Need New TJ Keys

[hardtopper]

My suspicion is they exceeded the total number of keys that can be programmed into the SKIM module. That pretty much explains why the two non Jeep branded keys work and the preferred one does not. I also suspect that the only fix since the keys can not be deleted from the SKIM (that I am aware of) is to replace the SKIM module, pair it to the PCM, then program the existing key and the 2 replacement Jeep brand keys to the new module.

That makes me soooo glad I don't have the Sentry key system, knowing now how poorly thought out it is behind the scenes. On other vehicles that I've dealt with immobilizers and key reprogramming, old ones just get pushed off the back so new ones can be programmed. I'll take the ease of a $2 key from the hardware store over that headache (and the ever so slight theft deterrance peace of mind) any day!

 

[mrblaine]

That makes me soooo glad I don't have the Sentry key system, knowing now how poorly thought out it is behind the scenes. On other vehicles that I've dealt with immobilizers and key reprogramming, old ones just get pushed off the back so new ones can be programmed. I'll take the ease of a $2 key from the hardware store over that headache (and the ever so slight theft deterrance peace of mind) any day!

I've said this many times, one man's trash is another man's treasure. Your ever so slight peace of mind is my extremely grateful peace of mind. We had our 04 pushed down to the end of the street, ignition jacked, and started enough times to brick the PCM which is how we discovered it the next morning. Living a scant few miles north of the Mexico border leads me to believe that without that "ever so slight" theft deterrent we would be minus a TJ with about 6000 miles on it at the time and it would have never been seen north of the border again.

You aren't going to get it without a tow truck, that's good enough for something "ever so slight".

 

[hardtopper]

I've said this many times, one man's trash is another man's treasure. Your ever so slight peace of mind is my extremely grateful peace of mind. We had our 04 pushed down to the end of the street, ignition jacked, and started enough times to brick the PCM which is how we discovered it the next morning. Living a scant few miles north of the Mexico border leads me to believe that without that "ever so slight" theft deterrent we would be minus a TJ with about 6000 miles on it at the time and it would have never been seen north of the border again.

You aren't going to get it without a tow truck, that's good enough for something "ever so slight".

In case it wasn't abundantly clear, I was speaking only for myself (note the four uses of me/I) and critiquing the designers, not your values. I grew up in a rough neighborhood, where everything got stolen, and can certainly appreciate your considerations being different than mine. If I lived somewhere where theft was such a big concern, I'd either move or not leave valuable vehicles outside. But, that's just me. I wouldn't expect other people to see their needs through my eyes. Your first statement rings very true...except that you're not taking your own advice to heart.

 

[L J]

That makes me soooo glad I don't have the Sentry key system, knowing now how poorly thought out it is behind the scenes. On other vehicles that I've dealt with immobilizers and key reprogramming, old ones just get pushed off the back so new ones can be programmed. I'll take the ease of a $2 key from the hardware store over that headache (and the ever so slight theft deterrance peace of mind) any day!

If you are losing that many keys you've got bigger problems.

 

[hardtopper]

If you are losing that many keys you've got bigger problems.

It's more likely to be a problem inherited from previous owners.

 

[L J]

It's more likely to be a problem inherited from previous owners.

Eight keys?

 

[mrblaine]

It's more likely to be a problem inherited from previous owners.

We don't actually know if that is the problem. Just a suspicion at this point. If it does turn out to be the problem, it would be the only instance I've seen in all the years I've been on Jeep related forums.

In case you overlooked it, valuable vehicles get stolen all the time in not so crime ridden areas. Sometimes even from places not at your home.

 

[hardtopper]

Eight keys?

It should be obvious from my first post that I don't have, or know much about, the Sentry system. I was only responding to the speculated limitations being an issue in this scenario.

We don't actually know if that is the problem. Just a suspicion at this point. If it does turn out to be the problem, it would be the only instance I've seen in all the years I've been on Jeep related forums.

That last point definitely lessens the concern.

 

[04TJSport4.0LV6]

Well just received an update, and they went ahead and replaced the SKIM module. I didn’t authorize that work beforehand either. Guess if that was the only solution it would have been nice to know. Now they had to order new keys, so awaiting those. Happy hump day to me, getting closer.

 

[fuse]

I've said this many times, one man's trash is another man's treasure. Your ever so slight peace of mind is my extremely grateful peace of mind. We had our 04 pushed down to the end of the street, ignition jacked, and started enough times to brick the PCM which is how we discovered it the next morning. Living a scant few miles north of the Mexico border leads me to believe that without that "ever so slight" theft deterrent we would be minus a TJ with about 6000 miles on it at the time and it would have never been seen north of the border again.

