programming keys?

LMWatBullRun · **Posted:** Fri Jan 06, 2012 7:02 pm

My DW went to the stealership today to have a 2006 Liberty key we got on Ebay reprogrammed for our 2005 Liberty CRD.

They told her that the 2006 key could not be reprogrammed for a 2005. No reason was given, although they charged us $29 for cutting two key blanks. I was annoyed by both the apparent inability to program a key, and the price they charged for cutting two blanks.

They also offered to sell her, for $49, a valet key, which would start the engine but not open the door electronically. This seems a bit excessive, but perhaps I am stuck in the past.

Has anyone any advice on this issue?

MRausch82 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 06, 2012 7:12 pm

Is there a chip in the key? If so, it could be something with the computer... but don't know. I agree that was high to cut the key. Could probably get a decent hardware store to cut it if there is no chip that needs programming...

RJM · **Posted:** Fri Jan 06, 2012 9:59 pm

If you have two working keys, you can program it yourself.

tailfeathers · **Joined:** Fri Dec 16, 2011 7:23 pm **Posts:** 13

If the key you got on Flebay was a used key it was probably programed for the vehicle it was used with. A key that has been programed can never be reprogramed for a different vehicle. You have to start with a new key that has never been programed. You can buy new keys for the jeep for less the 10 bucks and take it to your local hardware store and have it cut to match you existing keys then you can program it yourself if you have 2 existing keys for the vehicle.
If you only have one key for your vehicle you can not program the new key yourself.
I beleive a local locksmith with the correct tools can also program the new key but you will need the 4 digit pin number for your vehicle which should be on the original invoice for the vehicle, otherwise you will have to go to a stealership and get the pin number. The stelership will require you to prove you are the current owner of the vehicle and also prove who you are , they will also charge you at least 30 bucks (maybe more depending on the stealership) for the pin number.

racertracer · **Posted:** Sat Jan 07, 2012 6:33 am

tailfeathers wrote:

You can buy new keys for the jeep for less then 10 bucks"

I see them online for $90, where do you get them for $10?

papaindigo · **Posted:** Sat Jan 07, 2012 10:15 am

Folks I've been down this road before. There are 3 key options:
1. the 4 button transmittor remote entry key (there is a fancier version of this that includes remote start but I've never seen one) - I think, but am not positive, that this came with all CRDs and I do not know if there is a difference between 2005 and 2006. Regardless, if a particular CRD has the remote entry feature then when new it came with 2 of these keys. Replacement ones can be purchased, price seems to range from $90-150 depending on source and whether the key is programmed or not, from dealer, on-line (be careful here), or at a good locksmith shop. If properly programmed these keys will remotely unlock the vehicle and start/run it without triggering the alarm.
2. chip keys with a padded looking oval gray head - the 2005 and 2006 chip keys are NOT, no way no how, the same, been there done that, no matter what any on-line vendor says or claims. It's impossible to program one of those keys to work with a vehicle of the other year. Don't ask me the specifics of the difference but the 2005 chip key "shaft" is blank while the 2006 chip key "shaft" has a small letter/symbol, I don't recall what and stoutdog's key is not currently accessible to look, stamped on the shaft near the head. Either version of the chip key can be obtained as noted above EXCEPT be extremely cautious about on-line purchase. Once programmed these keys will manually unlock the door; but doing so in my experience triggers the alarm which shuts off once the key is placed in the ignition as switched to on.
3. dumb key - if I recall a padded looking oval black head - of no use that I know of except as a hid-a-key to unlock the vehicle if you left your regular key inside. Will trigger the alarm which can only be shut of by putting a type 1 or 2, above, key in the igntion.

Programming of type 1 or 2 keys can be done by the owner, see owner's manual, if you have 2 valid (e.g. not dumb) keys or can be done by a dealer or decent locksmith. $49 for a valid programmed chip key is highish but not unreasonably so.

tailfeathers · **Joined:** Fri Dec 16, 2011 7:23 pm **Posts:** 13

Here is a chipped key on fleabay for 10.99

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHRYSLER-JEEP-G ... 45ffec2b22

Her is one for 6.50

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Transponder-Key ... 53eaeaecb3

Keys with a gray head are the chipped keys, the ones with a black head are not chipped.

If you want a chipped key with the fobb on it to unlock the doors electronicly do a search and you will find hundereds but they are a little more costly.
You can also buy just the key fob that unlocks the doors but you will need to program it for your vehicle.

There was also a guy on fleabay that claimed he could clear a programed key so it could be reprogramed, I think he wanted 20 bucks and you send him the key.

LMWatBullRun · **Posted:** Sat Jan 07, 2012 6:41 pm

RJM wrote:

If you have two working keys, you can program it yourself.

Yes, I know. Appreciate the insight, but alas, my wife's new treasure came with only one.
I suppose not everyone knows that and I should have said up front.

programming keys?

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