If you need to program key fob chrysler town country remotes because your old one finally bit the dust or you just bought a used van with only one key, you've probably already realized how expensive the dealership can be. It's a bit of a shock when they tell you the price for a piece of plastic and a five-minute programming job. The good news is that for many model years, especially if you have two working keys already, you can actually do this yourself in your driveway without any special tools.
It's one of those little "life hacks" that Chrysler owners should know about. These vans are the workhorses of the family world, and losing a key or having one stop working is basically a rite of passage. But before you go handing over a couple hundred bucks to a service department, let's talk about how the system works and what your options are.
The Secret of the Two Working Keys
The most important thing to understand about Chrysler's security system is what they call "Customer Learn Mode." This is a built-in feature that allows the owner to add a new key if—and this is a big "if"—you already have two unique, programmed keys in your possession.
Notice I said "unique." You can't just have one key and a clone of that same key. The car's computer needs to see two different digital signatures to verify that you are indeed the owner and have the authority to add a third. If you've got those two keys, you're in luck. You can usually program up to eight keys for a single vehicle.
If you only have one key right now, I'll be honest with you: you aren't going to be able to do the "on-board" programming yourself. In that case, you'll need to call a mobile locksmith or visit the dealer. But if you have two, keep reading, because you're about to save a lot of money.
Step-by-Step Programming Process
Before you start, make sure you're sitting in the driver's seat with all the doors closed. You'll want to have your two working keys and your new, unprogrammed key right there on the center console within easy reach. Timing is really the key here (pun intended), so you might want to read through these steps once or twice before actually trying it.
- Take your first working key and put it into the ignition. Turn it to the "ON" position (don't start the engine, just turn it until the dash lights up). Wait about five to fifteen seconds.
- Turn the ignition back to "OFF" and pull that first key out.
- Within the next ten seconds, insert your second working key and turn it to "ON."
- After about ten seconds, you should hear a single chime. You might also see the "Security" light on the dashboard start to blink. This is the car telling you, "Okay, I recognize you, I'm ready to learn a new key."
- Turn the ignition to "OFF" and pull the second key out.
- Now, within 60 seconds, grab your new, unprogrammed key and stick it in. Turn it to the "ON" position.
- Wait for about ten seconds. You should hear another chime, and the security light will stop blinking or stay on for a second to confirm it's done.
- Turn it to "OFF," take the key out, and you're finished.
Go ahead and try the lock and unlock buttons on the new fob to make sure they work. Most of the time, the remote entry functions and the transponder (the part that lets the car start) are programmed at the same time on these Chrysler models.
What If You Only Have One Key?
This is where things get a little more complicated and, unfortunately, a little more expensive. If you only have one working key, the "Customer Learn" feature is locked out. This is a security measure to prevent someone from just hopping into your van with a blank key and making themselves a copy in thirty seconds.
If you're in this boat, you have two real choices. The first is the dealership. They'll hook your van up to a diagnostic computer (usually the Chrysler "wiTECH" system), bypass the security, and force the car to accept the new key. They usually charge an hour of labor for this, which is why it costs so much.
The second, and often better, choice is a mobile automotive locksmith. Most modern locksmiths have the same handheld computers the dealers use. They can come to your house or office, which saves you a tow if you've lost all your keys, and they almost always charge less than the dealership. Plus, they can cut the emergency "hidden" key that slides into the bottom of the fob right there in their van.
Buying the Right Key Fob Online
If you're looking to save cash, you'll probably look at buying a fob on Amazon or eBay. You can find them for twenty or thirty bucks, which is a steal compared to the $150 the dealer wants for the part alone. However, you have to be careful.
The Chrysler Town & Country usually uses what's called a FOBIK key. It's that rectangular plastic piece that doesn't have a visible metal "key" sticking out of it (the metal part is hidden inside for emergencies). When you buy one online, make sure the FCC ID on the back of your current key matches the one you're buying.
Also, watch out for "used" keys. Once a Chrysler key is programmed to a vehicle, it is "locked" to that VIN. You cannot take a key from a junked Town & Country and program it to your van using the manual method. It simply won't work. You need a "virgin" or "unlocked" key. Most reputable online sellers sell "new" aftermarket keys that work just fine, but just read the reviews first.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, the programming doesn't take on the first try. Don't panic; it happens to the best of us. Usually, it's a timing issue. If you wait eleven seconds instead of ten, or if you're too slow swapping the keys, the car's computer will time out and reset. If it doesn't work, take a breath, wait a minute, and try the whole sequence again.
Another common problem is a weak battery in the new fob. Even "new" fobs might have been sitting in a warehouse for two years, and that little CR2032 battery might be nearly dead. If the car seems to program but the buttons don't work, try swapping in a fresh battery. It's a cheap fix that solves a lot of headaches.
Lastly, make sure your car battery is in good shape. If your van's battery is low, the security system can act weird and refuse to enter programming mode. If the engine is cranking slowly, you might want to jump the van or charge the battery before trying to program a new key.
Why Do These Keys Even Need Programming?
You might wonder why we have to go through all this trouble for a key. Back in the day, you just went to the hardware store and got a copy cut for three dollars. The change happened because car theft became way too easy.
The key for your Town & Country has a tiny transponder chip inside. When you put the key in the ignition (or the slot), the car sends out a tiny radio signal. The chip in the key catches that signal and sends back a unique digital code. If the code doesn't match what the car expects, the engine might start for a second and then immediately die. It's a great anti-theft feature, even if it makes our lives a little more expensive when we lose a key.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, being able to program key fob chrysler town country remotes yourself is a great way to keep some money in your pocket. As long as you have those two original keys, it's a five-minute job that anyone can do. If you're down to one key, take this as a sign to go get a second one made now. It's much cheaper to have a locksmith program a second key while you still have one than it is to have them come out when you're stranded with no keys at all.
Just take your time, get the timing right, and make sure you've got the right part number. Before you know it, you'll have a fully functional spare key and the satisfaction of knowing you didn't have to pay the "dealership tax."