Lost Car Keys Replacement

All You Need to Know about Car Keys, Programming and more

Jeep Wrangler Lost Car Key Replacement

All the Information You Need to Get a New Jeep Wrangler Key. Tips, Costs, Your Options, and More.

Your options to get a key replacement

Table of Contents

Introduction:

Coding machine used by a locksmith for Jeep chip keys

Jeep Wrangler was introduced in 1987. This model has two versions and six types of keys.

Remote key fob: 2018 to 2024.

Transponder chip key: 2007 to 2018.

Non-transponder keys: 1991 to 2006.

Please keep in mind that while some keys or key fobs may look the same, they have different capabilities/frequencies/keyways. Therefore, having the right key or key fob is essential.

Already have your key? Need information to guide you through programming your Jeep Wrangler key fob transponder key? 

Jeep Wrangler w/Prox:

2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024: (OHT1130261)

2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Jeep Wrangler remote key fob replacement (OHT1130261)

Jeep Wrangler w/o Prox:

2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018: (OHT692713AA)

2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Jeep Wrangler transponder key replacement (OHT692713AA)

1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006: (P1795/Y159)

1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Jeep Wrangler non-transponder key replacement (P1795/Y159) – (plastic cover)

1994, 1995, 1996, 1997: (P1794/Y157)

1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 Jeep Wrangler non-transponder key replacement (P1794/Y157)
Non chip key - Jeep
1993 Jeep Wrangler non-transponder key replacement (P1793/Y155)

1991, 1992: (P1789/Y154)

1991, 1992 Jeep Wrangler non-transponder key replacement (P1789/Y154)

I lost my Jeep Wrangler car keys. I don’t have a spare, so need a replacement. How and where can I get a replacement key?

3 options to get a replacement key

Generally speaking, you have three options to get a Jeep Wrangler key replacement:

  1. Call an automotive locksmith near you that offers a mobile service for Jeep Wrangler cars. We can connect you with a locksmith near you.
  2. Tow the car to a Jeep dealership.
  3. Order a key online and have the dealer or locksmith cut and program it for you (if necessary).

A word of caution: The type of key you need depends on the year and model of your Jeep Wrangler. Therefore, the options for getting a new key made and programmed depend on whether you need a remote key fob, a transponder chip key, or a regular metal key.

Smart Pro key coding machine by Advanced Diagnostics

Let’s review each option.

Locksmith:

An automotive locksmith can make most car keys on-site, including keys for the newest Jeep Wrangler models. Most automotive locksmiths offer a mobile service because most Jeep Wrangler keys made after 1998 need to be programmed or coded to the car.

This Coding process can’t be done remotely and involves connecting the coding machine physically to the car’s OBD (like in the picture below) and therefore the car must be present.

Saying that, you will have to make sure that the locksmith carries the necessary equipment to cut and program a replacement key, including the right coding machine (e.g. Autel MaxiIM IM608S or ANCEL DS700) and the right key blank (remote key fob or chip key).

The best way to do that is to provide the locksmith with the year make and model or VIN number when you call.

Because Jeep Wrangler is a very common car, chances are they will have the right key blank for your model.

Usually, a locksmith would be your fastest, most convenient and cheapest option overall to get a replacement key.

MaxiM IM608 by Autel key programming machine

Order the key online:

Today you can get most Jeep Wrangler keys online (with the exception of the most recent model) and relatively fast within 24 Hr. Getting a replacement key online has its pros and cons.

This option is mostly relevant for people who need a duplicate or spare key and can drive the car.

For people who have lost their Jeep Wrangler keys and don’t have a spare, it may not be as relevant.

The reason is that when you order a key online, it is what we call a “blank key”.

A blank key is a key that needs to be cut, and, as mentioned above for most Jeep Wrangler keys made after 1998, programmed or coded with a special machine.

Therefore, ordering a replacement key online is only the first step. You will still have to contact and pay either the dealer or locksmith to have the key cut and programmed.

Moreover, remember that although many car keys may look alike, they have different security features and chip values. This is especially true for remote key fobs sold online and so it’s very easy for most people to get confused and order the wrong key.

K518 USA key coding machine by Lonsdor

The third option- Jeep dealership:

The last option to get a Jeep Wrangler key replacement without the original is to look for a Jeep dealership near you.

The plus side is that they will have the right key blank in stock and should be able to program the key for you as well, even for the latest model as they carry the newest coding machines for Jeep models.

The downside is that the dealership usually charges more for a replacement key than a locksmith would.

