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Ignition key cost?

2.1K views 9 replies 4 participants last post by  cmbusker1455  
#1 ·
I need an additional ignition key. Anyone recently get one? How much did you pay and where did you get it?
Thanks
 
#2 · (Edited)
It will depend on what kind of key you need: the more simple chip (transponder) key or the more expensive key FOB.

I can only share experience about my cheaper chip type key. I went on Ebay/internet and very carefully identified my key type and I paid just a bit more ($13 per key) to get a genuine Strattec brand vs. getting a Chinese one. I prefer to pay a little extra vs. taking a chance on poor quality. Once I got the key blanks, I had them cut at a local key shop for about $20. Because I still had two working keys, I was able to program the new keys myself following the instructions in the owners manual. It's imperative to make extra keys when you have 2 operating ones. Otherwise you have to pay big $$ to have a locksmith or dealer program them.

I "think" this is it (needs confirmation):Strattec 692352 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Y164 Y164PT Transponder Key Uncut | eBay
 
#3 ·
It will depend on what kind of key you need: the more simple chip (transponder) key or the more expensive key FOB.

I can only share experience about my cheaper chip type key. I went on Ebay/internet and very carefully identified my key type and I paid just a bit more ($13 per key) to get a genuine Strattec brand vs. getting a Chinese one. I prefer to pay a little extra vs. taking a chance on poor quality. Once I got the key blanks, I had them cut at a local key shop for about $20. Because I still had two working keys, I was able to program the new keys myself following the instructions in the owners manual. It's imperative to make extra keys when you have 2 operating ones. Otherwise you have to pay big $$ to have a locksmith or dealer program them.

I "think" this is it (needs confirmation):Strattec 692352 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Y164 Y164PT Transponder Key Uncut | eBay
I just want to replace the original key (it says" Jeep" on it and has the letter "S" on the top part of the metal) for the least expensive cost. The replacement key will need to, like the original, open the doors and start the car up. Nothing else.
I would appreciate it if you could walk me thru the steps to get it done. Thanks much.
 
#4 ·
Again, the simple blank chip keys can be purchased on the internet, about $13 each for a U.S. made Strattec (OEM, I believe). About half that for a Chinese made key. You then find a local key shop that will cut the key based off your original key. Maybe find the key shop first, because some of them will only cut their own provided keys at inflated $$ to make much more money.

AGAIN, THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN DIY PROGRAM THESE KEYS YOURSELF IS IF YOU HAVE TWO WORKING KEYS. With only one key, you have to go to the dealer or a locksmith to pay them to program your new keys.

From a previous key programming thread: https://www.jeeppatriot.com/threads/programing-chip-keys.320802/

DIY customer key programming procedure is on page 16 of the 2016 Patriot owner's manual: Found on Google https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/servicemanuals/jeep/2016-patriot.pdf

Customer Key Programming (copied from above link)
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/RUN 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/RUN 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/RUN 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. 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.
 
#7 ·
You can program keys even if you don’t have two working keys. Download the Jscan App, pay for a single vin License ($22). Then buy this Bluetooth OBD adapter on Amazon for $32 https://a.co/d/5XRZybY

You’ll be able to program your own keys and even delete old keys, the programming method is way easier than the steps method described above and you don’t need two keys to do it . The app will also let you read ALL of the dash lights / trouble codes. You can view live data from the engine and other modules (including TPMS info). You can run various tests and relearn procedures. You can access and change settings that you normally would have to go to a dealer for. It’s one of the best investments you can make as a Patriot owner.
 
#9 ·
The price of key duplication depends on its type. A regular one without a chip can be cut for $5-$10, but a key with a transponder will cost more - at a dealer $150-$300, at an auto locksmith usually $80-$150. But still, sometimes it's cheaper to buy a blank online and have it reprogrammed by a specialist.
 
#10 · (Edited)
If you have a Jeep Patriot or Compass, there’s no need to pay dealership or locksmith prices. With the Jscan App you can program your own keys, as well as delete all the keys off the system so you know the keys you program are the only ones that will work for your Jeep. The OP ended up spending $90 at a Locksmith for 1 key. For less than that same amount of money, he could have had two additional keys or more.

cost of Jscan - $22
cost of Vgate iCar Pro Bluetooth OBD - $32 https://a.co/d/5XRZybY
Cost of 2 keys on Amazon - $22 https://a.co/d/0MayNV5
Cost of getting keys cut - around $10 per key

If you want a true Jeep branded key, you can get refurbished ones on eBay for an affordable price. Like New OEM Jeep Compass Wrangler Patriot Remote Uncut Key Fob OHT692427AA | eBay Just make sure whether you buy keys on Amazon or eBay, that the number matches (number starts with OHT) For my Jeep Compass, I can use keys with both of these numbers:
OHT692713AA
OHT692427AA


The great thing about Jscan is that it does so many thing. It can read all the trouble codes/lights on the instrument cluster, it can change vehicle settings that the dealership can, it will show you live engine and other module data, and it can program keys. So your $54 investment for the app and the Vgate go so much farther than the keys.

I have always been one of those people that isn’t afraid of doing things myself and putting in the extra work to both learn and save money. However, I realize that other people don’t possess these traits.