Losing or needing to replace your Dodge key fob can be a frustrating experience. Many Dodge owners wonder if they can handle the programming process themselves, and if a scan tool can be used for this purpose. The answer is yes, a scan tool is indeed necessary to program a Dodge key fob, often referred to as a FOBIK (Fob Integrated Key). This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you understand what’s involved in programming your Dodge FOBIK using a scan tool.
Understanding Dodge FOBIK Programming
The Radio Frequency Hub (RFH) in your Dodge vehicle is the module responsible for recognizing your key fobs. It’s designed to manage up to eight FOBIKs. When you introduce a new or replacement FOBIK, the RFH needs to be programmed to recognize it as valid. This process requires a diagnostic scan tool and, importantly, your vehicle’s Sentry Key PIN.
Key Points to Remember:
- DealerCONNECT Login: Accessing the Sentry Key PIN often necessitates logging into DealerCONNECT, a system typically used by dealerships.
- One FOBIK at a Time: Programming is a sequential process – only one FOBIK can be programmed at any given moment.
- Minimize Interference: To ensure successful programming, it’s crucial to minimize interference from other electronic devices and other FOBIKs. The procedure differs slightly depending on whether your Dodge has a Premium (Push-Button Start) or Baseline (Rotary Ignition) system.
System Variations:
- Premium System (Push-Button Start): All other FOBIKs must be kept outside the vehicle to prevent signal interference during programming.
- Baseline System (Rotary – FOBIK Insertion): All other FOBIKs should be at least 30cm (12 inches) away from the FOBIK being inserted into the ignition module for programming.
Important Pre-Programming Notes:
- Keep laptops, cell phones, and other wireless devices away from the center console area during programming, as the LF antenna is located there and can cause interference.
- Disconnect aftermarket cell phone chargers.
- Always test the FOBIK battery before programming using an RFI tool (RF Detector: 9001) to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Test all buttons on the FOBIK; the RFI tool should respond to each button press.
Step-by-Step Guide to Program Your Dodge FOBIK
Here’s a detailed procedure on how to program your Dodge FOBIK using a scan tool:
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Initial Scan Tool Connection:
- Turn the ignition to the “On” position.
- Connect your scan tool to the vehicle’s diagnostic port.
- Navigate to the RFH module using your scan tool interface.
- Go to the “View” section and select the “Data” tab.
- Check “Number of Key/Fob programmed” to confirm that the vehicle has fewer than the maximum of eight FOBIKs programmed.
- Turn the ignition “Off”. The ignition must remain off throughout the programming procedure.
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Initiate FOBIK Programming:
- With the scan tool, select “Misc. Functions”.
- Choose “Program Ignition FOBIKs” to begin the programming sequence.
Alt text: Scan tool interface displaying options for RFH module, highlighting “Program Ignition FOBIKs” in Miscellaneous Functions.
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System-Specific Programming Steps:
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For Premium Systems (Push-Button Start):
- Hold the FOBIK near or on the center console between the seats during programming.
- When prompted by the scan tool to “Press the Unlock Button” (or Panic button if Unlock is not available), press the button once and release. Do not hold the button down.
- Crucially, do not press any buttons on the FOBIK while programming is in progress.
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For Baseline Systems (Rotary – FOBIK Insertion):
- Insert the new, un-programmed FOBIK into the ignition.
- Leave the FOBIK in the “LOCK” position.
- Do not press any buttons on the FOBIK while programming is in progress.
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Complete the Programming Sequence:
- Ensure you have your Sentry Key PIN ready as the scan tool will require it.
- Press “Continue” on the scan tool and carefully follow all on-screen instructions.
- Programming can take up to 20 seconds. Avoid pressing any FOBIK buttons once programming has started.
- The scan tool will display a message indicating success (“Programming of Ignition FOBIK successful”) or failure (“Unable to Program FOBIK”).
- Success: Select “Continue” to program another FOBIK if needed, or “Close” if you are finished.
- Failure: You can attempt programming again, but be aware of the reset rule.
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Addressing Programming Failures:
- A second programming attempt will automatically result in failure as the system tries to reset the FOBIK.