Another major downside of getting a replacement key at the dealership is that if you had a transponder chip key or key fob (or in other words if your car was made after 1998 as explained above) you will have to tow the car there, which will make the process even more expansive.

VVDI key coding machine by Xhorse

In conclusion,

If your Jeep Wrangler had a chip key or key fob, and you need a replacement ASAP, a locksmith would be your best bet.

The only exception for that is if you just bought a brand-new car, and then a Jeep dealer would be the best way.

In case you only need a spare key, you can try and get it online, but make sure you know exactly which key blank or part number you need.

Not ready to call for service just yet? Click here for some GREAT ideas on how to find lost car keys.

Jeep Wrangler key replacement near me – How to find a locksmith or dealer and what should you tell them?

Relevant information to provide a locksmith or dealer

First, make sure you have the exact year, make, and model, e.g., 2021 Jeep Wrangler w/Prox.

In addition, write down the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of the car located on the left side of the dashboard near the mirror. The VIN helps the locksmith or dealer verify the year, make, and model of the car and determine which key you had.

Expand your search to find a nearby locksmith

Also, keep in mind that many locksmiths offer mobile service and travel up to 30 miles radius from where their store is located. Therefore, depending on your location, it might be a good idea to expand your search and call for a few additional quotes, even if on the map, these locksmiths seem to be far from you.

Mobile car key cutting machine

Remember, Their distance as you see on the map, is their business address, not their physical and current location. All you have to make sure is that they carry the right equipment to cut and program your Jeep Wrangler key.

You can also try and call a few Jeep dealers near your location, but remember that you will need to tow the car there.

Finally, make sure you can show ownership of the car by having the necessary documents – title, ID, insurance card, etc.

Jeep Wrangler key replacement cost – How much does it cost to replace a Jeep Wrangler key without the original? What is the average price?

Jeep Wrangler key replacement cost

In short, replacing a Jeep Wrangler key can cost between $130 to $420. The cost depends on a number of factors:

The type of key you need.

The car’s year of manufacture.

Time of day & your location.

Where you get a key replacement (dealer, automotive locksmith, online, etc.).

Availability of code to cut a new key.

Original ignition or not.

Prices vary

The type of key you had and the year the car was manufactured are the most important factors for identifying if you need a chip, intelligent fob, “push to start”, remote, regular “non-transponder” key. The newer the car is, the better the security features the key has. On later models, you can therefore expect to pay more than $250 for a replacement key. 

A locksmith is connection coding machine into the OBD to code a new key
Mobile key copy machine

Also,

the price depends on where you get a key replacement. Did your replacement key come from the dealer, or an automotive locksmith? Or did you get it online? Click here to get a more detailed explanation of how to get a replacement key.

The dealer usually charges about 10% to 15% less for the replacement key than a locksmith would charge. However, you will likely have to tow the car there to program the new key or remote. Therefore, the total price is usually higher.

Car key coding machine for Jeep chip keys

Furthermore,

consider that if you have a locksmith come out and make you a new key outside regular business hours, the price may increase.

Finally,

If you have previously had your ignition cylinder replaced, which is quite common in older cars, this probably means that the code for the key may not be useful. In such cases, the key will have to be cut manually by a locksmith, or you will have to change the ignition again, and here the dealer can’t help.

For a more detailed explanation and GREAT TIPS on how to save money, please visit our blog post: Car keys replacement costs.

Transponder chip key for a Jeep Wrangler

Tips for Jeep Wrangler key fob replacement – What to ask and verify before and after you get a new key fob:

Jeep key fob replacement – Emergency key and battery

Very often when people get a replacement key fob, there are certain things they forget to check and ask the dealer or locksmith.

We gathered here the most relevant information and tips to make sure you won’t face a problem down the road.


First,

Make sure to get the key code of your Jeep Wrangler key fob – Every key fob, has a unique code that locksmiths and dealers use to know the exact cuts to match your ignition, door and trunk cylinders.

Obviously, this code is different from one car to another. This key code costs money, and before the locksmith or dealer cut you a new key fob, they must pay to get the code from the Jeep database, which may cost them up to $100. Make sure you write down this key code and keep it in a safe place. In case you lose your Jeep Wrangler key fob again in the future, it will cost you less to get a replacement, and the process will be faster.

Emergency key and key fob – Jeep

Second,
Verify they cut you the emergency key, and that it works on the doors cylinders and trunk – Every key fob comes with an emergency key attached to it. The emergency key can be used to access the car in case the battery is dead.

