2013 Dodge Challenger Sxt Plus / KeyFob Issues

Discussion in 'Dodge Challenger General Maintenance' started by synoptic12, Mar 14, 2018.

  1. synoptic12

    synoptic12 Full Access Member

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    Purchased the above vehicle new. One keyfob is constantly losing batteries ( some within 2 weeks). The other keyfob left in my top dresser drawer for a year still works.

    1.) Started car with keyfob and ran for twenty minutes. After shutting off, car would not start again. Code read: 'Keyfob not detected'. This issue has been ongoing since new. Is there any possibility the batteries or battery type could be the cause? Checked the contacts and raceway circuitry on the circuit board and cannot find anything. The win module or rf antennas cannot be the cause for the other Keyfob operates fine; the one which is kept as a spare.

    Any and all responses to the aforesaid are very much appreciated.
     
    Last edited: Mar 15, 2018
  2. jerrbear

    jerrbear Member

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    I too have a 2013 challenger RT and my fob batteries are done about a year. I have a 2011 Silverado pickup and have yet to replace batteries and that truck gets used everyday so what gives? My Challenger gets used about 6 months out of the year mostly on weekends and then gets stored.
     
  3. synoptic12

    synoptic12 Full Access Member

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    One key fob seems to last a year which is o.k. The other is having ongoing issues. Checked the contacts and circuitry. Everything appears to be fine. There are too many rolling codes for any to try to pick the number. Again, the RF antennas or the Win Module cannot be at fault, for one key fob is fine. * A year is acceptable to my standards. Anything less is an issue. There is no interference with the radio frequency for I have no phone. Apparently, certain signals can draw from the battery from what has been said to me. The bottom line, "Cars are all junk today".

    Contacted Energizer and they said it could be a bad chemical mixture. I've been having problems with only one key fob which is highly unusual. The last battery lasted 13 days and would not work. The dealer has offered me a new key fob at no charge. At this point, I'm hesitant. I'm continuing to use different batteries until I've had enough. My Challenger is stored year round, only servicing the vehicle for oil changes. There is only 1679 miles. I like my Oldsmobile which I drive daily.

    *It could be a faulty circuit board but I cannot trace anything on the raceway circuitry to provide a definitive answer. I've performed yeoman's work in researching this issue and cannot find a solution; nor can anyone else. If the next set of batteries does not last, I'll opt for a new key fob. The service manager said that FCA now applies some type of dielectric grease to the belly of the battery on the "new" key fobs. What significance this has is unknown to me.

    P.S- I do not have an oscilloscope to check the proper voltages precisely. The voltages could possibly fluctuate more with bad circuits. Most likely, at the next oil change I'll get a new key fob.
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2018
  4. oknahs

    oknahs Member

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    I have my daughters 2012 Challenger SRT8 392 and found the same problem with the key fob battery running out but the spare which is located outside of the garage is working fine. The problem is the key fob within 15 feet of the car is still on. Keep the key fob at lease 15-20 feet away from the car. It worked out for me.
     
  5. synoptic12

    synoptic12 Full Access Member

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    Both Key Fobs are located in my bedroom, just over the two car garage. One is in the top dresser drawer (No Problem with that Key Fob). The other is on top of the dresser. How can you explain that?
     
  6. JJK

    JJK Member

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    Use Duracell batteries. Energizers are junk
     
  7. synoptic12

    synoptic12 Full Access Member

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    *Tried Duracell, no difference.
     
  8. IntimidatorRT

    IntimidatorRT Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator

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    never had Key fob problems, about once a year they just start getting slower to work , i replace the battery and good to go.
     
  9. synoptic12

    synoptic12 Full Access Member

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    Thanks, still researching the issue. Maybe a battery problem relating to the mixture. There is only 1 to 2 volts being sent to the transmitter, whereby the battery (2032) is three (3) volt which should be ample. There could be a 'discharge' issue with the battery itself, still working on the problem.
     
  10. synoptic12

    synoptic12 Full Access Member

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    Let me ask a question, may not be relevant or of any significance.

    1) If I shut the car off using the push button "without" the keyfob on my person or anywhere near the car, "Would this be of any issue with a signal still being sent, as to keep any circuit partially open"?