Place your key in the ignition without starting the engine, then wait 60 seconds and start your vehicle as you normally would to reset your Dodge Challenger anti-theft system.

The curb appeal that comes with a Dodge Challenger is a double-edged sword. You’ve got muscle car bragging rights, but the likelihood of theft is that much greater with over 6,000 stolen over the last five years. That’s why having an anti-theft system in your Dodge is a good thing––unless it doesn’t trust your key and won’t start.

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How to reset the Dodge Challenger anti-theft system

Resetting your Dodge Challenger’s anti-theft system is a reasonably straightforward process. You’ll just need to get your sports coup to recognize your key fob. Here’s how to do that.

To get started, insert your key into the ignition and turn it partway without starting the engine but enough to turn on your vehicle’s electrical system. This position is referred to as accessory mode.

Leave your key in the ignition for 60 seconds and you should see the anti-theft light turn off, indicating your system is reset. Now you should be able to start your engine as you normally would!

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The best car anti-theft devices to keep your vehicle safe

What does the new anti-theft system on a Dodge Challenger do?

Dodge Challengers have what’s known as a Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS), which means the below security features are automatically activated whenever your vehicle is turned off and the doors are closed.

In an effort to combat the rising rates of Challenger thefts, the Dodge Challenger comes equipped with a deluxe security alarm. Here’s what the features on the new anti-theft system do:

Enhanced Security Mode: Temporarily reduce your Challenger's speed to under 3 hp by punching a four-digit code into the radio head unit whenever you park your vehicle.

Intrusion Module: When your car window is broken, your Challenger’s alarm system will begin blaring. The sensors will also activate when your vehicle is being unlawfully towed or someone reaches their hand through the window.

As an added security feature, Dodge uses transponder keys, also known as chip keys, that are programmed into your Challenger. If you’ve lost your key fob or need a spare one, you’ll need to program it to your Challenger to prevent setting off the anti-theft system when you try to get into your car.

How to program a new key

Here’s what you need to do to program your Dodge key fob:

Get into the driver’s seat and within 10 seconds lock the door using your key fob

Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the run position while pressing down the “UNLOCK” button on the driver’s door

On your key fob, press and release the “UNLOCK” button and “PANIC” button on your key at the same time

Press and release the “UNLOCK” and “LOCK” buttons on your key fob at the same time

Push the “UNLOCK” button on your key fob one last time

After completing these steps, your new key should be programmed and recognizable by your Dodge Challenger. You can make sure it works by using your keyless entry functions or turning on the engine. If all operates smoothly, your key was successfully programmed.

MORE:

Does car insurance cover car theft?

What can trigger the Dodge anti-theft system?

The anti-theft system on your Challenger is triggered by, of course, broken windows and attempted entry by potential thieves, but it can also be activated by the following:

Dead battery

Faulty door lock cylinder or handle

Dying key transponder battery

If your anti-theft system keeps coming on and you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, you should take your Challenger to a dealership or use a diagnostic scan tool to find the possible source.

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Can the Dodge Challenger anti-theft system lower your insurance rate?

Opting to have an anti-theft device installed in your Challenger can reduce your

car insurance

premiums by between 5% and 25% off comprehensive coverage!

Dodge offers anti-theft system packages that will lower your insurance premiums like the Key Programming Lockdown software that locks the in-car portion of the key system to prevent thieves from hacking into your electrical system and creating a new key fob.

You can also install an aftermarket anti-theft device such as a catalytic converter strap or Mopar’s Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS) to qualify for more savings.

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How to save on Dodge Challenger insurance

Installing an anti-theft system in your Dodge Challenger is a great way to lower your insurance premium while preventing your car from getting stolen. However, you’ll need

comprehensive insurance coverage

to cover the damage caused by thieves trying to break in before the anti-theft system is activated, and that’s expensive.

And with Dodge Challenger owners paying $3,796 per year for car insurance on average, you’ll need all the savings you can get. That’s where the

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Jerry is the easiest and most effective way to save on car insurance without sacrificing coverage.

After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better?

No long forms, no calling around, no hard work. The average Jerry user saves over $800 per year on car insurance! That’s two aftermarket anti theft systems!

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