As a Chrysler Sebring owner, maintaining your vehicle’s convenience features is key, and that includes ensuring your key fob is properly programmed. While you might be thinking about fuel efficiency and miles per gallon (MPG) for your 1999 Chrysler Sebring, understanding how to manage your key fob and potentially using a scan tool can also be part of responsible car ownership. Let’s explore how to program your key fob, with a nod to the diagnostic capabilities of scan tools, which can be helpful for overall vehicle health, including aspects that indirectly relate to MPG.
For 1998 and likely applicable to your 1999 Chrysler Sebring, there are a couple of methods to program your key fob transmitters. You may encounter instructions that mention using a DRBIII scan tool, a professional-grade diagnostic tool. Here’s how that process typically works:
Programming with the DRBIII Scan Tool
If you have access to a DRBIII scan tool, here are the steps you would generally follow:
- Begin by connecting the scan tool to your Chrysler Sebring’s diagnostic port and powering it on.
- Navigate the scan tool menu to select “stand alone mode,” then “current model year diagnostics,” and finally, “body.”
- The scan tool will likely prompt you to confirm if you are working with a 1995-1999 Avenger/Sebring/Talon. Select “yes.”
- Carefully follow the on-screen prompts provided by the scan tool. These will typically include steps such as:
- Ensuring all doors are closed and the ignition key is in the “off” position.
- Turning the ignition key to the “Accessory” position.
- Turning the ignition key back to “off.” At this point, the door locks should cycle once, indicating the system is in programming mode.
- For each key fob you wish to program, press any button on the fob three times in a row. Once a key fob is successfully programmed, the door locks should cycle again.
Important Note: If you need to program a second key fob, it’s crucial to do so within one minute of programming the first one. Repeat the process of pressing any button on the second fob three times. The door locks will cycle again upon completion of programming.
- The programming mode will automatically terminate under several conditions, including:
- Completion of programming for two key fobs.
- One minute elapses after programming a fob.
- Disconnecting the scan tool.
- Turning the ignition switch to the “on” position.
- Opening any of the vehicle doors.
Manual Programming Procedure (Without a Scan Tool)
If you don’t have access to a DRBIII scan tool, there’s a manual procedure you can attempt. This method involves using the vehicle’s data link connector:
- Locate the 16-way data link connector in your Chrysler Sebring. Connect pin 1 of this connector to chassis ground or to pin 4 of the same connector.
- Ensure all doors are closed and turn the ignition key to the “off” position.
- Turn the ignition key to the “Accessory” position.
- Turn the ignition key back to “off.” The door locks should cycle once to signal that the system has entered programming mode.
- For each key fob, press any button three times consecutively to program its code. Successful programming will be indicated by another cycle of the door locks.
Important Note: Just as with the scan tool method, if you have a second key fob to program, it must be done within one minute of the first. Press any button on the second fob three times. The door locks will cycle again upon completion.
- The programming mode will end when:
- Two key fobs have been programmed.
- One minute has passed since programming.
- Pin 1 of the 16-way data link connector is disconnected from the ground connection.
- The ignition switch is turned to “on.”
- Any door is opened.
Will This Work on a 2002 Chrysler Sebring?
You’re asking if these procedures for a 1998 model might work for your 2002 Chrysler Sebring. While these methods are documented for earlier models, it’s possible they could still be effective for a 2002. Automotive systems can sometimes have carry-over from year to year. However, it’s always wise to proceed with caution. Incorrect procedures could potentially cause unintended issues.
If you’re hesitant or want a more definitive approach, consulting your 2002 Chrysler Sebring owner’s manual for key fob programming instructions is recommended. Alternatively, a professional automotive scan tool, especially one compatible with Chrysler vehicles, could offer a more guided and reliable method for programming, and also be useful for checking other vehicle systems that can influence performance and even MPG.
While programming your key fob might seem unrelated to MPG, using diagnostic tools to maintain your vehicle ensures all systems are functioning correctly. A healthy engine and properly working electronics contribute to overall vehicle efficiency. Explore resources like vcdstool.com for scan tools that can assist with diagnostics and maintenance for your Chrysler Sebring, helping you keep it running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
