coded ignition keys

[kaney]

the jeep has surprised me once again...the key is coded! does anyone now where in christchurch i can get keys cut and coded for cheap? i went to the one in the mall and they wanted $150 per key!!! or is this the normal??

[coxsy]

try the jeep dealer but that sound like what they normaly charge for a key

[yeti]

welcome to the jeep world $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[TJ]

Does your key have an engine immobliser transponder built into? If not, that price is wrong. If yes, then the key and ECM have to be re-programmed to accept the key as a valid key.

BTW, this is not just relevant to Jeeps but it is the same for any car / truck that has a key based engine immobliser system built in (Sentry Key system). Toyota has been in hot water over asking for $3500/$4000 for having to replace the engine computer because the owners lost both original keys!!!! Jeeps are actually more accommodating, dealer can re-program a key for you.

[xj]

Must be a later model thing. That will learn ya!

Key joint was going to charge me $180.00 for another VT key. Nothing wrong with the key, just the push button bits were shot and needed replacing.

[Fen]

If the key is grey then it is a Sentry key. I think I read on one of the US forums that you can programme your own new one if you have 2 that are already programmed as well.

[TJ]

I think that trick is limited to WJ/WGs. Other Sentry keys (TJ, KJ) have to be programmed by the dealership. I know when I bought my TJ, I got the dealer to do one for free as part of the deal. It took them a little time as the actual key was cut and then using the DRB tool and the original key, a spare was reprogrammed. Also, the engine computer can keep track of 8 keys (or something like that).