Stopped into my local dealer today and talked to the Parts Guy...
A new key is $104 + tax ($111.54)

The cost of the key is why we got remote start. Dealer added remote start comes with 2 keys, which if bought separately would cost you $200, so its like buying two extra keys and getting the remote start for free. So now we have 4 keys, 2 with remote start and 2 without. Hopefully we will never lose a key, but if we do it is nice to have a spare. Hard to believe the price they get for keys these days.

 

A UK guy on Avenger Forums bought a UK Avenger with only one key . He checked out the price of a new key programmed for his Avenger----the UK dealer wanted £235.00 !!!!!!!!!


I could buy a nice little second hand runabout smoker for that money!! This works out at about $330.00

 

Well there are cheaper ways IF you have your two keys. Buy a programmable transponder key blank on ebay for 8 or 10 bucks and have it cut at your local hardware store. For whatever reason(s), the big boxes like HD don't like to take responsibility in cutting these fancy blanks. You can then program it yourself.
I've yet to do that as like other members here, I cheaped out even more. Since the most likely time (for me, anyway) to need a spare key is if the keys get locked in the car, I had a $.99 standard key cut. I hide that key under the car. This plain key will open my door lock just fine and it's always there if I need it at that most inopportune time and place. Even if you have plenty of transponder spares, that $.99 plain one hidden on the car is very cheap insurance. If someone, somehow discovers the key, it still won't start the car.

 

Well there are cheaper ways IF you have your two keys. Buy a programmable transponder key blank on ebay for 8 or 10 bucks and have it cut at your local hardware store. For whatever reason(s), the big boxes like HD don't like to take responsibility in cutting these fancy blanks. You can then program it yourself.

I completely agree. That's what I did for both of our vehicles. We bought blanks off of eBay for around $10/each, had our corner hardware store cut them, and then programmed them myself.

They didn't fit well in the machines at the hardware store but they turned out OK. Worst case, I would have been out $10 if it hadn't worked.

 

I think that theft deterrent key came from D-B. It has a microchip in it. If the ignition doesn't detect the chip after starting the engine, it shuts down. Handy little piece of electronic wizardry, and another little bit of kit you don't find on similarly priced vehicles. I don't think I've EVER heard of a Patriot being stolen. Don't lose your key, though...

 

I'm finally getting around to getting my 3rd key. This thread and sale gave me the push. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110629163680.

 

Well, found my missing Key....

Figures.... but now, I have an extra ;-)

 

I stumbled across these Jeep "rock" keys on ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jeep-Dodge-Rock-Key-Strattec-692960-Transponder-Tan-/170610590678?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27b92f03d6#ht_4084wt_956

If I end up getting a remote start, I will be picking one of these up.

 

Programing jeep Patriot keys:

Things You'll Need:
• Two valid Sentry keys
• Additional Sentry Key blanks cut to match a valid key
1.
Insert the first of the two valid keys into the Jeep Patriot's ignition and start the engine. Leave the engine running for five to 10 seconds, then turn the engine off and remove the first key.
2.
Within 15 seconds of removing the first key, insert the second of the two valid keys into the ignition and start the engine. You will hear a chime after 10 seconds, then the Vehicle Security Light will begin to blink. Turn the engine off and remove the second key.
3.
Insert the key you would like to program into the ignition and start the engine--this must be performed within 60 seconds of removing the second valid key. After 10 seconds, you will hear a chime and the Vehicle Security Light will stop blinking. The Security Light will return for three seconds, then turn off, indicating the programming was successful. Repeat steps 1 through 3 for each additional key you would like to program.

 

Wow is this for real? Has it been tested? That sounds really easy!

 

Who would risk jail time stealing a Patriot? LOL

I took my "smart" key apart. I glued the little computer chip to the steering column near the switch. Now I can use any cheap naked key I want.

 

If only have two keys and you loose one, you cannot program replacement keys yourself. You will have to go to Davie Locksmith and be prepared to probably pay over $150 to purchase and program another key.

 

Holy thread resurrection. :/

 

My dealer, back in '08, suggested strongly to have a spare key made before I left the dealership. That cost $50--only the key--no fob, but would have been cheap insurance if I would have lost one of the key, which surprisingly I did. I ordered a blank key with a fob from Amazon--it was about $80, and spent $30 having it cut at a professional key shop--which I felt was high, when you can get a cut key from Ace or True Value hardware for less than $10, but then they said they couldn't program it and I'd still have to take it to the dealer--so, this old computer tech gave them a lesson on the value of this forum with its step-by-step lesson on programing. You should have seen their faces! I gave them the programming instructions as a kind gesture. Never stopped to see how much they would charge the next jeep owner...

 

I got a key from ebay the remote key..i went to a Locksmith... he cut the key BUT couldn't program it to my car using his software..he tried 5x couldn't get it.what might of went wrong? is this only s dealer thing..key starts car but then shuts off..hELP

 

Yes, the dealer must program it unless you have 2 working keys, then there is a procedure for you to program new ones using them and the Jeep.