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

Dodge vehicles use the Chrysler Sentry Key immobilizer family, and the brand moved quickly from metal transponder keys to the Fobik, a plastic key that plugs into a slot in the dash. Fobiks and later smart keys are secure and reliable, but they are rarely owner-programmable. Knowing which generation your Dodge has saves you from buying a tool or fob that cannot work.

This guide covers the Grand Caravan, Journey, Durango, Charger, Challenger, Avenger, Dart, Dakota and the older Dodge Ram trucks.

Dodge key types and immobilizer generations

What you need

• A new fob with the correct FCC ID and part number. Fobiks for the Grand Caravan, Journey and Charger look similar but are not always interchangeable.
• A CR2032 battery. Most Dodge Fobiks and smart keys use one. Our Dodge key fob battery replacement guide shows how to open each style.
• The four-digit PIN if you program it yourself, plus proof of ownership for a dealer or locksmith.
• Emergency blade cut to your locks if the fob has one.

Dodge key fob programming instructions for older Sentry Key models

If your Dodge uses a metal transponder key (common up to about 2007), you may be able to add a key yourself with two working keys. This customer learn procedure appears in many owner’s manuals of that era but is disabled on some vehicles.

1. Cut the new key. Insert the first working key, turn to ON for at least 3 seconds but less than about 15, then turn OFF and remove it.
2. 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.
3. Turn OFF, remove the key, then within about 60 seconds insert the new key and turn to ON.
4. After about 10 seconds you hear one chime and the security light glows for about 3 seconds, then goes out. The key is learned.

Separate remotes from this era often have their own sequence in the manual that uses an already working remote. If your manual sends you to the dealer, a locksmith can usually program the remote with a tool.

Programming a Dodge Fobik or smart key

For Fobik and push-button Dodges, programming runs through the OBD2 port:

1. A key programmer connects and selects the immobilizer function for your model.
2. The tool obtains security access with the PIN. Some tools read it directly; others need it entered.
3. The new Fobik is inserted in the ignition slot, or the smart key is held at the start button, and the tool registers it.
4. The remote buttons are usually learned automatically with the key on Fobik vehicles.

On 2018 and newer models, the Security Gateway Module blocks write functions unless the tool is authorized or an SGW bypass cable is used. Our OBD2 scanner for Dodge guide covers this, and our Jeep key fob programming guide describes the same Chrysler-family systems from the Jeep side.

Model notes: Grand Caravan, Journey, Durango, Dart, Avenger, Dakota

• Grand Caravan (2008-2020): Fobik on almost all years, including the 2013 and 2019 models. A locksmith visit is usually quick and cheaper than the dealer.
• Journey (2009-2020): Fobik, with Keyless Enter-N-Go on some trims.
• Durango: most 1999-2009 models use Sentry Key transponder keys; 2011-2013 use a Fobik; 2014 and newer use a smart key.
• Avenger (2008-2014): Fobik with WIN.
• Dart (2013-2016): Fiat-based flip key or smart key; needs a tool with Dart coverage.
• Dakota (through 2011): transponder key with separate remote or remote head key; older years may accept customer learn.
• 2009 Dodge Ram 1500: remote head key; see our main programming guide and the Ram guide for truck-specific notes.

How to identify your Dodge key before buying

Getting the right part is half the job with Dodge keys. Before ordering, check:

• Ignition style: a metal key that turns in a lock cylinder means Sentry Key (older); a plastic key that slides into a dash slot is a Fobik; a start button means a smart key.
• FCC ID and part number: printed on the back of the fob or on the board inside. Dodge used several Fobik versions with different button layouts for sliding doors, liftgate and remote start.
• Emergency blade: Fobiks for some models include a removable blade for the door lock. It must be cut to your vehicle.
• Remote start: a fob with a remote start button only works for that function if the vehicle has remote start installed.

When in doubt, give the locksmith your VIN. Most can tell you the correct part before you buy, which avoids paying for a fob that will not program.

If Dodge key fob programming fails

• Tool will not get security access: PIN is wrong, or the Security Gateway is blocking it.
• Fobik will not turn or is not detected: wrong part number or a used fob.
• Remote buttons do nothing after a successful key add: check the battery and test the signal; see why a key fob will not program.
• No chime during customer learn: the feature is disabled or one key is not programmed.

Dodge key fob programming cost

For more on comparing quotes, read our key fob programming cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions