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A Little Heads Up on Replacing a Fobik Key..

69K views 67 replies 28 participants last post by  ChryslerCares 
#1 ·
Don't buy a used one on E-Bay they can't ever be re programmed once already programmed to a van. You can use one with less active buttons on the face than the one you have for a spare you just wont have that feature working from the fob.
 
#2 ·
I was thinking about buying a cheap replacement fob and reprogramming it myself, just in case one is ever lost or broken. My understanding is that you can reprogram it yourself with two working fobs. I'm wondering, will the fob stay programmed if the batteries in it die? If not, there isn't much point in me doing this, since in all likelihood the batteries of the spare will die before one of the originals is no longer available.
 
#4 ·
As RossInILL mentioned, once a FOB is programmed to a vehicle it cannot be re-programmed to another vehicle. One must always start with a new unprogrammed FOB. I am curious if a dealer can do it with a DRBIII scan tool?

Frank
99 DGC Sport 128300 mi
07 T&C SWB 11500 mi
 
#5 ·
I will let you know next month when I try and use my totalled van's spare key as one... (with Star scan)
 
#7 ·
I am not sure that the ID of the fob would change from a dead battery I am guessing it would be fine but don't quote me on that one.... In changing the batteries on previous fob's on my Dodge vehicles I never lost any of the programming thus far...
 
#8 ·
I don't have a 5th gen. but I am somewhat familiar with these types of keys. Check your owner's manual and see if there are instructions on how to synchronize the keys. I know that on Mercedes' SmartKeys if the battery goes dead or anything, when you replace the batteries all you need to do is re-synchronize the key afterward.
 
#10 ·
You don't need the batteries to operate the vehicle. The "brains" for the ignition in are built into the plastic part that goes in the Hole. The batteries are only for the push buttons. There is a FOBIC key out there some where that is just like a regular key. Can be cut to open the door via the Key and has the chip built in for the ignition. Used to be on E-bay for $19.00 but the seller is out of stock.
 
#11 ·
Hello Folks,

Thanks for buying a Chrysler. I used to work there and a lot of good folks I know still do. There is a lot of USA content in these vehicles.

Concerning the fobik programming, I just purchased two fobiks through e-bay for a 2010 Grand Caravan SXT. They were listed as new and appear to be just that. I was able to program them using a procedure that Chrysler has used for years. It was the same or at least very close on my 2004 Neon (chip equipped key). The new fobiks work just fine but you do have to have two working fobiks and the procedure before you start.

God Bless and remember Jesus Loves You!
 
#13 ·
Just so you know, the procedure is in the owners manual.

You do need 2 keys minimum to program a third. So it's well worth the $$ to have 3 keys on hand at all times. For the 3rd key you can buy either a full FOBIK like the ones the vehicle came with or a POD key, which is just a transponder key with no buttons.

Make SURE to match the FCC ID's when buying online. The reputable ebay sellers will show you how to do that.
 
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#15 ·
You had to ask for a 2nd key? That's unusual. They ALL come with 2.

The system does have a max # of keys it will recognize, but it is not 2. It's 10, I think. So if you ever get to your 11th key the dealer will have to purge some old ones to make it work. Otherwise, you're fine.

I personally have 4 active keys right now.
 
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#17 ·
Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid RKE transmitters with integrated
keys, you can program new transmitters to the system by
performing the following steps:
1. Insert the first valid integrated key into the ignition
switch and turn the ignition switch to the ON position for
at least three seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds.
Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and remove
the first key.
2. Insert the second valid integrated key and turn the
ignition switch to the ON position within 15 seconds.
After 10 seconds, a chime will sound and the Vehicle
Security Alarm Indicator Light will begin to flash. Turn
the ignition switch to the OFF position and remove the
second key.
3. Insert a blank integrated key into the ignition switch
and turn the ignition switch to the ON position within 60
seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound and
the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will stop
flashing, turn the ignition switch on again for three
seconds, and then turn it off.
The new integrated key is programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be programmed
during this procedure.
 
#18 ·
Referring to lxman's e-mail about programming a new RKE: (message of 3-25-10, also from owner's manual).

