Losing or needing to replace your Viper key fob doesn’t mean a trip to the dealership and hefty programming fees. You can easily program a new or existing Viper key fob yourself right at home. This guide provides simple, step-by-step instructions to program your Viper key fob, ensuring you regain control of your vehicle’s security system quickly and efficiently. Whether you have a Gen I or Gen II Viper system, the process is straightforward and can be completed with minimal tools and time.
To begin programming your Viper key fob, first ensure your Viper alarm system is completely disarmed. This is crucial for entering programming mode successfully.
Next, you’ll need to locate the programming wire. The location of this wire differs slightly depending on your Viper generation:
For 1996 to 1998 Gen II Viper models, the programming wire is a loose green wire taped to the harness of the EEM (Electronic Entry Module) connector. This connector is located under the dash, mounted on the left side of the transmission tunnel, directly above the accelerator pedal. Access is easiest if you remove the knee bolster and the rubber bungee cord that secures the EEM to the tunnel. The specific wire you’re looking for is pin C13.
Alt text: Location of the Electronic Entry Module (EEM) connector under the dashboard of a Viper Gen II (1996-1998) vehicle, showing access point above the accelerator pedal for key fob programming.
For 1999 to 2002 Gen II Vipers, the process is similar, but instead of grounding pin C13, you will ground Terminal 1 of the DLC (Data Link Connector). The DLC is your OBD2 connector, located under the dash above your left knee.
Alt text: Data Link Connector (DLC) location under the dashboard of a Viper Gen II (1999-2002) vehicle, indicating position above the driver’s left knee for accessing terminal 1 during Viper key fob programming.
For all Gen I Viper models, the programming wire is a green “Program” wire with a bullet connector on the end. This wire is situated next to the SAM (System Acquisition Module) and RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) modules, located under the driver’s side instrument panel.
Alt text: Green program wire with bullet connector for Viper Gen I key fob programming, located under the driver’s side instrument panel near the SAM and RKE modules.
Hint: To ensure a successful programming process, use an ohm meter to verify you are connecting to a solid body ground. This ensures a stable connection for programming.
Once you’ve located the correct programming wire for your Viper generation, follow these steps:
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Ground the Programming Wire: Connect the identified green wire (or DLC Terminal 1 for 1999-2002 Gen II) to a solid body ground. Keep it grounded.
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Turn Ignition to Run: With the programming wire still grounded, turn your Viper’s ignition to the “run” position. Do not start the engine.
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Observe the Dash LED: The EEM module will acknowledge that it has entered programming mode by flashing the dash LED. If the LED does not flash, double-check the following:
- Correct Wire: Ensure you have identified the correct programming wire for your Viper model year.
- Solid Ground: Verify you have a solid ground connection.
- Timing: Make sure the ground connection remained intact while turning the ignition to the “run” position. If it didn’t flash, restart the process from step 1.
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Program Your Key Fob(s):
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All Gen II Vipers: Press and hold both buttons on the key fob simultaneously for 10 seconds. You will hear a triple horn chirp to confirm the key fob has been successfully accepted by the EEM.
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All Gen I Vipers: Press and release the arm or disarm button on one key fob. Repeat this process for each additional key fob you wish to program.
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Hint: Before programming, ensure your transmitter is working correctly. Check the battery – most Viper key fobs use a CR2032 battery. A fresh battery ($1.19 at Zbattery.com) and clean battery contacts are essential. Many programming issues stem from weak electrical connections within the key fob itself.
Important: You must program all key fobs you intend to use during a single programming session. Gen II systems can accommodate up to 4 key fobs, while Gen I systems typically support up to 2.
- Final Steps: After programming all desired key fobs, turn the ignition off and remove the green programming wire from the ground. Test the arm and disarm functions of each programmed key fob to ensure they are working correctly.
Programming your Viper key fob is generally a straightforward process once you locate the correct programming wire. By following these steps, you can save time and money by programming your key fobs yourself.