Verify the emergency key is working smoothly on all cylinders

Sometimes, when locksmiths or dealers program a new replacement key fob, they forget to cut the emergency key as well.

Emergency key after it was cut

Make sure they cut you the emergency key and that it works for each door and the trunk to avoid a future lockout situation. It should work smoothly, just like your house key. Don’t be lazy, check it on site.

Emergency key cut – Make sure they cut it for you and check it works

Finally,
know which battery your Jeep Wrangler key fob has – These key fobs, like all key fobs, are battery operated. Make sure you know the type of battery you need and keep a spare one. (Jeep Wrangler key fob usually use CR-2450 battery).

Can I get a Jeep Wrangler key replacement by its VIN?

That depends on the year of manufacture of your car and the type of key you had.

The VIN gives dealers or automotive locksmiths the option of accessing the key code on file – i.e., to cut you a replacement key by code which makes the process fast and easy. There are however two things to consider:

First, If your vehicle is older than 10 years, Jeep dealers will no longer have its key code record, so an automotive locksmith will be your only option to get a replacement key.

Second, For vehicles equipped with a transponder system and/or a remote/intelligent key/fob key, the codes should be available. However, as coding is required, you will have to either tow the car to the dealer, or have an automotive locksmith come and code the key on site.

Jeep Wrangler key programming – which keys can you program yourself? Which keys require a programming tool? & more

Jeep Wrangler has different types of keys. Some require programming, and some don’t. All transponder chip keys and/or smart key fobs need to be programmed. This process requires a special programming machine that only an automotive locksmith or the dealer has. There is no need to program non-transponder metal keys.

To make things simple, we divided all Jeep Wrangler keys into two categories:

No programming needed (Non-transponder keys).

Keys that need to be programmed (Transponder or remote keys). These keys required the expertise of an automotive locksmith or dealer.

No programming needed:

Manual car key cutting machine (HPC) – for Jeep keys

Jeep non-transponder keys are metal keys that have no chip in them. Therefore, no programming is needed.

P1795/Y159, P1794/Y157, P1793/Y155, P1789/Y154.

For Jeep Wrangler keys that need to be programmed, you will need an automotive locksmith or the dealer:

Car key programming machine for Jeep chip keys

These keys, also known as remote smart keys, intelligent keys or key fobs, and transponder keys, have a security chip. Programming is needed. Also, a special machine is needed to program them. An automotive locksmith or dealer should do it for you. This process must be followed for most models made after 1998.

OHT1130261, OHT692713AA.

Keyless entry information for the Jeep Wrangler:

For year models 2007 to 2024, there is a built-in keyless entry in the remote key fob and transponder chip key.

Jeep Wrangler key battery – important information: How to replace, size, cost, and more.

Jeep Wrangler model has different kinds of keys. If your model uses a key fob, here is some important information you should know about the battery.

Jeep Wrangler chip key battery replacement information

Things to remember when your Jeep Wrangler key fob battery is dead:

First, even if the key fob’s battery is dead, you still can unlock and start your Wrangler. You can use the emergency key provided with the key fob to unlock the doors as shown below:

Jeep key fob and emergency key
The key fob on the inside – battery, chip and emergency key

How to start Jeep Wrangler with a dead key fob?

Push the “start” button with your dead key fob to start the car like in this picture

You can start your Jeep Wrangler by pushing the “Start” button with your key fob. The car’s computer recognizes the chip inside the key fob and authorizes the process.

This way, you will be able to start your vehicle EVEN if the key fob battery is dead.

Jeep Wrangler key battery information:

Jeep Wrangler key fob and transponder key are battery operated. Every two years or so, or when the battery is low, you may need to change the key battery. Here is all the information you need.

The type of battery you need is a CR-2450 for OHT1130261 remote key fob and a CR-2032 for OHT692713AA transponder chip key. The average price for these batteries is about $5.

You can order CR-2450 online here and CR-2032 here.

Also, you can find it at Home Depot, Walmart, AutoZone, etc.

Here is some general information about the Jeep Wrangler key battery:

Type of battery: CR-2450 lithium

CR-2450 key fob battery replacement

Size: Diameter – 2.4 mm, height – 5.0 mm.

Type of battery: CR-2032 lithium

CR-2032 key fob battery replacement

Size: Diameter – 2.0 mm, height – 3.2 mm.

Finally, remember that your battery life depends on several factors such as usage, weather conditions, etc. To better protect your Jeep Wrangler key fob and extend its battery life, it may be a good idea to have a key fob cover or a case. You can order a  key fob cover here.