How to Program a 2004 Chrysler 300M Car Remote: A Step-by-Step Guide

Losing or needing an extra remote for your 2004 Chrysler 300M can be a common issue. Luckily, programming a new remote key fob yourself is often possible, saving you a trip to the dealership. This guide provides comprehensive instructions on how to program a 2004 Chrysler 300M car remote, drawing from expert community knowledge and official procedures. Whether you have a working remote or are starting from scratch, we’ll walk you through the steps to get your key fob working seamlessly with your vehicle.

Understanding Your Chrysler 300M Remote System: EVIC vs. OTIS

Before diving into the programming methods, it’s important to understand a key difference in your 2004 Chrysler 300M – the type of display in your vehicle. Chrysler 300Ms can come equipped with either an EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center) or an OTIS (Overhead Trip Information System). The EVIC is a more advanced display that allows for menu-based programming, making the remote programming process significantly easier. The OTIS, while functional, requires using specific button combinations.

Identifying which system you have is crucial. The EVIC is generally a larger display, often located in the instrument cluster, and provides more detailed vehicle information and customizable settings through menus. The OTIS is a simpler overhead console display, primarily showing basic trip information and temperature.

If you are unsure, the easiest way to check for EVIC programming capability is to try the EVIC method described below. If you don’t find the “Train Remote” option in your menu, you likely have an OTIS and will need to use one of the manual programming procedures.

Method 1: Programming a 2004 Chrysler 300M Remote Using EVIC

If your 2004 Chrysler 300M is equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), programming a new remote is a straightforward process using the on-screen menu. This method is generally considered the easiest and most reliable for adding or reprogramming remotes.

Here’s how to program your remote using the EVIC:

Turn the Ignition to the ON Position: Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position. Do not start the car. The vehicle’s electrical system needs to be active, but the engine should remain off.
Access the EVIC Menu: Locate the “Menu” button, typically found on your instrument cluster or steering wheel controls. Press the “Menu” button to enter the EVIC menu system.
Navigate to “Train Remote”: Use the “Step” or “Scroll” buttons to cycle through the EVIC menu options. Look for the option labeled “Train Remote.” This option allows you to initiate the remote programming sequence.
Select “YES” to Train Remote: Once you have highlighted “Train Remote,” you will likely be prompted to select “YES” or “NO.” Press the “Step” button to select “YES.” This confirms that you want to proceed with training a new remote.
Initiate Training Sequence: After selecting “YES,” the EVIC will display “PRESS REMOTE LOCK & UNLOCK THEN PRESS UNLOCK,” followed by a chime. This chime indicates that the system is now in programming mode and ready to learn a new remote signal. You have approximately 30 seconds to complete the next steps.
Program the First Remote: On the remote you wish to program, press and hold both the Lock and Unlock buttons simultaneously for a few seconds, and then release them. Immediately after, press and release the Unlock button again. The vehicle should chime, confirming successful programming of this remote. If you have a remote link to memory feature enabled in your EVIC settings, this first programmed remote will be associated with memory setting 1.
Program Additional Remotes (Optional): If you have additional remotes to program, repeat step 6 within the 30-second window. After each successful remote programming, the vehicle will chime. If remote link to memory is enabled, the second remote programmed will be associated with memory setting 2. You can train up to four remotes using this method.
Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all desired remotes, or if the 30-second window expires, press the “Menu” button again. The EVIC will display “TRAIN DONE, x TRAINED” (where x represents the number of remotes successfully programmed) or “TRAIN TIMEOUT” if no remotes were programmed within the time limit.
Turn Off the Ignition: Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the key.
Test Your Remotes: Test each programmed remote to ensure it is working correctly by locking and unlocking the doors, activating the panic alarm, and any other functions your remote supports.

EVIC Display in Chrysler 300M

Method 2: Programming a 2004 Chrysler 300M Remote Using OTIS (Procedure 1 & 2)

If your 2004 Chrysler 300M has the OTIS display and not the EVIC, you will need to use a manual programming procedure. These methods rely on specific button sequences and timing. It’s important to follow these steps carefully for successful programming. There are a couple of reported procedures, and it’s worth trying both if the first one doesn’t work.

