This is straight from the Crossfire manuals supplied to the dealership, or if you are a Chrysler tech, I got it from Tech Connect.

STANDARD PROCEDURE - TRANSMITTER PROGRAMMING

The Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter(s) can be programmed by the customer without special tools.
PROGRAMMING PROCEDURE

Transmitter programming by the customer is done by performing the following steps:

1. Insert the key into the ignition switch.
2. Press either the lock or unlock button momentarily twice.

Turn the key in the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position within 30 seconds.

Hope this is useful and saves you $100.

Shawn

 

That's it?!?!?! Insert, turn, push a button, save a hundred bux!?!?!? Wow. Just... wow.

 

Yeah I couldn't believe it either, I ordered my key from the dealership for $145 and then they wanted to "program" it for an additional $90, I said no I am sure it comes cut and programmed from the factory, that is why I gave you my Vin # - (Actually I learned that fact from this website). I had them ship the key directly to my house so I didn't have to go and pick it up from them and I did the above steps and it works perfectly -

 

Thanks for the tip... I'll have to jot that down in my '$$$ saving tips notebook'.

 

Wow, it works!!! I've had my spare key laying around here for a year that wasn't programmed. I couldn't see paying the dealer $75 to do what I was sure was a 2 minute task. Thanks for the tip.

 

Wow something simple,and on a Crossfire!!!. Just picked up a spare key at the dealership $84 cad. Parts man said I would need to program it, I smiled when outside, inserted the key, pressed the open button twice waited 20 secs and started the car, smiled at the service guy, said thanks and drove off. Thanks guys.

 

So, you can pay me at my paypal address. Glad it worked out for you guys.

 

Great info. Thanks.

 

Great money saving tip! Thanks.

 

I paid $55 for my new key/remote at a local Chrysler dealer. They even programmed it.
Hey, it pays to shop around.

 

Anyone know if I can get the metal "key" part of a remote replaced or recut?

I have a "spare" that the dealer gave me - one of the two keys that came with my car was all chewed up, and I complained. They handed me a key from another car and said go ahead and take the cover off this one and replace the chewed up one. But if I can have three keys instead, that would be even better!

 

Here ya go.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ht=program+key

 

No offense, CrossfireLTD, but I did read the posts above, no need to link to the same thread!

My question wasn't how to program the remote, but how to get the metal part of the remote cut for my locks.

This morning, I figured I would risk it, and I took apart my chewed up remote. Unfortunately, when it finally popped open, it exploded parts all over the room. I managed to find most of them. But I think the sensor/transmitter LED broke off the board. Now it doesn't work at all.

So I took the metal key "shaft" from the broken remote - that's the key that IS cut for my car, and swapped it with the shaft that wasn't cut for my car. So now I have a nice unchewed remote and the right shaft. Unfortunately, I can't get my car to recognize the new remote. I did the steps above several times, but no luck.

Anyone have any ideas? Does anyone know if a remote is already programmed for one car, if it can be reprogrammed? I'm going to try putting new batteries in it and see if that helps. I doubt it, since I even tried the batteries from my one working remote.

 

By the way, here's a pic of the inside of the remote, in case anyone is interested.

 

Does this programming process work to re-program a remote used from another vehicle?

 

I don't know, but from my experience with my three remotes, I would have to say no.

Can anyone corroborate that?

 

If the chip isn't broke, swap the computer chip also.

 

I just bought an '04 xFire with only one key. I called two dealers and was told by both a new key used to be $60 USD, but now that Daimler sold Chrysler, apparently the NEW price is $130 USD. Wish I could get a flat 'valet' wallet key - it seems strange because Mercedes had them when I had my E-420 . . .


The xFire owner's manual describes the re-program remote procedure - you have to do it when you change the key fob batteries so don't let the dealer take your $ for something you can do yourself !

UPDATE: 12-Nov-2007
-----------------------------

I'm working with a locksmith in Texas to determine if flat wallet keys can be cut (good for unlocking the doors in an emergency) and if we can find the switchblade key blanks (seen 'em on eBay before myself) so you can repair a good remote that has a broken key. I suspect you would then be able to get a used remote, put on a freshly cut key blade, take the batteries out of the used remote (so it loses it's programming code), put the batteries back in the remote and re-program the old used remote to your car's RFID.

Also, I spoke with Chrylser (corporate) tech support about the dealer's charging to 'program' remotes and they brought up the following point: if your ECU loses the internal RF code (car battery goes dead or heaven forbid your xFire was stolen and stripped), THEN you would need to have the ECU reprogrammed by the dealer and your old remotes would continue to work as before. Not trying to defend the 'stealers' here, but that made a helluva a lot of sense to me and probably something to keep in mind and pass along . . . .

 

I just programed a new key - took about 30 seconds! Thanks, I like to save money!

 

I went to my dealer to pick up my new key today. I sat there waiting for an hour before the service advisor came and told me that they could not program the key. The advisor told me that they needed a "very expensive" computer to program the key and that the computer was currently at another location. I programmed the key myself and drove off the lot. A five star dealer that doesn't know how to program a key.... (and they have new and used crossfires on the lot)