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

Losing or needing to replace your car remote can be a hassle. For 2004 Chrysler 300M owners, programming a new remote doesn’t necessarily require a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through the methods to program a new remote for your 2004 Chrysler 300M, drawing from community experiences and expert advice to ensure you get back to conveniently locking and unlocking your vehicle.

Understanding Your Chrysler 300M Remote System: OTIS and EVIC

Before diving into the programming procedures, it’s helpful to understand the two types of overhead consoles that might be in your 2004 Chrysler 300M: the OTIS (Overhead Trip Information System) and the EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). The original forum discussion highlighted that the programming method can depend on which system your car is equipped with. The EVIC offers a menu-based programming option that simplifies the process significantly, while the OTIS system requires a more manual approach.

Method 1: Programming Your 2004 Chrysler 300M Remote with OTIS

If your 2004 Chrysler 300M has the OTIS console, you’ll need to use one of the following procedures. Keep in mind, user experiences suggest these methods can be a bit inconsistent, so patience is key. Important: These procedures require you to have at least one working remote. If you don’t have a working remote, you will need to visit a dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith for programming.

Procedure 1

1. Ignition ON: Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine.
2. Hold Unlock: On your working remote, press and hold the “Unlock” button for 10 seconds.
3. Press Panic: While still holding the “Unlock” button, press the “Panic” button for one second.
4. Release Buttons: Release both the “Unlock” and “Panic” buttons simultaneously. The vehicle should chime, indicating it has entered programming mode.
5. Program First Remote: Press any button on the new remote you want to program. The vehicle should chime again, confirming the programming of the first remote.
6. Program Additional Remotes (Optional): If you have another remote to program, press any button on it. The vehicle will chime again. You can program up to four remotes.
7. Exit Programming: Turn the ignition off to exit the programming mode. Test all programmed remotes to ensure they are working correctly.

Procedure 2

This is an alternative OTIS programming method that involves using both the lock and unlock buttons.

1. Ignition ON: Follow step 1 from Procedure 1: Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position (do not start the car).
2. Hold Unlock: Follow step 2 from Procedure 1: Press and hold the “Unlock” button on the working remote for 10 seconds.
3. Press Panic: Follow step 3 from Procedure 1: While holding “Unlock”, press the “Panic” button for one second.
4. Release Buttons & Programming Mode: Follow step 4 from Procedure 1: Release both buttons. The vehicle will chime to signal programming mode.
5. Lock and Unlock Combo (New Remote 1): On the new remote, press and release the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons together. The vehicle will chime.
6. Unlock Button (New Remote 1): Immediately after the chime, press and release the “Unlock” button on the new remote again. The vehicle should chime again, signaling successful programming of this remote.
7. Lock and Unlock Combo (New Remote 2 – Optional): If programming a second new remote, repeat step 5 and 6 with the second remote.
8. Exit Programming: Follow step 6 from Procedure 1: Turn off the ignition to exit programming mode and test all remotes.

Method 2: Programming Your 2004 Chrysler 300M Remote with EVIC

If your 2004 Chrysler 300M is equipped with the EVIC, the programming process becomes significantly more user-friendly. The EVIC menu system guides you through the steps.

1. Ignition ON: Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position (do not start the car).

2. Access EVIC Menu: Press the “Menu” button on your EVIC console.

3. Navigate to “Train Remote”: Use the “Step” or “Scroll” buttons to cycle through the menu options until you see “Train Remote” displayed on the EVIC screen.

   Chrysler 300M EVIC display showing menu options

4. Select “YES” to Train Remote: When “Train Remote” is displayed, use the “Step” button to select “YES”.

5. Initiate Training Sequence: Press the “Menu” button again. The EVIC will display “PRESS REMOTE LOCK & UNLOCK THEN PRESS UNLOCK”, followed by a chime indicating the training sequence has begun. You now have approximately 30 seconds to program your remotes.

6. Program Remote(s): On the remote you wish to program, press and hold both the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons simultaneously, then release. Immediately after, press and release the “Unlock” button. A chime will sound after each successful remote programming. Repeat this step for any additional remotes (up to four).

7. Training Complete: Once you have programmed all desired remotes, or after 30 seconds, press the “Menu” button again. The EVIC will display “TRAIN DONE, x TRAINED” (where x is the number of remotes programmed). If no remotes are programmed within 30 seconds, the EVIC will display “TRAIN TIMEOUT”.

8. Exit Programming: Turn the ignition off and test all programmed remotes.

Troubleshooting and Important Considerations

• Working Remote Requirement (OTIS Methods): Remember, the OTIS procedures generally require a working remote to initiate the programming sequence. If you don’t have one, EVIC method is not applicable, and dealership or locksmith programming is necessary.
• Battery Compatibility: Ensure the replacement remote you purchased is compatible with your 2004 Chrysler 300M. In the original forum post, the user noted a difference in battery type between their original and replacement remote. While it might still program, battery compatibility is crucial for long-term functionality.
• All Remotes Re-registered: Be aware that when you enter programming mode, all previously programmed remotes are erased. You will need to re-register all remotes you intend to use with the vehicle during the programming session.
• EVIC Upgrade: As mentioned in the forum, upgrading from an OTIS to an EVIC console is possible and can simplify remote programming and offer additional vehicle information features. However, this involves hardware changes and may not be necessary if you only need to program a remote occasionally.
• Seek Professional Help: If you encounter difficulties with these programming methods, or if you do not have a working remote to begin with, it’s always recommended to consult with a Chrysler dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith. They have specialized tools and expertise to program your remote efficiently.

By following these steps, you should be able to program a new remote for your 2004 Chrysler 300M and regain the convenience of remote locking and unlocking. Choose the method that corresponds to your vehicle’s overhead console type and remember to be patient, especially when using the OTIS procedures.