Program Jeep keys made easy. All the information you need to know how to program a new Jeep key without the original, how to make a duplicate, which keys you can program yourself, procedures, what you should know before, and more.
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- This page is relevant for programming All Jeep keys and remotes.
In this article:
Introduction to programming Jeep keys
Tips for programming your new key
How can I save money on getting a duplicate or a new Jeep remote key made?
Jeep programming procedure – How is it actually done?
Jeep key programming cost of a replacement key
I already have a programmed key, I just need a duplicate – Jeep duplicate key cost
Introduction:
Making a new key for Jeep models takes time and money. While cutting and programming the actual key when you don’t have a working key require help from an outside source like the dealer or an automotive locksmith, programming an additional key can be done easily. The process of programming a new key to start the car involved, basically, two phases:
A. Cutting a new key :
That means cutting a blank key to match the ignition and will be able to turn the ignition to “ON” or “RUN” position. You can call the dealer or a locksmith to cut the key for you. Keep in mind, you will have to provide proof of ownership and the VIN number.
B. Program the key when you don’t have a working key.
All of the Jeep models made in the past 20 years are equipped with some sort of transponder security feature.
That security feature requires an additional action (programming the key) to start the car.
Program a new key, when you have no keys available require programming machine AND a pin code. Therefore, a locksmith or the dealer are your only options.
However, the car will have to be towed there.
In case you want to add an additional duplicate key or make a copy, you can do it yourself in most cases.
IMPORTANT:
Programming a new key when you do not have a working key only possible with special programming machine and pin code that most automotive locksmiths or the dealer have.
A few tips before you start the process of programming a new car key for Jeep models:
A. Once you program a new key, ALL previous keys will be erased and won’t start the car.
In other words, if you find your old key after programming the new one, it will not work.
Therefore, we highly recommend having at least two new cut keys and program them both.
B. There are a few transponder keys (Y160-PT, Y164-PT, FOBIK, Push to start remotes etc) that work on Jeep models. You must have the right type of transponder key that matches your model and year.
Otherwise, the key will not program. You can check the right key for the exact make and model here.
I already have a working key, I just want to make a duplicate. What is the procedure of programming an extra duplicate key?
The process of making a duplicate key, when you already have two or more working keys is fairly easy and therefore we recommend doing so.
Here is what you will need to add a duplicate Jeep key:
- Two already programmed and working keys.
- A cut key that you wish to program – make sure it has the right transponder value as your other key.
- You can program up to four additional keys for each vehicle using this method.
Here are the steps you should take to program an additional Jeep key:
- insert your first original key – One of the two keys that currently you are able to start the car with into the ignition cylinder.
- Turn the ignition cylinder to “ON” position for five-ten seconds and after to “OFF” position. DO NOT LEAVE THE KEY LESS THAN FIVE OR MORE THAN 10 SECONDS.
- Remove the first original key from the ignition cylinder.
- Now you have EIGHT seconds to do the next step.
- Insert the second already programmed into the ignition cylinder and turn it to “ON” position.
- Take a look at the security light. It should go on which will indicate the is in “learning mode”
- Once the security light goes on and “learning mode” is enabled, turn the ignition to OFF position.
- Now you have 40 seconds to do the next step.
- Insert the new key you want to program and turn the ignition cylinder to ON position.
- After 8-15 seconds the security light will go on for about 3 seconds. Once you see the security light on for 3 seconds, it means the new key has been programmed and can start the car.
- To add additional keys, repeat steps 1-10.
How can I save money on getting a duplicate or a new Jeep key/remote made?
As we explained above, the process of getting a new key involves cutting the new key and program it.
When you call a locksmith or the dealer, they will charge you for a service call, the actual key, the labor of cutting the key and programming.
Fortunately, you can save the money of the key by ordering it online, and only have them cut and program it. This alone will save you about $50-$100 as the locksmith or the dealer make a profit by selling you the key as well.
True, it may take a longer time to get the key from Amazon but if you are not in a big rush or need a key ASAP, we recommend you do that. This is especially true if you only need a duplicate made.
