Chrysler Key Fob Not Detected? [Quick Fix] (200, 300 & Pacifica Models)

If your Chrysler key fob isn’t working properly, you may see an error message similar to this one: “Key Fob Not Detected”. Fortunately, there are ways to fix it so you can use your remote for keyless entry again. Here’s what to do if you get this error message from your Chrysler and how to know if the solution has worked.

Chrysler Key Fob Not Detected – Quick Fix

If your Chrysler dashboard shows an error message “Key fob not detected”, a workaround is to place the top of the key fob on the engine start-stop button, maintain contact for 5 seconds, then use the top of the key fob to press the button until the ignition turns on.

This step is written in further detail here with images below and should work on all Chrysler 200, 300 and Pacifica models 2011 or higher.

Why Is My Chrysler Key Fob Not Detected?

This is one of the most common problems in the world of keyless-entry vehicle keys. Even though the keyless entry in newer Chrysler models makes it very convenient to push to start, there are a few reasons why your key fob is not being detected.

It has been found that this is one of the most common problems among keyless-entry vehicles. Keyless entry sounds good because you don’t need a key for starting up your car; but with the lack of the physical key to the ignition starting the car, there may be a few issues between the key fob and the vehicles “brain”. Here’s a few ways to tell if your remote isn’t working properly or if something else could be going wrong.

Replacement LED Light Bulbs

Have you recently changed one of your brake lights with LEDs? This might seem bizarre but this is a common issue with Chryslers and other keyless entry cars. Many owners noticed that the keyless entry would not work even when the key is in their pocket and you have have the key right next to the ignition.

The way the push-to-start system works is that you press the brake pedal to start and once you do this, it energizes the brake light and can cause an electromagnetic interference between between signals to the keyless entry system. This usually occurs when the brake lights are replaced with LED bulbs, specifically most of the cheaper brands on the market. It seems to occur in brands such as LasFit and the cheaper bulbs on Amazon.

If you’re looking to switch your cargo light bulbs or brake lights, and are looking for LED’s, go with reputable brands such as JDMastar, BeamTech and Diode Dynamics. For a compatible LED which is bright and affordable for the cargo and third brake light try the Alla Lighting  brand.

Dead Key Fob Battery

A faulty or dead battery in the key fob usually causes a failure to send signals to the Chrysler’s keyless entry module.

If you don’t have a spare fob, the next section has a few helpful tricks which you can use to start the vehicle when the key fob fails.

Faulty Or Damaged Key Fob

Have you dropped your Chrysler key fob on the ground or in water? There might have been wires which have become loose or damaged.

If you have previously dropped your Chrysler Key fob in water then contact your local service center to examine the internal circuitry. If too much damage has been done, they will need to replace it.

Using A Different Car Key

We all make clumsy mistakes, but check if you have your vehicle’s key fob and not a different one! Keyless entry key fobs are specific to each vehicle and won’t work with any others.

Radio Interference or Signal Jammers

If your Chrysler remote suddenly stop working, interference might be the cause.

Make sure to remove any coins or metal objects you may have collected near the receptacle the receiver sits under near the push to start button.

Nearby radar detectors, and anti-theft alarms, may transmit the same frequency as your key fob’s signal and disrupt the vehicle from interpreting the signal.

Also, be very careful when your key fob stops working in a crowded area since thieves with signal jammers can hijack your key fob in an attempt to stop it from functioning.

Worn Out or Weak Chrysler Battery

Sometimes the issue lies with your Chrysler itself. If your Chrysler’s battery is about to die, it may not respond to the key fob. Charge your battery and have it assessed or replaced if it’s old.

Programming Fault In Your Key Fob

This usually occurs if your key fob or the car battery dies. You might notice that if you replace the battery the key fob will still show the error of it not being detected. If this occurs then contact a certified locksmith to reprogram your key.

Issue With The Keyless Entry System Or Engine Push-Start Button

A keyless entry system wire malfunction or even a faulty start button are all possible causes as well. Consider getting your Chrysler assessed for possible at a certified service center for further diagnosis and repairs.

How To Fix A Chrysler Key Fob That Is Not Detected?

The Chrysler key fob acts as a short-range radio transmitter, sending coded signals to the vehicle’s receiver. By pressing the push-to-start button, the receiver then performs the function of turning the vehicle on. It is not uncommon for the Chrysler to fail to receive signals from the key fob. Let’s take a look at how you can fix it.

Replace The Key Fob Battery

You may want to start by changing the battery in your Chrysler key fob. For Chrysler, the key fob battery is a CR2032. You can find one here 

Using a flat-head screwdriver, carefully pry open the remote housing. Take the old CR2032 battery out of its housing. Place a new CR2032 battery in place and connect the two halves of the housing back together.

Clean Your Key Fob

If replacing your key fob battery doesn’t solve the issue, you should clean your key fob.

Your key fob may have picked up dust or dirt over time that could’ve interfered with its signals or contact points – a quick wipe-down can do wonders!

Try using a microfiber cloth and some rubbing alcohol to thoroughly clean the exterior of your device, then open up and look at all of its insides to find anything stuck between the battery contacts or between them and the housing. Use a toothpick or cotton bud if needed to clear these spaces out; they’re small enough that they shouldn’t take too much effort.

Have The Chrysler Battery Checked

If your engine cranks when you start the car and your headlights seem dimmer than usual, it is likely that there’s a problem with your battery; this can affect how well your key fob works too. Go to a certified service center to have their experts assess or replace your Chrysler’s battery.

Can You Start A Chrysler When The Key Fob Is Not Detected Or Is Dead?

If you have examined your key fob free of any damage and you’ve confirmed that you have the correct key fob, you can start the Chrysler using by placing the top of the key fob on the engine start-stop button, maintaining contact for 5 seconds, then use the top of the key fob to press the button until the ignition turns on.

It is crucial to maintain contact with the button for a full 5 seconds before you press the start button, otherwise, this might not work!

On other car brand owner’s manuals, it mentions that: “if the key fob is next to a mobile phone, laptop, or other electronic device, the key fob’s wireless signal may not be detected the keyless-go system, preventing the keyless-go system from starting.”

This is only a temporary fix until you replace the key fob battery or try one of the other solutions mentioned earlier.

Wrapping Up Chrysler Key Fob Not Detected

Your Chrysler key fob may not be detected because of the following:

• Replacement LED Light Bulbs
• Dead Key Fob Battery
• Faulty Or Damaged Key Fob
• Using A Different Car Key
• Programming Fault In Your Key Fob
• Worn Out or Weak Chrysler Battery
• Radio Interference or Signal Jammers
• Issue With The Keyless Entry System Or Engine Push-Start Button

If you need to start your Chrysler with the key fob not detected popping up on the dashboard, place the top of the key fob on the engine start-stop button, maintain contact for a full 5 seconds, then use the top of the key fob to press the button until the ignition turns on.