3. Insert a blank integrated key into the ignition switch
and turn the ignition switch to the ON position within 60
seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound and
the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will stop
flashing, turn the ignition switch on again for three
seconds, and then turn it off.
The new integrated key is programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be programmed
during this procedure.

Where it says "turn the ignition switch on again for three seconds", I'm confused because it never said to turn it off. Thanks to anyone who can clear this up for me.
 
#19 ·
From the 2008 online manual:

3. Insert a blank integrated key into the ignition switch
and turn the ignition switch to the ON position within 60
seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound and
the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will stop
flashing, turn on again for three seconds, and then turn
off.

"turn on again" in this case is referring to the light, not the key.
 
#21 ·
We've got 4 active on the 09. Bought two online from discount dealer to add to the two originals, programmed by manual. One problem. The locksmith who cut the metal keys messed one up (normally this shop gets everything right the first time). It took him two months and $30 to get a replacement blank when he had charged us only $5 to cut the keys. I suspect the the trainee who cut the keys has had some more intensive training since then. This shop also has bought the equipment to program the new remotes to car if you don't have two - cost about $15 grand apparently, but does most brands. They'll be charging a hefty fee for that programming, but a little less than dealer.
 
#23 · (Edited)
I've tried this procedure on my 2010 Grand Caravan SXT with no success. I have two working keys, although one of those keys was a spare that was programmed by the Dealer. Does this make a difference that I am using one of the non original keys that came with the vehicle. Has there been any changes in 2010 that wouldn't allow a 3rd key to be programmed?

I should also add that when I put the 3rd key in, after about 10-15 seconds I get a message on the dash that says bad key. I had purchased this key off of Ebay and it appeared new.
 
#24 ·
It does not matter if the key was new with the vehicle or programed later. If you have 2 working keys and an unused key, you should be able to do it. That is one of the problems with e-bay keys, you really never know (they can take the old metal part of the key out and put a blank in so it appears to be a new uncut key, but it is actually a used key transponder).
 
#26 ·
This works fine if you are 100% sure the 'new' FOBIK's you buy from eBay are really new. But if they have already been programmed, your sunk.
 
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#27 ·
When I purchased my 10 T&C it only came with 1 Key or FOBIK. So I'm assume that I can't order from ebay or anywhere else on line because I need 2 FOBIK's to program. So I need to go thru a dealer?
If so, how much are people paying for these.

Thanks in advance for your responses.
 
#28 ·
No not the case at all you can get the key from anywhere you wish so long as it is a completely new never synced to a vehicle but because you have 1 key you will have to take the second one to the dealer so it can be programmed through the StarScan now once you have the second one programmed the third, forth etc can be done with the customer procedure.
 
#29 ·
I would question the dealer on why you didn't get more than 1 FOBIK. Or call Chrysler and ask them whether your vehicle should have come with just 1 key.

But if you end up buying a key, I would go with ebay. But make sure you are buying from a seller that has excellent feedback, and lots of it. You want a very experienced seller with lots of happy customers. That kind of seller on ebay is much less likely to sell you a product that is essentially fraudulent.

Another option is to purchase a POD key which is just a transponder key (i.e., no FOBIK). I bought 2 of those as they were very inexpensive, just so that if I lost one of the FOBIKs I would have the ability to program my own new FOBIK. I really did not need 3 FOBIKs.
 
#31 ·
I'm not really sure why they went with that fake key thing. May as well have gone to the keyless ignition as it is a pretty nice feature.
 
#42 ·
I think I'm just looking for a little reassurance here.

I just bought a used '09 DGC SXT 4.0 which came with the two original 7-button FOBIKs; both work fine starting the van, but one's remote functions barely ever work. I decided to order a new 7-button FOBIK off eBay [reputable seller, >99% over 10000 sales) and program it myself, but the seller says only the dealer can program them.

From what I'm reading, as long as the two FOBIKs I have still work I can program a third using the procedure given in this thread, correct? I'd rather not have to pay a local dealer if I don't have to.
 
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