Losing a key fob or needing an extra one for your 2011 Dodge Challenger can be a common issue. Luckily, if you already have two working key fobs, you can program a third one yourself without a trip to the dealership. This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step process to program a new key fob for your 2011 Dodge Challenger, saving you time and money.
Prerequisites for Key Fob Programming
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- Two Valid, Working Key Fobs: This programming method requires two already programmed key fobs that currently operate your 2011 Dodge Challenger.
- New, Unprogrammed Key Fob: Obtain a blank Sentry Key FOBIK that is compatible with your vehicle. Ensure the key portion is cut to match your car’s door lock cylinder.
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to successfully program your new 2011 Dodge Challenger key fob:
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Insert First Valid Key: Place one of your two working key fobs into the ignition switch and turn the ignition to the ON position. Do not start the engine.
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Cycle Ignition (First Key): Leave the ignition in the ON position for at least 3 seconds but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the ignition switch back to the OFF position. Remove the first key fob.
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Insert Second Valid Key: Immediately insert your second working key fob into the ignition switch and turn the ignition to the ON position again. This must be done within 15 seconds of removing the first key.
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Enter Customer Learn Mode: Approximately 10 seconds after turning the ignition ON with the second key, you will hear a single chime. The security indicator light in your instrument cluster will begin to flash. This indicates that your vehicle has entered the Customer Learn programming mode, allowing you to program a new key fob.
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Insert New Key Fob: Within 60 seconds of entering Customer Learn mode, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Remove the second valid key fob and insert the new, unprogrammed key fob into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch back to the ON position.
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Programming Confirmation: About 10 seconds after turning the ignition ON with the new key fob, you will hear another single chime. The security light will stop flashing, remain solid for 3 seconds, and then turn off. This confirms that your new 2011 Dodge Challenger key fob has been successfully programmed. The system will automatically exit the programming mode.
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Test the New Key: Turn the ignition off and remove the newly programmed key fob. You can now start your 2011 Dodge Challenger using the new key fob to verify successful programming.
If you need to program additional key fobs, repeat all of these steps for each new key.
Important Programming Notes
- Timing is Crucial: Ensure each step is completed within the specified time limits. If the steps are not followed in sequence or within the allotted time, the system will exit the Customer Learn programming mode, and the programming will fail.
- Blank Transponder Required: The system will automatically exit programming mode if it detects a key fob with a transponder that is not blank when it expects a blank one.
- Maximum Keys: You can program a maximum of 8 valid key fobs for your 2011 Dodge Challenger.
- Exiting Programming Mode: The system will also exit Customer Learn mode if the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position for more than approximately 50 seconds during the programming process.
- Starting in Customer Learn Mode: Do not attempt to start the vehicle while the security indicator is flashing (Customer Learn mode). If you do, the engine will stall after a couple of seconds, as if started with an invalid key fob. This will not set any fault codes.
- One-Time Programming: Once a key fob is programmed to a specific vehicle, it cannot be programmed for use with another vehicle.
By following these instructions carefully, you can easily program a new key fob for your 2011 Dodge Challenger and have the convenience of an extra key. If you encounter any issues, or do not have two working key fobs to begin with, it is recommended to seek assistance from a qualified automotive locksmith or your Dodge dealership.
