2009 Dodge Challenger R/T: Stubborn Unlocking

I would pop open the remote, if possible, and pull the rubber button piece off the circuit board. Then check the contacts on the board and clean them, perhaps with a cotton swab. This trick works well for my parents' GM remotes, which get gummed up pretty regularly. I am not sure if it would be the same here, or if you can even readily open the remote, but it looks like a very similar setup from the pictures.

It only means the car isn't loaded if you consider the Challenger not to be loaded because it doesn't have left and right power sliding rear doors and a power open/close rear liftgate--the blanks are for loaded Caravans and Town & Countrys. Using a different fob for a low-volume 2-door would be cost-ineffective.

These look like they use membrane keys, which are just shite for durability--laptop computers in the '90s sucked after switching from spring-loaded keys and eventually they switched again to use springs, or at least plastic scissor mechanisms. Many cell phones use membrane keys but they get traded in much more frequently than cars.

Car & Driver checked out some fob battery replacement costs - claims this Chrysler fob battery is $140 to replace. Price must be buying from a dealer - probably $10 elsewhere.

I don't like to fumble around pressing on fob buttons and hoping they work. So I attached the key to my R/T fob with a ring clip and use it to open the driver's door. I wish the car had mechanical locks for the passenger door and the trunk lid. Sometimes I have to hit the button three or four times before the passenger door unlocks.

No mechanical locks for passenger door or trunk is a sign of foolish cost cutting.

I have this problem with my new Accords sometimes. It's frustrating as hell, because over the past decade or so I've become accustomed to not touching my door with a key.

Same issue though - replacing the fob is expensivo. I guess I'll be getting something out of my warranty.

I dunno about reliability but, dang, thats an ugly key fob....

Agree with majin. That is one poorly designed key fob.

Oddly enough the same thing happens with my 07 Charger SRT8. It's the older style key fob, but usually takes 2-3 tries to unlock, but lock works on the first press every time.