- A third programming attempt is necessary to definitively determine if the FOBIK cannot be programmed.
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Final Synchronization and Verification:
- After successful programming, the final step is to synchronize the rolling count. Press any button on the FOBIK once. There should be no vehicle response at this point.
- Verify successful programming:
- Baseline Vehicles: Remove the FOBIK from the ignition.
- All Vehicles: Test all buttons on the FOBIK to confirm they operate correctly (lock, unlock, remote start, panic).
- Start the vehicle to ensure the new FOBIK is recognized (for Premium vehicles, ensure no other programmed FOBIKs are inside the vehicle during the start attempt).
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Final Scan Tool Verification:
- Use the scan tool again to connect to the RFH module.
- Go to “View” and then “Data” tab.
- Check “Number of Key/Fob Programmed” to verify that the count now reflects the newly programmed FOBIK.
RF Hub and ELV/ESCL Initialization (Export Models)
For Dodge vehicles equipped with an export premium Vehicle Theft System, a specific initialization procedure is required when replacing both the Radio Frequency Hub (RF-Hub) and the Electric Steering Column Lock/ESCL module. It’s critical to replace both modules simultaneously if either needs replacement.
Initialization Sequence:
- Replace both the RF Hub and the ELV/ESCL with new units.
- Connect the diagnostic scan tool to the DLC.
- Turn the ignition “On”.
- Navigate to the RF Hub in the ECU View of the scan tool.
- Turn the ignition “Off”.
- Place all FOBIKs for the vehicle on the front seat, away from the center console.
- Use the scan tool to select “Program Ignition FOBIKs” in “Miscellaneous Functions” and follow the on-screen prompts to program all FOBIKs.
- After FOBIK programming, run the “RF Hub Replace” routine using the scan tool.
- Turn the ignition “On”.
- Run the “ELV Replaced” routine (also found under “Miscellaneous Functions” of the RF Hub in the ECU View).
- Turn the ignition “Off”, wait 30 seconds, then turn the ignition back to “On”.
- Verify that the ELV locks the steering column when the ignition is turned “Off” and unlocks when turned “On”.
RF Hub Verification Test After Repair
After any diagnostic repair involving the RF Hub, perform a verification test to ensure all systems are functioning correctly.
Verification Steps:
- Reconnect any components and connectors disconnected during diagnosis.
- If the RF Hub was replaced, ensure you have the vehicle’s Personal Identification Number (PIN). Be cautious when entering the PIN as the RF Hub locks out the scan tool after three incorrect attempts for 25 minutes.
- Turn the ignition “On”.
- Use the scan tool to select “RFH/Radio Frequency Hub”.
- Turn the ignition “Off”.
- If the RF-Hub was replaced or new FOBIKs were introduced, program all FOBIKs using “Misc. Functions” -> “Program Ignition FOBIKs”.
- If the RF-Hub Module was replaced, run the “RF-HUB Replace” routine under “Misc. Functions”.
- For vehicles with a Steering Column Lock Module (ELV/ESCL), ensure it is replaced and programmed along with the RF Hub if necessary, following service information.
- Turn the ignition “On” then “Off” (leaving the key in the On position if applicable).
- Erase all RF Hub DTCs using the scan tool.
- Operate all RF-Hub controlled functions (Passive Entry, Remote Start, Ignition Positions, etc.).
- Wait four minutes.
- Read RF Hub DTCs again with the scan tool.
- If DTCs are present or functions are not operating correctly: Further diagnosis is needed. Consult DTC-Based Diagnostics/MODULE, Radio Frequency (RF Hub) – Diagnosis and Testing.
- If no DTCs are present and all functions operate correctly: The repair is complete.
Conclusion
Yes, programming a Dodge key fob with a scan tool is possible and often necessary when replacing or adding FOBIKs. This guide provides a detailed overview of the process, highlighting the steps, precautions, and system variations. While DIY programming is feasible with the right tools and information, always ensure you have the correct Sentry Key PIN and follow the instructions precisely. If you are unsure or encounter difficulties, seeking professional assistance from a qualified mechanic or Dodge dealership is recommended.
