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You might not need a code/existing working fob to program a remote entry fob!
I was under the impression that you had to have a factory code or an existing working fob to program remote entry fobs for my 1999 dodge ram van, neither of which I have. I learned a cool trick that might work anyway on your van if it is new enough to have a obdc/diagnostic port under your steering wheel. It worked on mine and it was super easy.
I used a paperclip to jump 1 to 4 on that port.
I turned the key in the ignition to ON but did not start the engine.
I heard the locks engage, which meant it was ready to program.
I pressed a button (any button will do) on a new remote compatible with my model of van. I heard the locks engage again, which implied the programming was complete.
You would repeat with any additional remotes you want to program, but I only had one so I can't confirm this.
Turn the ignition off and pull out the paperclip.
Test your remote and celebrate if it works!
I learned this from northcoastkeyless.com, and you can search for your model vehicle for instructions but it is likely the same as above.
I didn't buy the key fob I used from that site. I had actually already bought a replacement key fob that was compatible with my model on amazon before I found that site. I believe it will work with any fob that is compatible with your model car remote entry system (and if the car has an obdc port), but there may be some specific models that don't.
I had already read in another brand key fob replacement review that sometimes when you program a new remote with a factory code, the system may actually overwrite the factory code with whatever code is in the new one and thus the original remotes coded to the factory code will no longer work. That led me to believe it was possible to program without a code or original remote so I bought one that I could return without fees just to try.
Then I saw in another review of a replacement fob that someone was able to program it without a factory code using the "ignition method" so I googled that until I found that website with the explicit instructions. And it worked on the first try, despite the review saying it took multiple tries to get it to work.
Okey dokey. I think the instructions for your model may be different. For those that this method doesn't work, you should try to find your model here and check those instructions: https://northcoastkeyless.com/dodge-...-instructions/
and you absolutely have to have a fob compatible with your model. I found mine on amazon.
In your specific case, I could not find instructions for anything older than 1993, but here is the oldest model instructions I could find. I'd try this next. It may take a bunch of tries to get it to work:
Enter Programming Mode – Step 1OPEN the driver’s side door.
Enter Programming Mode – Step 2INSERT your key into the ignition cylinder and TURN to the ON position (just shy of cranking the engine).
Enter Programming Mode – Step 3PRESS and HOLD the “Programming/Override” button (located under the driver’s side dashboard). Within 20 seconds, the vehicle will cycle the door locks and the horn will sound 3 times to indicate successful entry into programming mode.
Do NOT release the “Programming/Override” button.
Program RemotePRESS the Lock OR Unlock button on the first remote to be programmed. The vehicle will respond by cycline the door locks and the horn will sound 1 time to indicate successful programming.
REPEAT this step to program up to 3 additional remotes (total of 4) to the vehicle.
Exit Programming ModeRELEASE the “Programming/Override” button and TURN the ignition to OFF.
Test RemotesTEST all remotes. Programming is now complete.
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Verify the following prior to following these instructions:
Your vehicle is equipped with keyless entry, and
You have a key fob remote that is compatible with your vehicle.
Obtain all remote transmitters for this vehicle. This procedure will erase all previously programmed remotes. You must program all existing and new remotes that you wish to use on the vehicle at this time.
You may clear your keyless entry system memory by entering programming mode as shown in the steps above.
Let me know if it works for you.
And any future people that try it, please post here if it worked for your model.
One more thing to try with older cars if the above secondary instructions don't work...
I found this as a procedure for a 1990 Chrysler model, and I have seen it posted for various other older models too:1) Turn key from OFF to ON eight times within 10 seconds ending in the ON position.
2) After doors lock then unlock, press any button on the
remote being programmed.
3) The doors should lock/unlock to confirm programming.
4) Turn key to OFF and door locks should cycle one last time.
Interesting... I'll have to try some of those after lunch. My van is a 1999, so I would have expected the same method you used to work, but like I said it doesn't have a wire going to pin 1.
Two things...and I am not sure the first one is relevant. In my van, my remote entry had been unplugged for some time. I didn't even know I had remote entry until I opened the doghouse for something else and found it unplugged. So I don't know if unplugging it and plugging it back in will have any effect.
As for the #1 pin...in my Service Manual for a 1999 Ram Van/Wagon, it does have something in the #1 pin (in the manual, the obdc port is called a Data Link Connector and it is located between the hood and brake latches under the steering wheel):
RKE is probably Remote Key Entry.
I don't know that all vans have it. In a 99 the module is under the HVAC switch panel. You can sort of see it if you pull the dash cover off and remove the hvac panel, but you can fully see and access it if you take off the doghouse.
And from what I remember #1 looked empty but I shoved the clip in there anyway. I can't look to check until tomorrow, but I remember thinking one of those ports looked empty to me and doubting it would work.
Last edited by RubyVanner; Aug 23, 2021 at 03:32 PM.
For the benefit of people that don't know if their van has remote key entry or not, in my 99 and probably other models, you would need to take off the doghouse (two clips on the sides and four bolts in the floor) and look on the drivers side right under the hvac controls on the dash.
If you have Remote Entry, there should be a module clearly labeled that. Arrow points to the module. The loose blue connector plugs into that module, in case yours was like mine and disconnected:
Thank you so much for the follow-up. I won't be able to pull the doghouse off today, so I'll have to try it another day. I'll be sure to check back in with what I find.
You might not need a code/existing working fob to program a remote entry fob!