Procedure 1: Using Unlock and Panic Buttons

This procedure involves using a working remote (if you have one) and a combination of the Unlock and Panic buttons to enter programming mode.

Insert Key and Turn to ON: Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position (do not start the car).
Press and Hold Unlock Button (Working Remote): Take a working remote (if available). Press and hold the Unlock button for 10 seconds.
Press Panic Button While Holding Unlock: While still holding the Unlock button, press the Panic button for one second.
Release Both Buttons: Release both the Unlock and Panic buttons simultaneously. The vehicle should chime, indicating that it has entered programming mode.
Press Button on First Remote (To Reprogram): Take the first remote you want to program (this could be your original working remote or a new one). Press any button on this remote. The vehicle should chime again, signaling that the first remote is programmed.
Press Button on Additional Remote (Optional): If you are programming a second remote, press any button on the second remote. The vehicle should chime again, indicating successful programming of the second remote.
Turn Off Ignition: Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position to exit the programming mode.
Test Remotes: Test all programmed remotes to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Procedure 2: Using Lock and Unlock Buttons Combination

This procedure is another variation for OTIS-equipped vehicles, utilizing a combination of Lock and Unlock buttons.

Insert Key and Turn to ON: Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position (do not start the car).
Press and Hold Unlock Button (Working Remote): Take a working remote (if available). Press and hold the Unlock button for 10 seconds.
Press Panic Button While Holding Unlock: While still holding the Unlock button, press the Panic button for one second.
Release Both Buttons: Release both the Unlock and Panic buttons at the same time. The vehicle should chime, indicating programming mode.
Press Lock and Unlock Together (First Remote): On the first remote to be programmed, press and hold the Lock and Unlock buttons together, and then release. The vehicle should chime.
Press Unlock Button (First Remote): Immediately after step 5, press and release the Unlock button on the first remote again. The vehicle should chime again, confirming programming for this remote.
Repeat for Second Remote (Optional): For a second remote, repeat steps 5 and 6. Press and release Lock and Unlock together, then press and release Unlock. The vehicle should chime after each step, indicating successful programming of the second remote.
Turn Off Ignition: Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position to exit programming.
Test Remotes: Test all programmed remotes to verify proper operation.

Troubleshooting and Important Tips

No Working Remote? If you do not have a working remote, these DIY programming methods may not work. In this case, you will likely need to visit a dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith for programming. They have specialized equipment to program remotes even without an existing working fob.
Incorrect Remote Part Number: Ensure that the replacement remote you purchased is compatible with your 2004 Chrysler 300M. Verify the part number if possible. An incompatible remote may not program correctly, or at all.
Battery Issues: Make sure the batteries in your new remote are fresh and correctly installed. Low battery power can sometimes interfere with the programming process. Some aftermarket remotes might use different battery types than your original remote, as noted in the original forum discussion (CR2032 vs. CR2016). While this might work, it’s best to use the recommended battery type.
Programming Mode Not Engaging: If your vehicle does not chime after following the initial steps (like holding Unlock and Panic), it might not be entering programming mode. Double-check the procedure, timing, and button presses. Try each procedure methodically a few times.
All Remotes Need Reprogramming: Be aware that when you enter programming mode, you may need to reprogram all of your remotes, including your original working remotes, to ensure they continue to function. The system often clears the memory of previously programmed remotes when initiating a new programming session.
EVIC Upgrade: As mentioned in the forum, upgrading from an OTIS to an EVIC display is possible and can make remote programming (and accessing other vehicle settings) much easier in the future. However, this is a more involved modification.

Conclusion

Programming a 2004 Chrysler 300M car remote can be accomplished at home using either the EVIC menu or manual procedures for OTIS-equipped vehicles. The EVIC method offers a more user-friendly approach, while the OTIS methods require careful adherence to button sequences and timing. If you encounter difficulties or do not have a working remote, seeking assistance from a dealership or automotive locksmith is recommended. By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you should be able to successfully program your new remote and regain full access to your vehicle’s remote functions.