Is your Chrysler 300 key fob acting up? Maybe you have to get closer and closer to your vehicle for it to respond, or perhaps it’s stopped working altogether. One of the most common culprits is a dead or dying battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your Chrysler 300 key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself, saving you time and money compared to a dealership visit. This guide will walk you through the steps to change your key fob battery and get you back on the road quickly.
Changing the battery in your Chrysler 300 key fob is generally a simple task, but sometimes issues can arise. We’ll not only cover the battery replacement but also touch upon troubleshooting steps if your key fob doesn’t work after a battery change, including potential reprogramming needs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Chrysler 300 Key Fob Battery
Before you start, gather the necessary tools and the correct replacement battery. This process is designed to be user-friendly, minimizing the tools needed.
Tools You Will Need
- A small flathead screwdriver or prying tool: This will be used to gently open the key fob casing. A plastic trim tool is ideal to avoid scratches, but a small flathead screwdriver will work carefully.
- A new CR2016 3V battery: This is the standard battery type for most Chrysler 300 key fobs. It’s always a good idea to double-check your owner’s manual or the old battery to confirm the exact type.
- Soft cloth (optional): To protect the key fob surface from scratches during the opening process.
Once you have these items ready, you can proceed with the battery replacement.
Opening the Key Fob Casing
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Locate the Notch: Examine your Chrysler 300 key fob. You should find a small notch or indentation on the side of the fob casing. This is usually located along the seam where the two halves of the fob meet.
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Insert the Tool: Gently insert the flathead screwdriver or prying tool into the notch.
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Carefully Pry Open: Apply gentle pressure and twist the screwdriver or prying tool to separate the two halves of the key fob casing. Work your way around the seam if necessary, gently prying until the case splits open. Avoid using excessive force, as this could damage the casing.
Chrysler 300 Key Fob Open
Battery Removal and Replacement
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Identify the Battery: Once the key fob is open, you will see the circuit board and the battery. The battery is usually a small, round, silver disc. Note the orientation of the battery – specifically, the positive (+) and negative (-) sides. Usually, the positive side is facing upwards and is marked with a “+”.
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Remove the Old Battery: Carefully remove the old CR2016 battery. You may be able to gently pry it out with your fingertip or use the tip of the screwdriver to nudge it out if it’s tightly fitted.
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Install the New Battery: Take your new CR2016 battery and install it in the same orientation as the old one. Make sure the positive (+) side is facing the correct way, usually upwards. Press down gently to ensure it is securely seated in the battery compartment.
Closing the Key Fob
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Align the Casing Halves: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing.
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Press to Close: Press the two halves firmly together until they snap back into place. Ensure there are no gaps and the casing is securely closed. You should hear a click indicating it’s properly sealed.
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Test the Key Fob: Test the key fob functions (lock, unlock, panic button) to ensure the new battery is working correctly.
Troubleshooting: Key Fob Not Working After Battery Change
In most cases, replacing the battery will solve the issue. However, if your Chrysler 300 key fob still doesn’t work after replacing the battery, consider these troubleshooting steps:
Check Battery Polarity and Type
- Polarity: Double-check that you inserted the new battery with the correct polarity (+ and – sides oriented correctly). Incorrect polarity will prevent the key fob from working.
- Battery Type: Ensure you have used the correct battery type – CR2016. Using an incorrect battery type, even if it fits, can cause malfunction or damage.
Key Fob Reprogramming
If the battery replacement was successful and the polarity and type are correct, but your key fob still doesn’t function, it might require reprogramming, especially for older Chrysler 300 models. While simply changing the battery should not typically cause the key fob to lose its programming, there are instances where it might happen, or other underlying issues may be present.
EVIC Programming Method (If Applicable)
Some Chrysler 300 models equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) allow for key fob programming without a working remote. Here’s how you might attempt to reprogram your key fob using the EVIC:
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Enter EVIC Menu: Use the buttons on your steering wheel to navigate through the EVIC menu until you find the “Program Remote” or “Train Remote” option. The exact menu wording may vary slightly depending on your model year. Consult your owner’s manual for precise instructions on accessing this menu.
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Initiate Programming Sequence: Select “YES” to train a remote. The EVIC should display a message like “PRESS REMOTE LOCK & UNLOCK THEN PRESS UNLOCK,” followed by a chime. You will usually have around 30 seconds to complete the next steps.
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Key Fob Button Press Sequence: Simultaneously press and hold the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons on your key fob for a second or two, then release and immediately press and hold the “Unlock” button again for a second or two.
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Confirmation: If the programming is successful, the vehicle should chime again. The EVIC may display a message confirming the number of remotes trained.
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Test: Test all buttons on your key fob to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Important Note: The EVIC programming method might not work for all Chrysler 300 models, especially if you don’t have a previously programmed key fob. Some models may require a working key fob to program additional ones, or necessitate dealership programming.
Dealership Programming
If the EVIC programming method fails, or if you are uncomfortable attempting it, your next step is to visit a Chrysler dealership. Dealerships have specialized tools and equipment to reprogram key fobs for your Chrysler 300. While this will incur a cost, it guarantees that your key fob will be correctly programmed and functional. It’s also a good opportunity to inquire about getting a spare key fob programmed at the same time, in case of future issues.
Conclusion
Changing the battery in your Chrysler 300 key fob is usually a quick and easy DIY task. By following these steps, you can often resolve key fob battery issues without needing professional help. Remember to always use the correct battery type and polarity. If you encounter issues after battery replacement, troubleshooting steps like checking battery installation and attempting EVIC programming can be helpful. However, for more complex problems or if reprogramming is needed and you can’t do it yourself, a dealership visit might be necessary to ensure your key fob is working correctly and your vehicle remains secure and accessible.
By taking a proactive approach to key fob maintenance, you can avoid the inconvenience of a non-functioning remote and keep your Chrysler 300 operating smoothly.
