Having trouble with your Dodge Viper key fob? Is it failing to lock or unlock your doors, or perhaps not disarming your alarm system? Before you rush to a dealership and spend a significant amount of money, you might be able to reprogram your Viper key fob yourself in just a few minutes. This guide, tailored for Viper owners, will walk you through the process of reprogramming your key fob, saving you both time and money.
This method is known to work for various generations of the Dodge Viper, specifically Gen I and Gen II models. It involves a simple grounding procedure and a few button presses on your key fob transmitter. No special tools or diagnostic equipment are required, just a little bit of know-how and careful attention to detail.
Let’s get started with the reprogramming process. Before you begin, ensure your Viper’s alarm system is disarmed.
Key Fob Programming Procedure for Dodge Viper (Gen I & II)
The following steps outline how to reprogram your Viper key fob. Please carefully read the instructions specific to your Viper generation (Gen I or Gen II) to ensure proper execution.
1. Prepare Your Viper for Programming
First and foremost, make absolutely certain that your Viper’s alarm system is not armed. This is crucial for successfully entering the key fob programming mode.
2. Ground the Programming Wire (Specific to Viper Generation)
This step is slightly different depending on whether you own a Gen I or Gen II Viper. Locate the correct wire and grounding point for your specific model:
-
Gen II Viper (1996-1998): Locate the EEM (Electronic Entry Module) connector. This is situated under the dash on the left side of the transmission tunnel, positioned directly above the accelerator pedal. For easier access, you may want to remove the knee bolster and the rubber bungee cord that secures the EEM to the tunnel. Identify the loose green wire taped to the harness of the EEM connector, specifically pin C13. In many cases, this green wire is tucked up under the dash to the left of the radio, and it has a rubber boot on the end with nothing connected to it. This is the wire you need to ground.
-
Gen II Viper (1999-2002): Similar to the 1996-1998 models, you’ll be working with the EEM connector. However, instead of pin C13, you will be grounding Terminal 1 of the DLC (Data Link Connector). The DLC is the OBD2 connector located under the dash, usually above your left knee.
-
Gen I Viper (All): For all Gen I Vipers, the programming wire is a green wire with a bullet connector on the end. This “Program” Wire is situated next to the SAM (System Acquisition Module) and RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) modules, which are located under the driver’s side instrument panel.
Important Note: For safety and to prevent any electrical issues, it is highly recommended to use a low amperage fused jumper wire for grounding. Before making the ground connection, use an ohm meter to verify that you are connecting to a solid body ground point. This will protect your Viper’s electrical system from accidental shorts or damage.
3. Enter Programming Mode
With the correct green wire grounded, turn your Viper’s ignition to the “run” position. Ensure the green wire remains grounded throughout this step.
4. Confirm Programming Mode Entry
Upon successfully entering the programming mode, the dash LED on your Viper should flash. This confirms that the EEM has acknowledged your entry into programming mode.
If the LED does not flash, double-check the following:
- Correct Wire: Verify you have grounded the correct wire for your Viper’s generation.
- Solid Ground: Ensure you have a solid and reliable ground connection.
- Grounding Continuity: Make sure the ground connection was maintained when you turned the ignition to the “run” position.
If the LED doesn’t flash, start the process over from step 1, carefully reviewing each step.
5. Program Your Key Fob Transmitter(s)
The key fob programming procedure differs slightly between Gen I and Gen II Vipers:
-
Gen II Viper (All): Press and hold BOTH buttons on the key fob transmitter simultaneously for approximately 10 seconds. When the key fob is successfully accepted by the EEM, you will hear a triple horn chirp as confirmation.
-
Gen I Viper (All): For Gen I models, press and release either the “arm” (lock) or “disarm” (unlock) button on one key fob. Repeat this process for each additional key fob you wish to program.
6. Program All Key Fobs Simultaneously
It is essential to program all of your Viper key fobs during a single programming session. The system is designed to learn all transmitters at once. You can program up to 4 key fobs for Gen II Vipers and, typically, up to 2 key fobs for Gen I models.
7. Exit Programming Mode and Test
Once you have programmed all desired key fobs, turn the ignition switch to the “off” position. Remove the green wire from the ground connection.
Now, test the arm (lock) and disarm (unlock) functions of each of your newly programmed key fobs to ensure they are working correctly.
Congratulations! You have successfully reprogrammed your Viper key fob. By following these steps, you’ve avoided potentially costly dealership service fees and regained full control over your Viper’s remote keyless entry system.
