Program Viper Key Fob: Your DIY Guide to Remote Mastery

Lost your Viper key fob or need to program a new one? Don’t worry, programming your Viper key fob at home is easier than you might think. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough to help you program your viper key fob quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re dealing with a GEN I or GEN II Viper model, we’ve got you covered with clear instructions and helpful hints to ensure a successful programming experience.

Understanding Viper Key Fob Programming

Before diving into the programming steps, it’s important to understand the basics. Programming a viper key fob involves putting your vehicle’s Electronic Entry Module (EEM) into programming mode. This allows the system to recognize and communicate with your new key fob. The process typically involves grounding a specific wire or terminal and then performing a sequence of button presses on your key fob. Knowing your Viper model generation is crucial as the grounding location varies.

Step-by-Step Guide to Program Viper Key Fob

Follow the instructions below carefully, making sure to select the section relevant to your Viper generation.

For 1996-1998 GEN II Viper Models

If you own a second-generation Viper manufactured between 1996 and 1998, these steps are for you.

1. Disarm Your Alarm System: Ensure your Viper alarm system is completely disarmed before starting the programming process. This prevents any accidental alarms during programming.
2. Locate the Ground Wire: Find the loose green wire taped to the harness of the EEM connector. The EEM is located under the dash, mounted on the left side of the transmission tunnel, directly above the accelerator pedal. For easier access, remove the knee bolster and the rubber bungee cord that secures the EEM to the tunnel. The specific wire you need to ground is pin C13, a loose green wire within this harness.
3. Ground Pin C13: Carefully ground pin C13. A reliable method is to use a jumper wire to connect pin C13 to a solid, bare metal part of the vehicle chassis. Ensure a secure and consistent ground connection for successful programming.
4. Enter Programming Mode: Turn the ignition key to the “run” position while keeping the green wire (pin C13) grounded.
5. Confirm Programming Mode Entry: The dash LED should flash, indicating that the EEM has successfully entered programming mode. If the LED does not flash, double-check the following:
   • Correct Wire: Verify you have grounded the correct green wire (pin C13).
   • Solid Ground: Ensure you have a solid and reliable ground connection. Use an ohm meter to test the ground if necessary.
   • Timing: Make sure the ground connection is maintained before and during turning the ignition to the “run” position. If the LED fails to flash, start the process again from step 1.
6. Program the Key Fob: Press and hold both buttons on the Viper key fob simultaneously for 10 seconds.
7. Confirmation Chirp: You should hear a triple horn chirp. This confirms that the EEM has accepted and programmed your key fob.
8. Program Additional Key Fobs (Optional): If you have additional key fobs to program, you must program them immediately following the first one, during the same programming session. Repeat step 6 and 7 for each additional fob you wish to program (up to a maximum of 4 for GEN II Vipers).
9. Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition off and remove the ground connection from the green wire (pin C13).
10. Test Your Key Fob: Test the arm and disarm functions of each programmed key fob to ensure they are working correctly.

For 1999-2002 GEN II Viper Models

For later second-generation Vipers built between 1999 and 2002, the grounding point is slightly different.

1. Disarm Your Alarm System: Ensure your Viper alarm system is disarmed.
2. Locate the DLC: Find the Data Link Connector (DLC), which is the OBD2 connector located under the dash, above your left knee.
3. Ground Terminal 1 of the DLC: Instead of pin C13, you will be grounding Terminal 1 of the DLC. Use a jumper wire to connect Terminal 1 to a solid ground.
4. Enter Programming Mode: Turn the ignition to the “run” position while keeping Terminal 1 grounded.
5. Confirm Programming Mode Entry: Look for the flashing dash LED to confirm entry into programming mode. If no flash, re-check your ground and connections as described in the GEN II (1996-1998) section, step 5.
6. Program the Key Fob: Press and hold both buttons on the transmitter simultaneously for 10 seconds.
7. Confirmation Chirp: Listen for the triple horn chirp indicating successful key fob programming.
8. Program Additional Key Fobs (Optional): Program all key fobs you need in this session, repeating steps 6 and 7 for each additional fob (up to 4 fobs).
9. Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition off and disconnect the ground from Terminal 1 of the DLC.
10. Test Your Key Fob: Verify the arm and disarm functions of all programmed key fobs.

For ALL GEN I Viper Models

For all first-generation Viper models, the process involves a different ground wire location.

1. Disarm Your Alarm System: Ensure the alarm is disarmed.
2. Locate the “Program” Wire: Find the green “Program” wire located next to the SAM (Sentry Alarm Module) and RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) modules. This is a green wire with a bullet connector on the end, typically found under the driver’s side instrument panel.
3. Ground the “Program” Wire: Ground the green “Program” wire using a jumper wire to a solid chassis ground.
4. Enter Programming Mode: Turn the ignition to the “run” position while maintaining the ground on the “Program” wire.
5. Confirm Programming Mode Entry: Check for the flashing dash LED to confirm programming mode. Troubleshoot ground and wire connections if the LED doesn’t flash, as mentioned in the GEN II sections, step 5.
6. Program the Key Fob: For GEN I models, press and release the arm or disarm button on the first key fob. Then, repeat for the next key fob.
7. Confirmation: Confirmation for GEN I might be different from GEN II; listen for any audible feedback or visual confirmation from the system. (Note: The original text doesn’t specify a horn chirp for GEN I, so confirmation might be visual or less obvious).
8. Program Additional Key Fobs (Optional): Program up to 2 key fobs for GEN I models in the same session, repeating step 6 for each fob.
9. Exit Programming Mode: Turn off the ignition and remove the ground from the green “Program” wire.
10. Test Your Key Fob: Test the arm and disarm functions of your programmed key fobs.

Troubleshooting and Tips

• Battery Check: Before you begin, ensure your key fob has a fresh CR2032 battery (or the correct battery for your model) and that the battery contacts are clean. A weak battery or poor connection is a common cause of programming failure.
• Solid Ground: A reliable ground connection is critical. Test your ground point with an ohm meter to ensure it’s a solid body ground.
• Transmitter Functionality: Verify your transmitter is working. Sometimes, internal electrical issues within the fob itself can prevent programming, even with a new battery.
• Programming All Fobs: Remember to program all your key fobs in one programming session. The system typically clears previous programming when entering programming mode.
• LED Flash is Key: The flashing dash LED is your primary indicator of entering programming mode. If it doesn’t flash, re-check your wiring and ground connection meticulously.

Finalizing the Programming

Once you have programmed your viper key fob(s), turn off the ignition, remove the ground wire, and thoroughly test all the programmed fobs to ensure they arm and disarm your Viper correctly. If you encounter any issues, re-read the instructions carefully and double-check each step. With patience and attention to detail, you can successfully program your viper key fob and regain full remote control of your vehicle’s security system.