Is there programming needed when replacing a simplex 2098-9636 smoke detector with the same part#?
No, it is a conventional detector so no programming is needed. You also don’t even need to re-wire it, you can just twist the old head off and put the new one on. If you need a replacement, I can sell you one. I have a hochiki detector that is identical to the 9636, it’s technically the original model.