How to Program a Chrysler Key Fob (DIY, Dealer, or Locksmith)

Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram share the same Sentry Key immobilizer family, but Chrysler-badged cars moved early to the Fobik and to keyless push-button start. That means most Chrysler owners shopping for a new fob today will need professional programming, while owners of a PT Cruiser, Sebring or early 300 may still be able to do it themselves.

This guide covers the 300, Pacifica, Town and Country, 200, PT Cruiser and Sebring.

Chrysler key types by model and year

The original Pacifica crossover (2004-2008) uses a Sentry Key transponder key with a separate or integrated remote. Check your key before assuming which generation you have.

What you need

• A new, unprogrammed fob with the same FCC ID and part number as your original. Chrysler fobs generally cannot be reused.
• A CR2032 battery. Most Chrysler Fobiks and smart keys use one; see our Chrysler key fob battery replacement guide.
• Two working keys for the customer learn method, or the four-digit PIN for a tool.
• Proof of ownership for a locksmith or dealer.

Chrysler key fob programming instructions: two-key customer learn

Many Sentry Key Chryslers support this procedure in the owner’s manual. It needs two keys that already start the car, and it is disabled on some vehicles.

1. Cut the new key to match your locks.
2. Insert the first working key and turn the ignition to ON for at least 3 seconds but less than about 15. Turn OFF and remove it.
3. Within about 15 seconds, insert the second working key and turn to ON. Within about 10 seconds, a chime sounds and the security light flashes.
4. Turn OFF and remove the key. Within about 60 seconds, insert the new key and turn to ON.
5. After about 10 seconds you hear one chime and the security light stays on for about 3 seconds, then goes out. The new key is programmed.

On many cars with an integrated remote head, the remote buttons learn with the key. Separate remotes from this era often use a different sequence listed in the manual.

Can you program a Chrysler key fob with one original?

Not with the onboard method. The customer learn process requires two programmed keys, and Fobik and smart key models have no onboard procedure at all. With one key, you need a tool or a professional. Adding a key while you still have one working key is much cheaper than waiting until all keys are lost, so it is worth doing promptly.

Using a Chrysler key fob programmer tool

For Fobik and smart key Chryslers, a programmer with Chrysler immobilizer coverage connects to the OBD2 port, obtains security access with the PIN, and registers the new key while it sits in the ignition slot or against the start button. The 2018 and newer Pacifica and 300 have a Security Gateway Module, so the tool must have authorized access or be used with an SGW bypass.

A tool makes sense for people who handle several cars. For a one-off key, a locksmith is usually cheaper. Our guides to universal key programmers, Dodge key fob programming and Jeep key fob programming cover the same systems.

Model notes: 300, Pacifica, Town and Country, 200

• 2010 Chrysler 300: Fobik with WIN. Locksmith tools handle it quickly.
• 2013 Chrysler 300: Fobik or smart key depending on trim; tool with PIN.
• 2017 Chrysler Pacifica: smart key with RFHub; a locksmith or dealer is the normal route.
• Town and Country (2008-2016): Fobik; extra buttons for sliding doors and liftgate must match.
• Chrysler 200: 2011-2014 Fobik; 2015-2017 smart key on a different platform, so make sure the fob matches the year.

Fobik care and spare-key tips

Fobiks are durable, but a few habits prevent the most common Chrysler key problems:

• Keep a second key programmed. The customer learn method on older models and the cheaper add-key price on newer models both depend on having a working key.
• Do not hang heavy key rings from a Fobik. Weight on a key that sits in the dash slot can wear the ignition node over time.
• Replace the CR2032 every two to three years, or sooner if range drops. A weak cell can stop the remote buttons before it stops the car from starting.
• Use the emergency key blade if the fob battery dies on a smart key model. Many Chryslers also let you start the car by holding the fob against the start button.
• Bring every fob to the locksmith or dealer, so all of them can be checked or re-learned in one visit.

If programming fails

• No chime during customer learn: the feature is disabled, or one of your keys is not programmed.
• Tool cannot access the immobilizer: wrong PIN or Security Gateway blocking.
• Fobik will not turn in the ignition: wrong part number.
• Car starts but sliding door buttons do not work: the fob may be a lower-spec version; check the part number.

Chrysler key fob programming cost

More on pricing in our key fob programming cost guide, and the general methods in how to program a key fob.

Frequently Asked Questions