Bottom line, how and what should I do?
- Order your key online – Make sure you get the right key. In case you get the wrong key or remote programming will not be possible. You can look up your exact key for your Jeep model Here. Simply choose your model and year and get it online. You can order your key here.
- Call the dealer or locksmith – Explain to them you already have the key/remote and would like it to be cut and/or programmed. Ask them for the quote on this procedure.
- In addition, keep in mind, the process usually cost somewhere between $80-$150, depends on the type of key/remote you have.
- Finally, schedule a time with them to have it done. Remember to provide them with the exact year, make and model, VIN number and make sure you have a proof of ownership.
Jeep programming procedure – How is it actually done?
Jeep transponder and remote car keys, also known as key fobs, smart keys or push to start keys, are the latest generation of security car keys.
Therefore, onboard programming or self-programming is not available for these type of keys or remotes and an additional equipment or programming machine is necessary to complete this process.
An automotive locksmith or the dealer will have to connect this machine to the car’s computer to start the programming procedure.
Below, a few examples of Jeep remote key fobs that require programming machine:
Below, an example of a programming machine (MVP Key programming), used by the dealer or an automotive locksmith to program Jeep transponder remote key fobs:
Jeep key programming cost – How much does it cost to program a new Jeep transponder key and remote.
As stated above, getting your Jeep key online and having the dealer or an automotive locksmith can save you a lot of money. If you need to order your key, you can do it HERE.
Programming a new Jeep key, assuming you already have a blank key, basically involves two phases:
1. Cutting the key or remote so it will fit your car’s ignition.
Before the key can be programmed, it needs to be cut to fit your car. The way an automotive locksmith or the dealership do that is by “pulling” the key code, using your VIN from the database. This cost them money and therefore, they charge you for it. (Unlike when you already have a cut key and just need a duplicate)
2. Program the key or remote – To actually start the car.
The programming procedure is simply a process to let your car know that the new key is “authorized” to start the car. That being done by connecting a programming machine to your car’s computer.
Both the dealer and an automotive locksmith will have to do the same thing, however, the prices vary:
Cost of programming Jeep key by the dealer:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Jeep car.
Cutting the key: Usually around $80
Programming the key: Usually around $80
In addition, you will have to two your car to the dealer which is an additional expanse of $70(estimate)
Total estimated cost: $230
Cost of programming Jeep key by an automotive locksmith:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Jeep car, your location(as a locksmith will come to you) time of day etc.
We checked the prices during regular business hours, same as we did with the dealer, and here are the results:
Cutting the key: Usually around $70
Programming the key: Usually around $70
In addition, an automotive locksmith usually charges a service call or a trip charge which is usually about $50
Total estimated cost: $190
In conclusion, as you can see, the price of replacing and programming your Jeep key is not cheap and therefore we highly recommend to make an extra key while replacing your key as it much cheaper than making a new one once you lost all your keys.
I already have a programmed key, I just need a duplicate – Jeep duplicate key cost
The price of making a duplicate Jeep key is cheaper than making an original key when all keys are lost for two main reasons:
- You already have a cut key – That means no need to “pull” a code from the database.
- Your car’s computer already “knows” that one key is authorized to start the car and therefore we can use that key to add some more. (Note that not in all models and years it’s possible)
Here is the average cost of getting a duplicate Jeep key by the dealership and an automotive locksmith:
Cost of duplicate a Jeep key by the dealer:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Jeep car.
Cutting the key: Usually around $20
Programming the key: Usually around $80
Total estimated cost: $100
Cost of duplicate a Jeep key by an automotive locksmith:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Jeep car, your location(as a locksmith will come to you) time of day etc.
We checked the prices during regular business hours, same as we did with the dealer, and here are the results:
Cutting the key: Usually around $10
Programming the key: Usually around $70
In addition, an automotive locksmith usually charges a service call or a trip charge which is usually about $50 or you can drive your car to the locksmith shop and save this expanse which we obviously recommend
Total estimated cost: $80