2016 Dodge Grand Caravan Key Fob Programming: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lost or need a spare key fob for your 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan? Programming a new key fob yourself can save you time and money compared to dealership services. This guide will walk you through the process of programming a new key fob for your 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan using AlfaOBD software and a compatible OBD adapter.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, ensure you have the following items:

OBD Adapter Compatible with AlfaOBD: A reliable OBD adapter is crucial for communication between your vehicle and the AlfaOBD software. While the OBDLink MX+ is often recommended, more affordable options like the Konwei KW902 adapter are also compatible and can be found on platforms like Amazon or AliExpress.
Android Device or Windows PC with AlfaOBD License: AlfaOBD is powerful software required for key fob programming. It’s available for both Android and Windows. A paid license is necessary to perform programming procedures. Consider using Google Opinion Rewards to earn Google Play Credit (for Android) which can offset the cost of the license.
Compatible Key Fob: Choosing the correct key fob is essential. Don’t rely solely on online descriptions. Crucially, match the FCC ID on your new key fob with the FCC ID specified as compatible with your 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. Finding a key fob compatible with keyless start (if your vehicle has it) might require careful searching. Online marketplaces like AliExpress offer a range of options. Remember that used key fobs from other vehicles need to be unlocked before they can be programmed to your car, which is beyond the scope of this guide.

Programming Your 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan Key Fob: A Step-by-Step Guide

This guide assumes you have already installed AlfaOBD on your device and successfully paired your OBD adapter. Ensure AlfaOBD is configured to use your OBD adapter as the interface.

The general programming process involves these steps:

Check Programmed Keys: Verify how many key fobs are currently programmed to your vehicle (maximum of 8).
Retrieve Vehicle PIN: Obtain the unique 4-digit PIN code specific to your 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Program New Key Fob: Use the retrieved PIN to program the new key fob to your vehicle.
Sync with Passive Entry Module (PEM): For vehicles with keyless enter-n-go (push-button start), synchronize the new key fob with the PEM. If your Grand Caravan doesn’t have push-button start, you can skip this final step after key programming.

Let’s begin the programming process:

Step 1: Check the Number of Programmed Keys

Before programming a new key, it’s important to check how many keys are already programmed to your 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The vehicle supports up to 8 programmed keys. If you already have 8 keys programmed, you may not be able to add another without potentially erasing existing keys, which is not covered in this guide.

To check the number of programmed keys:

If your vehicle has push-button start, remove the start button and insert the unprogrammed key into the ignition. Turn the key to the “RUN” position. You may see a blinking red light on the dash, and the EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center) might indicate the key is not programmed – this is normal at this stage.
Connect your OBD adapter and open AlfaOBD on your device. Select the make and model of your vehicle. In the second dropdown menu, choose “Radio Frequency Hub”, and then select the WCM (Wireless Control Module) version relevant to your vehicle. For 2011+ models, there are typically two options: “WCM (Var 1)” and “WCM (Var 2)”. While both might seem to work, the specific difference isn’t always clear. For this guide, we’ll proceed with “Var 1”.
Once you’ve selected the control unit, AlfaOBD will prompt you to connect to the interface (your OBD adapter). Select “Connect” and wait for the connection to establish. Once connected, tap the battery icon usually located in the bottom right corner of the app.
After connecting, choose “Read System Status”. AlfaOBD will read and display various WCM details. Scroll down the displayed information until you find “Number of programmed keys”. Verify that this number is less than 8 before proceeding.

Step 2: Retrieve Your Vehicle PIN

With confirmation that you are under the key limit, the next step is to retrieve your vehicle’s unique 4-digit PIN.

Ensure you are still connected to the RF Hub/WCM in AlfaOBD (you should be if you just completed Step 1). Once connected, select the “car with hood open” icon within the AlfaOBD app. This icon typically leads to procedures or functions.
In the list of available procedures, locate and select “Read PIN”. In many cases, this option might be near the bottom of the list. Select “Start” to initiate the PIN reading process from your vehicle. AlfaOBD should retrieve and display the 4-digit PIN for your 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. Write this PIN down and store it securely as you will need it in the next step to program the new key fob and/or sync the PEM.

Step 3: Program the New Key Fob

Now you will program the new key fob to your 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan using the PIN you retrieved.

Verify that the new, unprogrammed key fob is inserted into the ignition and the ignition is in the “RUN” position (as in Step 1).
Ensure you are still connected to the RF Hub/WCM in AlfaOBD. Select the “car with hood open” icon again.
From the procedures list, choose “Program Ignition Keys or Key FOBs”. You might see a description mentioning “ELV Replaced” or “ESCL Replaced” procedures after programming keys. Ignore these additional procedures as they are generally not applicable to vehicles sold in the US or Canada, unless you have specific knowledge indicating otherwise.
Once you have confirmed the new key is in the ignition and the “Program Ignition Keys or Key FOBs” procedure is selected, you will be prompted to enter the PIN you retrieved in Step 2. Enter the 4-digit PIN and press “Start”. AlfaOBD will now program the new key fob, including the remote functions. Upon successful programming, AlfaOBD should display a “success” message.

If your 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan does not have push-button start, the key fob programming is now complete. Test the new key fob to ensure it starts the vehicle and the remote functions work correctly. If your vehicle does have push-button start, proceed to Step 4 to sync the key fob with the Passive Entry Module.

Step 4: Sync with Passive Entry Module (PEM) – For Keyless Start Only

This step is specifically for 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan models equipped with keyless enter-n-go or push-button start. This synchronization ensures that the keyless entry and push-button start functions work with your new key fob.

With the ignition still in the “RUN” position from Step 3, navigate back to the main screen in AlfaOBD. In the second dropdown menu (where you previously selected “Radio Frequency Hub”), select “Central Lock”. In the third dropdown menu, choose “Passive Entry Module MY2011+ non-PowerNet”.
Connect to the interface if prompted and select the “car with hood open” icon.
From the procedures list, select “PEM Replace”. You will again be asked to enter the same PIN used in Step 3 for key programming. Enter the PIN and press “Start”. AlfaOBD will now synchronize the new key fob data with the PEM. Once the procedure is complete, you should be able to unlock/lock the doors using the door handle sensors (if equipped) and start the vehicle using the push-button start with your new key fob.
Replace the start button if you removed it in Step 1.

If you have followed these steps correctly, your new key fob should now be fully programmed and functional for your 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. Test all functions, including remote lock/unlock, remote start (if equipped), keyless entry, and push-button start (if equipped).

This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for programming a key fob for your 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan, empowering you to handle this task yourself with the right tools and software. Remember to always double-check compatibility and follow each step carefully.