Is your Dodge Challenger key fob suddenly refusing to cooperate? A non-responsive key fob can be a major inconvenience, leaving you locked out or unable to start your vehicle. Before you panic or rush to the dealership, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to potentially resolve the issue yourself. This guide will walk you through common causes and solutions when your Challenger key fob is not working.
One of the simplest and most frequent culprits behind a malfunctioning key fob is a dead battery. If your key fob is not responding at all, or if the range has significantly decreased, replacing the battery should be your first step. Typically, Challenger key fobs use a CR2032 battery, which is readily available at most drugstores or online. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to open your key fob and replace the battery.
If replacing the battery doesn’t solve the problem, your key fob might have lost synchronization with your vehicle’s Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) module. The WIN module is essentially the car’s computer that communicates with the key fob. Sometimes, the key fob and WIN module can become out of sync, preventing proper communication. You can attempt to resynchronize them using the following procedure:
- Get into the driver’s seat of your Dodge Challenger.
- Within 10 seconds of entering the vehicle, use the key fob to lock the doors.
- Insert your key into the ignition switch and turn it to the “RUN” position (without starting the engine).
- Press and hold the “UNLOCK” button on the driver’s side door panel while the key is in the “RUN” position.
- While still holding the “UNLOCK” button, simultaneously press and hold the “PANIC” button on your key fob. Release both buttons at the same time.
- Immediately press and hold both the “UNLOCK” and “LOCK” buttons on your key fob simultaneously, then release them together.
- Finally, press the “UNLOCK” button on your key fob one more time.
Try using your key fob to lock and unlock your doors and start your vehicle to see if this synchronization procedure has worked.
If you’ve tried both battery replacement and resynchronization without success, the issue might lie with the WIN module itself or the Passive Entry Module (PEM). The WIN module can sometimes malfunction due to electrical issues or internal failures. Similarly, the PEM, which is responsible for the keyless entry and keyless go functions, could also be the source of the problem. The PEM communicates with the key fobs through radio frequencies and antennas located throughout the vehicle.
| LC LOW FREQUENCY ANTENNA AND CIRCUIT NUMBERING |
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Diagnosing WIN module or PEM issues often requires specialized tools and expertise. If you suspect a problem with these modules, it’s best to consult a qualified mechanic or your Dodge dealership. They can perform diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact cause of the “Challenger Key Fob Not Working” issue and recommend the necessary repairs or replacements. Attempting to repair or replace these modules yourself without proper knowledge and equipment can potentially cause further damage to your vehicle’s electrical system.