You aren't going to get it without a tow truck, that's good enough for something "ever so slight".

This thread reminds me that I really should go ahead with the SKIM install. I guess you have to find a cooperative dealer to do the programming?

 

[mrblaine]

This thread reminds me that I really should go ahead with the SKIM install. I guess you have to find a cooperative dealer to do the programming?

If you find yourself a bit north of Temecula some time, we can generally get it done.

 

[fuse]

If you find yourself a bit north of Temecula some time, we can generally get it done.

Thanks! I'll let you know if I'm in the neighborhood!

 

[gg1]

I've said this many times, one man's trash is another man's treasure. Your ever so slight peace of mind is my extremely grateful peace of mind. We had our 04 pushed down to the end of the street, ignition jacked, and started enough times to brick the PCM which is how we discovered it the next morning. Living a scant few miles north of the Mexico border leads me to believe that without that "ever so slight" theft deterrent we would be minus a TJ with about 6000 miles on it at the time and it would have never been seen north of the border again.

You aren't going to get it without a tow truck, that's good enough for something "ever so slight".

I am glad I have a chipped key. I only have ONE key which sucks and would like to get another one. Probably should call a locksmith to get a price for a second key. Not sure how much another one would cost since I have one working key???

 

[04TJSport4.0LV6]

I am glad I have a chipped key. I only have ONE key which sucks and would like to get another one. Probably should call a locksmith to get a price for a second key. Not sure how much another one would cost since I have one working key???

This dealership quoted $75 per Jeep key, and only charged one $75 programming fee. That’s why I wanted to spring for 2 keys now, plus I never had a spare. Hated they went ahead and programmed the blank keys in the first place, and didn’t mention anything when handing me the keys until I said something.

 

[mrblaine]

Well just received an update, and they went ahead and replaced the SKIM module. I didn’t authorize that work beforehand either. Guess if that was the only solution it would have been nice to know. Now they had to order new keys, so awaiting those. Happy hump day to me, getting closer.

I discussed this further with my helper. I was incorrect. The SKIM module can only store codes for 8 keys at a time. If you program a 9th key, it will roll the first one out of the memory. So, there is no need to replace the SKIM module. I don't know what they did, but if you had one working key, (verified) that means the module was functional and as such should have accepted the new keys. He suspects they attempted to program keys that were not compatible. I can't get my head around how that works since you test start each key after you program it.

 

[hardtopper]

I discussed this further with my helper. I was incorrect. The SKIM module can only store codes for 8 keys at a time. If you program a 9th key, it will roll the first one out of the memory.

I take back my earlier comments then!

 

[04TJSport4.0LV6]

I discussed this further with my helper. I was incorrect. The SKIM module can only store codes for 8 keys at a time. If you program a 9th key, it will roll the first one out of the memory. So, there is no need to replace the SKIM module. I don't know what they did, but if you had one working key, (verified) that means the module was functional and as such should have accepted the new keys. He suspects they attempted to program keys that were not compatible. I can't get my head around how that works since you test start each key after you program it.

Thank you for this..turned out to be non-issue with the SKIM. Apparently they had to open a STAR case, it was determined they had a bad batch of keys.

 

[joelachr]

Reading through the 2003 Service Manual, it appears the dealer should be able to erase all currently stored keys. I only received one chipped key with my Jeep and went to the dealer to get a second cut and programmed yesterday. They were unable to get the new key to work with my old key. If I followed their explanation correctly, they stated the new key would start the Jeep and work perfectly fine until the old key was used. Once that old key was used, the new key would start and run the Jeep, but the SKIM light would come on. Once the Jeep was turned off, any attempt to start with the new key would result in the SKIM system killing the engine. I think after that happened, they had to reprogram the new key before it would again work until the old key was used again.

 

[joelachr]

Dealership had the Jeep this morning trying to program a new key to the vehicle. They say the new key they cut and programmed will not start the vehicle more than a couple times before it fails but my old key works fine. Their solution is to replace the SKIM module which will cost $600+ and include 2 new keys cut and programmed. I'm going to take it to a local locksmith and see if they have the same trouble.

 

[T Crawford]

Find a different dealer, the dealers in my area are getting pretty dumb when it comes to the older jeeps many of the techs don’t know how to use a drb or the dealer may not have one that works, ask if they have one and someone familiar with its use