On these Dodge and Chrysler cars, SUVs and minivans, Bill (a working locksmith in Arizona) programs FOBIK and smart keys on site with an Autel IM608, then tests start, lock and unlock. Ram pickups have their own page: Ram / Dodge truck key fob programming.
Other makes: see all vehicle key programming videos by make.
2015 Dodge Dart: All Keys Lost, Key Cut + FOBIK Programmed
Dodge Dart Key Fob Programming: Cut + Program a FOBIK (5 min)
Bill calls it a 2016 at the start of the video; the IM608 identifies it as a 2015 Dart, which is what he says at the end.
Bill cuts the new key on the 3D Elite first and checks that the blade works. With the alarm going off, he has the IM608 identify the car, turns the hazards on, and picks all keys lost, because the customer’s only key had completely failed and you can’t add a key without a working one. The tool erases the 3 keys the car knew and learns the new FOBIK.
The new key starts the car, and lock and unlock work. Bill also relearns the customer’s old FOBIK: it starts the car again, but only one of its lock/unlock buttons works.
2011 Dodge Durango: Adding a FOBIK
Add a key · 4 min
The customer’s fob had failed. Bill adds a new FOBIK using a working key.
With a working fob in the ignition (on, engine off), the IM608 identifies a 2011 Durango, reads the security code (not shown here) and runs learn key. With the new FOBIK in and the ignition on, Bill watches the security light on the dash. When it goes out, the key has learned.
The new key starts the SUV, and its lock and unlock work. Bill also checks that the old key still starts it. The old remote still didn’t work, which is why the customer needed a new one.
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan: Adding a FOBIK
Add a key · 4 min
A new FOBIK goes in, but the security light stays on until it is programmed.
On YouTube this video is currently titled “2011 Dodge Durango,” but in the footage Bill says it’s a 2008 Dodge Caravan and calls it a Grand Caravan at the end.
With the new FOBIK in, the security light doesn’t go out, so the van doesn’t recognize it yet. Bill puts the old FOBIK in (on, not started), has the IM608 auto-select the van and pick FOBIK, and runs the guided learn key function. Then he puts the new FOBIK in, turns the ignition on without starting it, and waits for the security light to go out. The tool reports learning successful.
The new FOBIK works, its remote works, and the old one still works too. The customer’s old remote was the part that had been failing.
2019 Dodge Grand Caravan: New Remote When the Old One Still Starts It
Add a key · 2 min
The customer was told a locksmith couldn’t do it. Here’s the job.
The customer’s remote didn’t work, but the key still started the van. Bill hooks up the IM608, the tool scans the security code, and he uses hot function to learn a key: old key out, new key in, ignition on but not started. The tool shows the key added. The new key starts the van, and he tries the mechanical key too.
2009 Dodge Nitro: Adding a Key
Add a key · 2 min
About 20 seconds of learning once the new key is in.
Bill turns the ignition on, lets the IM608 auto-select the Nitro, and goes to hot function and learn a key. With the new key in the ignition it learns in about 20 seconds. The new key starts the Nitro and its lock and unlock work. The lock and unlock on the customer’s other key didn’t, which is why they needed this one.
Dodge Journey: Adding a 3-Button FOBIK
Add a key · 3 min
Find the security light first, then learn the new FOBIK from a working key.
Bill’s tip: put the new key in first so you can see where the security light is on the dash. Then he puts the working key in (on, not started), has the IM608 read the VIN and choose the FOBIK key-slot setup, and uses hot function to learn a key. He picks key learning, not all keys lost, because the customer has a working key. The tool shows four keys already learned before it adds the new one.
2023 Chrysler Pacifica: Push-Start Smart Key (STAR Connector)
Smart key · 3 min
This one doesn’t program from the OBD port alone. The connector is behind the passenger seat.
On this 2023 Pacifica, Bill has to plug into the STAR connector, found behind a small panel behind the passenger seat (through the back door). He runs that cable up to the OBD port, connects the IM608, selects Chrysler and reads the VIN. The tool then waits for the security code (it says 1 to 10 minutes). For smart key learning he holds the new key near the center console and presses unlock. It learns successfully, and lock and unlock work.
Dodge FOBIK Battery: How to Change It
Battery · 2 min
Remote not working? Test the battery before you pay for a new fob.
Bill tests the fob first. If the battery is weak, he pushes the button to remove the mechanical key, twists the case open at the back seam without forcing it, and notes which way the battery faces (on this one, the plus side goes down). He snaps it back together and re-tests it. The tester shows 434 on this Dodge FOBIK.
Dodge Remote Head Key: Battery Change
Battery · 57 sec
The other common Dodge key style: a remote built into the key head.
Find the groove in the key head, open it with a butter knife or small tool, and pop the battery out. Note the direction (here the positive side goes down), press the new one in, and snap the case closed so it seals.
FAQ
Can a locksmith program a Dodge FOBIK without the dealer?
In every job on this page Bill programs the key on site with an Autel IM608, then tests it on the vehicle.
What if I have no working key?
That is an all-keys-lost job, like the Dodge Dart above. The tool erases the keys the car knew and learns the new ones, so any old key that isn’t relearned stops working.
Why does the red security light stay on with a new key?
In these videos that light means the vehicle doesn’t recognize the key yet. It goes out once the key is programmed.