Many 2015 Dodge Challenger owners find themselves in a situation needing an extra key fob. Dealerships often suggest purchasing a new key fob and programming it, which can be quite expensive. But what if you could save money by reprogramming a used key fob? The common belief, often reinforced by dealerships, is that once a key fob is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be reprogrammed for another. This article dives into whether that’s actually the case for your 2015 Dodge Challenger.
Seeking a more affordable solution, one Challenger owner decided to test this common misconception. They purchased a used, factory key fob from eBay, significantly cheaper than a new one from the dealer. Despite assurances that it could be reprogrammed, there was still uncertainty, especially given the dealer’s typical stance against it. The gamble was worth the potential savings.
The next step was finding a professional to handle the reprogramming. A local locksmith was chosen, offering programming and key cutting services for around the same price a dealer would charge for just programming a new fob. Crucially, the locksmith was transparent about the process, stating a charge regardless of success but offering to program another fob for free if the initial attempt failed. This minimized the risk, focusing the potential loss only on the initial cost of the used fob.
The programming process itself presented an initial hurdle. The locksmith’s diagnostic tool struggled to retrieve the necessary “skim,” or PIN code, from the car. This required an extra step, involving requesting the code externally, which normally incurs an additional fee. However, in this case, the locksmith absorbed this cost, highlighting their commitment to resolving the issue. Once the PIN code was obtained after about ten minutes, the actual programming of the used key fob was surprisingly swift, taking only around 20 seconds.
In the end, for a total of approximately $100, a fully functional, spare factory key fob was successfully programmed for the 2015 Dodge Challenger. This included the cost of the used fob and the locksmith’s programming service. Furthermore, the locksmith clarified a key point: reprogramming a used fob doesn’t require clearing the old key fob data. The process simply overwrites the existing programming. This directly contradicts the idea that dealers are technically restricted from reprogramming used fobs, suggesting the limitation might be more about policy than technical feasibility.
Therefore, the answer is a definitive YES. You absolutely can reprogram a used key fob to work with your 2015 Dodge Challenger. Don’t let dealerships or outdated owner’s manuals convince you otherwise. Reprogramming a used key fob is a viable, cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new one, potentially saving you a significant amount of money. Consider contacting a reputable locksmith in your area if you’re looking for a spare key fob for your 2015 Dodge Challenger – it could save you a trip to the dealership and a hefty bill.
