How To Start Dodge Charger Without Key Fob

Having a key fob for your Dodge Charger makes it effortless to get in and start your car. However, how do you start it without a key fob? Let's take a look at how to do this below.

If you lose your key fob, then you won't be able to start your Dodge Charger. Instead, you will need to contact the Chrysler dealer to make a new set. However, if your key fob battery is dead, you can start a Charger by pressing the start button with your key fob manually.

Push to start ignitions have become more and more popular over the years. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to start your car when the key fob battery has died. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about the Dodge Charger key fob, so read on!

Dodge Charger GT with a 300 horsepower 3.6L V6 engine parked in the shoreline, How To Start Dodge Charger Without Key Fob

Can You Start A Dodge Charger Without A Key Fob?

A key fob is a small electronic device used to unlock and start a car. The key fob contains a transmitter and receiver, which sends and receives signals between your vehicle and keys.

A car key fob on the table of a business persona

When the transmitter in the key fob is close to the receiver in the car, it sends a signal that unlocks the doors. When the transmitter is in the car, and the key fob is close by, it sends a signal that starts the car.

Unfortunately, if the key fob isn't in the Dodge Charger's interior, you won't start the car. So if you have lost your key fob, your only option is to find it or have a new one made. This is a safety feature to keep the car from being stolen.

If you have the key fob in the vehicle, but the car won't start, then the battery is likely dead. You can still start the vehicle by pressing the start button with the key fob itself. You will still need to have your foot on the brake when doing this.

How To Open The Trunk Without A Key Fob

If you need to open your trunk but don't have a key fob, there are some ways to access it. Your first option is to crawl through the backseat and pull the trunk release lever.

The other option is to press the trunk button inside the vehicle. However, if the battery is dead, the trunk may not pop open. When this happens, you will need to jumpstart the battery.

If the battery is dead and you are locked out of the car without a key, you may need to contact a locksmith. They will be able to help you gain access to your vehicle.

Why Does My Key Fob Not Work After Replacing The Battery?

After replacing the battery in your key fob, you will need to reset it. The steps to reprogram a key fob vary by car, so you will need to consult your owner's manual.

However, you may need to take the key fob to a dealership to reset it. If this is the case, you will likely have to pay a fee.

It is crucial that you only replace the battery in your key fob with a compatible battery. If you use the wrong battery, it could damage the key fob or prevent it from working altogether.

It's also worth checking that the battery has been put incorrectly. If the battery is upside down or not placed correctly, it will not work.

How Do I Reset My Dodge Key Fob?

To reset your Dodge key fob, follow these steps:

  1. Insert the key fob into the ignition and turn the ignition to the "run" position.
  2. Hold the unlock button for ten seconds after the lights on the dash have stopped chiming.
  3. While still holding down the unlock button, press and hold down the panic button.
  4. After another ten seconds, release both buttons at the same time.
  5. Get out of the vehicle and test the key fob by unlocking and locking the car.

If this doesn't work, consult your owner's manual or take the key fob to a dealership.

A Dodge Charger on the desert

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Dodge Key Fob Reprogrammed?

Programming a Dodge key fob will vary depending on the year, make, and model. You can expect to pay $50 or more for a program on average. However, if you are lucky, the dealership might do it for free.

Why Won't My Dodge Charger Start?

If you have replaced the key fob battery and your Dodge Charger still won't start, then you may have something else going on. Let's take a look at the possible culprits below:

Loose Battery Cables

The first place to check is your battery cables. If the cables are lost, they can't send power from the battery to the car. To fix this, you will need to tighten the cables up.

Corroded Battery Terminals

If the battery cables are tight and secure on the terminals, the next thing to check is themselves. If they are corroded, then they won't be able to send power to the car.

Again, you will need to clean the terminals with a wire brush and baking soda to fix this.

Dead Car Battery

Auto mechanic jumping car battery

If the battery cables are tight and corrosion-free, and the car still won't start, then it is likely that the battery is dead. To jumpstart the battery, you will need another vehicle and jumper cables.

Let the battery charger before attempting to start the vehicle. Once the car starts, let it run for 10 minutes or so before turning it off. This will allow the battery to charge.

Bad Alternator

If your car battery is good, the cables are tight and corrosion-free, and the car still won't start, then it's likely that the alternator is bad. To test this, you will need a voltmeter.

The alternator should read between 13.5 and 14 volts when the engine runs.

Low Oil Level

Mechanic checking the level of oil in a car, How To Check Transmission Fluid For The Honda Accord

Engine oil plays a vital role in keeping your car running. If the oil level is low, it will cause the engine to overheat and eventually die. To check the oil level, you will need to locate the dipstick and pull it out.

Wipe it off with a cloth, put it back in, and pull it out again. The oil level should be between the two markers on the dipstick. If it isn't, then you will need to add more oil.

Failed Fuel Pump

If you hear a whining or humming noise when you turn the key in the ignition, the fuel pump has likely failed. You will need to have a mechanic check it out to test this.

Worn Spark Plugs

Macro shooting used spark plugs in the car

Over time, your spark plugs can wear and burn up. Check your spark plugs for signs of wear and replace them if necessary.

Bad ECM

If all of the above tests come back negative, the ECM (Engine Control Module) may have failed. To test this, you will need a scan tool.

The ECM tells the engine how much fuel to inject and ignite the spark plugs. If it is bad, then the engine will not run.

Failed Starter Motor

The starter motor has likely failed if the engine cranks but doesn't turn over. Additionally, if you hear a grinding of metal sound or the ignition clicks, then this is a sure sign the starter, solenoid, or relay have failed.

Bad Ignition Switch

Another possible culprit is the bad ignition switch. You will need to remove the switch's cover and jump the two terminals with a screwdriver to test this.

If the car starts, it could be because the ignition switch has failed.

Blown Fuse

You should also check your fuse box for any blown fuses. If a fuse has blown, then it will need to be replaced.

Clogged Fuel Filter

Oil and fuel filter changing

A clogged fuel filter can also prevent the car from starting. You will need to remove the fuel filter and check for any debris to test this. If there is debris, then it will need to be cleaned out.

Malfunctioning Immobilizer System

The immobilizer system is an anti-theft feature that is built into the car. If it is malfunctioning, the vehicle will not start because it thinks someone is trying to steal the car. You may need to take it to a dealer to have this fixed.

If you have tried all of the above and your Dodge Charger still won't start, there is likely something else wrong with the car. You will need to take it to a mechanic to find out what is wrong and get it fixed.

To Wrap Up

While key fobs can be convenient for hands-free unlocking and starting your car, they can also be a pain when they stop working.

If your key fob isn't working, use the tips in this article to get your car started. If those tips don't work, there is likely something else wrong with the car, and you will need to take it to a mechanic.

Want more maintenance guides? Check out these helpful articles below!

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