles equipped with an EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center) like the 2002 Chrysler 300M Special discussed, there’s a chance you can program the key fob yourself using the vehicle’s menu system. Here’s how, based on forum discussions and general procedures for similar Chrysler models:
- Turn Ignition to “ON” Position: Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position, but do not start the engine.
- Navigate to EVIC Programming Menu: Use the buttons on your steering wheel or dashboard to navigate through the EVIC menu. Look for options like “Customer Programmable Features,” “Vehicle Settings,” or “Remote Key Programming.” The exact menu names may vary. Refer to your owner’s manual for the precise menu location.
- Select “Train Remote” or “Program Remote”: Once you find the remote programming menu, select the option to “Train Remote” or “Program Remote.”
- Follow On-Screen Prompts: The EVIC should display instructions. These instructions often involve pressing buttons on the key fob. Based on forum user experiences, the prompt might be something like: “PRESS REMOTE LOCK & UNLOCK THEN PRESS UNLOCK.”
- Simultaneously Press and Hold “Lock” and “Unlock” Buttons: On your key fob, press and hold the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons at the same time for a few seconds (the exact duration might vary, try a second or two as suggested by “paintballdude05”).
- Press “Unlock” Button (as prompted): After releasing the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons, immediately press the “Unlock” button alone, as indicated in the prompt.
- Listen for a Chime: The vehicle should chime to indicate successful programming. If you are programming multiple remotes, repeat steps 5-7 for each additional key fob within approximately 30 seconds.
- Test the Key Fob: Turn the ignition off and test all buttons on the newly programmed key fob to ensure they are working correctly.
Important Notes on EVIC Programming:
- Confusing Instructions: As noted in the forum, the EVIC prompts can be confusing. Experiment with the timing of button presses.
- Erasing Previous Remotes: Be aware that programming a new remote through the EVIC may erase the programming of previously working remotes. If you have multiple key fobs, program them all at the same time.
- Single Remote Programming: Forum users like “Murph 636” and “paintballdude05” confirmed that EVIC programming can work even without a previously programmed remote, contradicting some owner’s manual information that suggests otherwise.
2. Dealership Programming
If the EVIC programming method doesn’t work, or if your Chrysler vehicle isn’t equipped with EVIC programming, you’ll likely need to visit a Chrysler dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith for key fob programming.
Why Dealership Programming Might Be Necessary:
- Security Systems: Modern vehicles have complex security systems. If the self-programming methods fail, it often indicates a deeper synchronization issue or a problem requiring specialized diagnostic tools.
- Lost All Remotes: If you don’t have any working key fobs, dealership programming is usually required to initialize the system and program new remotes.
Dealership/Locksmith Services:
- Professional Diagnostics: Dealerships and locksmiths have professional diagnostic equipment to communicate with your vehicle’s computer system and identify any underlying issues.
- Programming Tools: They have the necessary programming tools to reprogram key fobs and ensure they are correctly synced with your vehicle.
- Key Fob Replacement: If your key fob is damaged or faulty (though battery replacement issues usually aren’t due to fob damage itself), they can also provide replacement key fobs and program them.
While dealership programming will incur a cost, it’s often the most reliable solution if DIY methods fail, especially if you’re stranded with a non-functional key fob.
Tips to Prevent Key Fob Programming Issues
While not always foolproof, here are some tips that might help minimize the chances of needing to reprogram your Chrysler key fob after a battery change:
- Speedy Battery Swap: As mentioned earlier, some suggest replacing the battery very quickly (within 15 seconds) to potentially retain the key fob’s memory. While effectiveness is debated, it’s a simple precaution.
- Avoid Holding Buttons During Battery Change: Don’t press any buttons on the key fob while the battery is removed. This is just a general precaution to avoid accidentally triggering any reset functions.
- Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Always refer to your Chrysler owner’s manual for specific instructions on key fob battery replacement and programming for your particular model and year.
Conclusion
Replacing your Chrysler key fob battery should be a simple maintenance task. However, if you encounter issues and your key fob stops working, don’t panic. Start with basic troubleshooting steps like verifying battery installation and cleaning contacts. If those fail, try the EVIC programming method if your vehicle is equipped. If all else fails, a visit to a Chrysler dealership or a qualified locksmith will resolve the issue, ensuring you regain full remote access to your vehicle. Remember to always prioritize using the correct battery type and handling your key fob with care during battery replacement.
