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Key with Chip Installed

50K views 26 replies 19 participants last post by  Mabar  
#1 ·
I just bought my first Jeep this week and when I went to get a spare key for it at Walmart, I was told I was going to have to buy a $60 key because it had some kind of chip in it. What's the deal? Thanks.

Pat
 
#5 ·
It's simply amazing what you can find in the owner's manual:

SENTRY KEY


The Sentry Key
 Immobilizer System prevents unauthorized
vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys that have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are programmed
to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the
engine.
NOTE:


A key that has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three
seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the
bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem with the
electronics. In addition, if the Vehicle Security Light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
someone used an invalid key to try to start the engine.
Either of these conditions will result in the engine being
shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 seconds),
it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible by an authorized dealer.
NOTE:
•


The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
with some aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
•


Exxon/Mobil Speedpass™, additional Sentry Keys,
or any other transponder-equipped components on
the same key chain will


not cause a key-related
(transponder) fault unless the additional part is


physically
held against the ignition key


being used when
starting the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other
Radio Frequency (RF) electronics will not cause interference
with this system.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
 
#6 ·
Replacement Keys
NOTE:
Only keys that are programmed to the vehicle


electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.


Once a Sentry Key


 is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot


be programmed to any other vehicle.


CAUTION!


Always remove the Sentry Keys


 from the vehicle


and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.


At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided


with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).


Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is


required for authorized dealer replacement of keys. Duplication

of keys may be performed at an authorized

dealer or by following the customer key programming


procedure. This procedure consists of programming a


blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank key is one


that has never been programmed.


NOTE:


When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer


System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an


authorized dealer.


Customer Key Programming


If you have two valid Sentry Keys


, you can program


new Sentry Keys


 to the system by performing the


following procedure:


1. Cut the additional Sentry Key


 Transponder blank(s)


to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.


2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn


the ignition switch to the ON position for at least three


seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the


ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the first


key.


3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.


Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within


15 seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In


addition, the Vehicle Security Light will begin to flash.


Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and


remove the second key.


4. Insert a blank Sentry Key


 into the ignition switch.


Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within


60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound.


In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing.


To indicate that programming is complete, the Vehicle


Security Light will turn on again for three seconds and

then turn off.

The new Sentry Key


 is programmed.
 
#7 ·
The Remote

Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be programmed



during this procedure.



Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you


do not have a programmed Sentry Key



, contact your

authorized dealer for details.



NOTE:


If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized

dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the system’s



memory. This will prevent the lost key from



starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be


reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an


authorized dealer at the time of service to be


reprogrammed.


General Information


The Sentry Key


 system complies with FCC rules Part 15

and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is



subject to the following conditions:



•


This device may not cause harmful interference.

•


This device must accept any interference that may be

received, including interference that may cause undesired


operation.

 
#11 ·
I'm not sure what year daggo quoted up there but I doubt your 2000 is as complicated. It was only the second year the chip key came out.

Like Ghosthiker said, go to the dealer. My guess would be about $100 to get you set up if you have NO key. They should be able to cut you another chip key for less than that.
 
#13 ·
I'm not sure what year daggo quoted up there but I doubt your 2000 is as complicated. It was only the second year the chip key came out.

Like Ghosthiker said, go to the dealer. My guess would be about $100 to get you set up if you have NO key. They should be able to cut you another chip key for less than that.
2009. Check the manual and see what it says for 2000.
 
#15 ·
100 bucks to buy a key and have it programmed.

you can find them online, but they run about the same. some places will sell you one and come by and program it for you. that might be a cheaper option than 180 bucks. It depends on what dealership you go to and how much they feel they can make.
 
#17 ·
Sorry I'm just getting back y'all and I appreciate all the posts! My manual says, "Your vehicle *may* be equipped with the optional Sentry Key System." LOL My key actually looks like a beige or putty color, but it's definitely not one of the regular hard black plastic ones, so I'm guessing it's got a chip in it. There's a guy here who advertises himself as an "auto locksmith" so I figure I'll give him a call before I try our local dealer.... they have a reputation for ripping folks off which is why I bought the Jeep out of town in the first place. (sigh) Da*&ed if you do and da*&ed if you don't.... :) I still may have to go to them however since I don't have a PIN number.
 
#18 ·
The reason it says "may" is because the chip key was optional in 2000. I don't know when they became standard
 
#20 ·
I don't know if these new keys are as good as everyone thinks they are, I was at a 4wheel parts one day to get tires and gave the guy my keys and pointed to my jeep in the parking lot. The next thing I know is he is in a 2009 jeep next to mine so I go out to tell him that he is in the wrong jeep(I told him the green 99 and he gets in the bright red 2009) , I notice the 2009 jeep is running so I ask him if my key started that jeep, he said yes and couldn't believe it. My key opened the door also, and mine is a 99. The owner of the 2009 wasn't real happy with jeep.

Donn
 
#22 ·
Resurrecting a zombie thread...

I called my sales person about a third key for my new 2013 JKU and was quoted $300.00 for a new key!!!

Seriously??

Are there any legitimate options to get a spare key without paying usery rates for a piece of machined metal, plastic, and a simple IC chip that magically costs the same as a smartphone?
 
#27 ·
How do I program a spare key from a single Sentry because I lost one? The printed process assumes you have 2 Sentry keys to start with.
You absolutely MUST have two working keys to self-program additional keys. This is why it is so important to order a 3rd or 4th key, while you still have two working keys.

If you only have one working key, you must go to the dealer for an additional key. Expect to pay well over $100 for just one key at the dealer.

After purchasing that one key from the dealer, I would strongly suggest ordering a 3rd and/or 4th key from an internet website and programming them yourself.

This place has inexpensive transponder keys for Jeeps here:

Transponder Chip Ignition Keys for Jeep Chrysler Sale. Y164-PT

Mabar