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Sentry Key System

8K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  TJ_Babe 
#1 · (Edited)
I just bought an '03 Sahara from a private party, and they only had one key. I was about to go get a couple copies made (since I'm prone to losing stuff every once in awhile) and read in the manual that I have whats called a Sentry Key Immobilizer System and the only place to get replacement keys is thru the dealer for over $100.

It seems like an exorbitant amount to spend on a car key, but if I lose this one, I'm SOL ('SEVERELY out of luck' for politeness sake, LOL).

Does anyone have any cheaper suggestions where I can get some spare keys that don't require my firstborn child for payment? I'd much rather spend the hundreds of dollars on all the fun things for my Jeep I'm starting to read about on this message board :D (these smileys are fun....this next one, i don't mean ANYTHING by it, i just love it so much i wanna see it posted! :flipoff: )

HAHA!

Thanks for indulging my mischevious side (oh yeah and any help you can provide for my problem would be great too :cool: )
Rob
 
#2 ·
Unfortunately, I think you have to buy one key from the dealer... The key itself should only (yearh right, only:rolleyes: ) $40-$50. The rest of the cost is for them to program them for you. I believe that if you have 2 keys (might only be one though, I am sure someone will correct me) you can program them yourself at home in your driveway (or garage, or living room if you are into your Jeep that much). The procedure is in your owner's manual and is very simple. Good luck! And I hope that someone corrects me on the 2 key thing!
 
#4 ·
amerijeep said:
I don't know much about it. I do believe that you could change your ignition and just have regular keys for less, though.
how would i change the ignition, any ideas?

i'd rather just have regular keys, cuz i'd hate to be out and about one day and lose my keys, then i'd have to get the car towed to a dealer...what a pain in the butt!
 
#5 ·
ajacks101 said:
how would i change the ignition, any ideas?

i'd rather just have regular keys, cuz i'd hate to be out and about one day and lose my keys, then i'd have to get the car towed to a dealer...what a pain in the butt!
yeah, but I'd also hate to be out at the mall and find out my jeep's been stolen. (Just an alternate opinion.) I personally would stick with the Sentry Keys and get a spare made. I lose things OFTEN and I find that the threat of a hundred bucks to replace my spare, makes a very good motivator. Duct tape that sucker to your ass if you have to.
 
#7 ·
I'm assuming the ignition swap wouldn't be anything special. Probably just get one at the parts store and swap it out as normal. That would be my guess.

Imo, the sentry key sucks as far as the price goes. That's way too much money for that feature. I work with "special locks" for a living and that is some serious mark up. I'll stick with my own .99 kill switch.
 
#9 · (Edited)
Keys

I bought some off of Ebay, and had them cut at a hardware store. then programed them myself, I belive the key were around $20.00 bucks plus shipping. Try doing a serach on Ebay for them. According to this write up you need 2 keys to start with.

Programming Additional Keys. Must have 2 Existing Pre-Programmed Keys.

1. Insert one of the pre-programmed transponder keys into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the switch to the ON position.

2. The key should remain in the ON position for 5 seconds but not more then 15 seconds before you turn it back to the OFF position.

3. Within 10 seconds, insert the second pre-programed transponder key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the switch to the ON position. The VTSS(Vehicle Theft Security System) or Sentry Key Immobilizer System lamp (depending on model ) should start to flash. This along with a audible tone will indicate to you that the system has entered the "Customer Learn" programming mode.

4. Within 45 seconds, turn the switch to the OFF position. Insert the new transponder key and turn the switch to the ON position. After approximately 10 seconds an audible tone will sound and the Indicator lamp will stay illuminated for 3 seconds. This will be your acknowledgement that you have successfully programmed in the new transponder key.

5. To add additional keys, repeat steps 1 through 4.
 
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