My existing fob remote key broke apart. I taped it together and it starts the car but the remote buttons doesn't work.

I went to couple of places that has experience with programming a new key and they were unable to do it. I then decided to go to the Dodge dealership, to be exact Landmark Dodge in Independence, MO. They tried 4 times and was unable to program the new fob key they ordered for me. The explaination i got from them is that the console is functioning thats why the existing key is working but the miscellaneous functions for reprogramming might not be working.

I am completetly confused. Since no key was ever programmed to it since the factory. How can be tell that it ever worked.

Thanks

 

Tell your dealer to Reset the WIN configuration, and Re-Flash/reinstall the software in the WIN module, it should do the trick after that.

 

I just spoke to the dealership about the proposal you posted about Resetting the WIN Configuration. I was told they tried that 4 times and didn't work.

Any other options apart from replacing the whole WIN Module?

 

Not that I'm aware of.

 

nope, I think you are out of luck then.

O yeah, get a Mopar Remote Start kit, comes with 2 keys and a WIN module. Parts should be around $280 + labor.

 

Thanks for the information steak59.

I have a followup question. While trying to program a new key to the fob system, is it usual for the Dealership to reset the WIN configuration?

The reason i asked is; when i went to the dealership i was told they will be programming the new key to the existing configuration. When i shared your recommendation "Tell your dealer to Reset the WIN configuration, and Re-Flash/reinstall the software in the WIN module, it should do the trick after that". He then told me that they are trained to do that and has already tried 4 times. I am at a lost here. Please advise if it is standard practice to implement your recommendation during a re-programming.

Thanks.

 

Sometimes, because after all, they are computers. Lets face it, even Microsoft can't get Windows to run perfectly. And restarting the computer actually fix some software lock up situation, like the Blue Screen of Death.

Ever seen the message on the computer that said "File XXX is corrupted, please re-install the program." It is the same thing with cars. Sometimes when we try to install a software on these computer, it could glitch out half away, and brick the module. And Unlike you PC, you can't pop a reinstallation CD in and format it. Replacement module is the only solution.

Believe it or not, Chrysler is actually better than many other manufacturers on these issue. The German Luxury cars are the worst, and it usually cost way more to repair.

 

Steak59 glad you used computer lingo, thats something i am very good at, unfortunately not cars.

My question was; during the re-programming process is it normal to Reset the WIN configuration as part of the process?

Finally, on my 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT we have the unlock/lock, sliding doors (both sides) and panic buttons. Is the Mopar Remote start kit still a good option for us?

Thanks

 

Yes, the mopar remote start kit have 2 '7 button' keys.

 

Based upon posts I've been reading, a WIN module replacement jobs go for around $800 labor and parts. Since the standard WIN modules are $100 to $150 retail cost for parts only, it sounds to me like a $280 remote starter WIN kit upgrade will add about $100 to $150 to an already expensive WIN replacement job. However if somebody owns two or fewer good fobik keys because they were damaged or lost, the time to buy a WIN kit with new fobik's is NOW.

PS: my dealer charges $40 to program a second new fobik that can be bought on ebay for $60. This assumes it is factory OEM and has the appropriate Dodge part#/FCC#. A few sellers do offer that. A third fobik can always be programmed by the owner, so I handle that job. I will NEVER own just 1 or 2 fobik's again....after 1 week of ownership I've learned the hard way.