Losing or damaging your car keys is always a hassle, and when it comes to your 2012 Dodge Journey, key fob replacement can seem like a daunting and expensive task. Many owners face the question of how to replace their key fobs without breaking the bank. Initially, when we acquired our Dodge Journey, it came with only one key, prompting us to explore cost-effective solutions for obtaining spares.
Like many car owners, we turned to online marketplaces like eBay to purchase additional key fobs for our Journey. The next step was programming these new keys to work with our vehicle. We opted for the dealership, expecting a straightforward process. However, the experience highlighted the potentially high costs associated with dealership key programming. We were charged a flat fee of $50, with no guarantee of success, just to program a single key. This experience underscored the importance of understanding all available options for key fob replacement.
Fortunately, we learned a valuable piece of information: if you already have two functioning key fobs for your 2012 Dodge Journey, programming additional or replacement fobs yourself becomes significantly easier. A quick online search will reveal various guides and procedures that allow you to program spare keys without needing to visit the dealership. This DIY approach can save you considerable money and time.
Adding to the complexity, we encountered an interesting situation related to a vehicle recall. The recall paperwork indicated that the dealership would replace any keys programmed to the vehicle that were in our possession. Crucially, there was no stipulation that these keys had to be original equipment manufacturer (OEM) keys. This opened up an opportunity to potentially have our spare, non-OEM keys replaced under the recall. However, navigating this process with the dealership required persistence and multiple points of contact, including calls to FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). Ultimately, after some back-and-forth, we successfully had our spare keys covered under the recall.
It’s also important to be aware of the technical limitations of your 2012 Dodge Journey’s Wireless Ignition Module (WIM). There is a finite number of keys that can be programmed to a WIM, typically around 7 or 8. Once this limit is reached, programming additional keys becomes impossible. Therefore, keeping track of your programmed keys and avoiding unnecessary programming attempts is advisable.
In our journey with the Dodge Journey, we also explored aftermarket scan tools for vehicle diagnostics and maintenance. Initially, tools like the Autel MD802 and Foxwell NT510 (with Chrysler software) offered bidirectional testing capabilities but lacked key programming functions for our vehicle. However, automotive technology is constantly evolving. Recent updates to tools like the Foxwell NT510 have expanded their capabilities significantly. The V8.30 update for Chrysler software, for example, introduced SKIM/SKREEM key programming functionality, previously unavailable in these mid-level scan tools. This advancement suggests that DIY key programming for vehicles like the 2012 Dodge Journey may become increasingly accessible through affordable aftermarket tools in the future.
For owners of a 2012 Dodge Journey needing a key fob replacement, understanding your options is key. From dealership programming and DIY methods to recall opportunities and evolving aftermarket tools, exploring these avenues can lead to significant savings and convenience.
