Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to modern vehicles like the Chrysler 300. If you’re facing the need for a Chrysler 300 Replacement Key Fob, you might be discovering that it’s not as straightforward as getting a simple key cut. The Chrysler 300, particularly newer models, often utilizes advanced key fob technology, which means understanding your options is crucial to getting back on the road without unnecessary expense or hassle.
One of the common challenges you might encounter is related to the type of key fob your Chrysler 300 uses. It’s possible you have an RFH2 fob, which, while visually similar to the older RFH1, operates with a dynamic or “rolling” PIN. This distinction is important because it affects how you can obtain a replacement and get it programmed. Unlike the RFH1, you typically can’t use readily available smartphone apps or even many locksmith services to program an RFH2 fob. The complexity stems from the need for specialized (and often costly) programming tools designed for newer Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) vehicles.
If you were to visit a locksmith, especially for an RFH2 fob, you might find that their pricing reflects the investment in specialized equipment and the necessity to connect online with Chrysler to obtain a temporary security code. This process often makes the locksmith’s price point comparable to, or not significantly cheaper than, going directly to a dealership.
However, the good news is that you absolutely have viable options to secure a Chrysler 300 replacement key fob. Let’s explore the most practical routes:
Option 1: Obtaining a Key Code and Programming at the Dealership
As the registered owner of your Chrysler 300, you have the right to request a key code printout from the parts department of an authorized Chrysler dealership. While some dealerships may charge a nominal fee for this service (potentially around $20), it should generally be a relatively low-cost step. Keep in mind that dealerships have a daily limit on the number of key codes they can retrieve, as they are allocated a certain number by FCA. Therefore, patience and a friendly approach can be helpful, especially if they are busy.
The most straightforward solution is often to purchase new aftermarket fobs online. You can typically find Chrysler 300 replacement key fobs for significantly less than dealership prices on online marketplaces. Once you have acquired a new fob (or a pair for a spare), contact your local Chrysler dealership’s parts department to inquire about their programming service costs. It’s advisable to negotiate a reasonable labor charge for programming, aiming for no more than the cost of one hour of labor, which should ideally cover programming all the fobs you have purchased and cutting any physical blade keys included. After confirming a price and scheduling an appointment, you’ll need to have your Chrysler 300 towed to the dealership for the programming service. Often, the dealership where you originally purchased your car may be more willing to assist you with this process. Building a positive rapport with the parts department, especially if you are also purchasing parts, can also be beneficial.
Option 2: DIY Programming with AlfaOBD (Advanced Option)
For the more adventurous Chrysler 300 owner, there’s the option of programming a replacement key fob yourself using aftermarket fobs and software like AlfaOBD. AlfaOBD is a powerful diagnostic tool that, when paired with an inexpensive ELM327-compatible Bluetooth OBD adapter, can offer dealership-level capabilities.
With AlfaOBD, you might be able to retrieve the necessary key code directly from your Chrysler 300, even for RFH2 systems. While success isn’t guaranteed with newer models and RFH2 fobs due to the rolling PIN system, it’s worth exploring. In some cases, for older systems like RFH1, retrieving the code and programming a new fob can be done in about ten minutes. For RFH2, the process may be more complex, and it’s possible that the key code changes periodically (e.g., every 24 hours), potentially requiring dealer intervention to activate the RF hub and obtain the current code.
If you can successfully retrieve the key code using AlfaOBD or obtain it from the dealership as mentioned earlier, you should be able to proceed with programming the Chrysler 300 replacement key fob yourself using the software and OBD adapter. AlfaOBD provides a user interface to guide you through the programming steps.
Regarding the physical blade key that comes with many fobs, you have choices as well. Dealerships can cut the blade key to match your car’s ignition using the key code, but this is typically the more expensive option. Alternatively, you can get a “follow-cut” key from a local hardware store like Walmart or Home Depot, which is usually less expensive. However, for some, especially those who rarely use the physical blade key, this might be a less critical aspect of the Chrysler 300 replacement key fob process.
Even if DIY programming isn’t successful for the key fob itself, investing in AlfaOBD and an ELM327 adapter is still valuable. AlfaOBD becomes a powerful diagnostic tool for your Chrysler 300, offering many of the same diagnostic and configuration options available to dealership service departments. It’s excellent for troubleshooting vehicle issues and allows you to customize various vehicle settings, such as daytime running lights or enabling SRT performance pages in your Uconnect system. Online forums dedicated to RAM trucks (which share similar systems with the Chrysler 300) are excellent resources for learning more about AlfaOBD and its capabilities.
In conclusion, replacing your Chrysler 300 key fob, especially if it’s an RFH2 type, requires understanding your options. Whether you choose the dealership route for convenience or explore DIY programming with AlfaOBD for greater control and potential cost savings, knowing your choices is the first step to resolving your key fob issue effectively. Good luck!
