Spare key questions

Hokahay said:
Now tht you have two keys, it's time to get a third key and program it like the manual says. Then you have two in the bank for when you lose the next one.

I have four keys. So I I ever did lose one, ( never happened so far) there is no pressure on getting a replacement.

I can lose two before its a panic.

And I paid less for all those keys than having to pay for one 80 dollar replacement.
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Good idea! Where can I get some reasonable priced keys to program?
 
luby said:
Good idea! Where can I get some reasonable priced keys to program?
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Ebay has a whole bunch of em'. You can get original mopar keys which are quite expensive, or aftermarket, which I've had luck with.

The question is: Did the ACE guy come out and plug into your OBD connector, or did he just use your key to make a copy? If he only used your key without plugging into the OBD connector, you likely will not be able to program your own key, as your vehicle will think there is only one key as ACE "cloned" your key, ie, it's not programmed separately into the ECM.

I only had one key when I bought mine. I went to a locksmith with two blanks I got off ebay. They cut both of them for me, and programmed one of them. I only wanted them to program one so I could verify I could program my third key myself. As a side note, they also had to make a regular steel (non SKIS) key to get all this to work. After they were done, I verified their new key would start the vehicle and allow it to keep running. I was then able to program my third key myself. The price was about $50 I believe, but they didn't supply the key blanks obviously.

Let us know if you are successful programming your third key.

Edited to add: It was $65.00 with me supplying the key blank and them cutting and programming the one.
 
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hardtailpan said:
Ebay has a whole bunch of em'. You can get original mopar keys which are quite expensive, or aftermarket, which I've had luck with.

The question is: Did the ACE guy come out and plug into your OBD connector, or did he just use your key to make a copy? If he only used your key without plugging into the OBD connector, you likely will not be able to program your own key, as your vehicle will think there is only one key as ACE "cloned" your key, ie, it's not programmed separately into the ECM.

I only had one key when I bought mine. I went to a locksmith with two blanks I got off ebay. They cut both of them for me, and programmed one of them. I only wanted them to program one so I could verify I could program my third key myself. As a side note, they also had to make a regular steel (non SKIS) key to get all this to work. After they were done, I verified their new key would start the vehicle and allow it to keep running. I was then able to program my third key myself. The price was about $50 I believe, but they didn't supply the key blanks obviously.

Let us know if you are successful programming your third key.

Edited to add: It was $65.00 with me supplying the key blank and them cutting and programming the one.
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Yep he brought the new key and a non skis key outside and plugged into the Jeep OBD connector. He let me keep the non skis key. I might try using it with some of the skis bypass ideas on YouTube
 
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I have a Dakota with a SKIM key. I had a couple plain keys made, then placed the SKIM key inside the steering column, through the rubber boot on the right side and zip tied it to a wire bundle inside it.
 
I have similar issue...just bought an ‘04 but only got the one key (gray). So my question is can the dealer produce a key by referring to the VIN number? If so what is estimated cost? I recently had to order a smart key for a Ram and IIRC that was over $200! Grrrrr!
 
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rol1964 said:
I have similar issue...just bought an ‘04 but only got the one key (gray). So my question is can the dealer produce a key by referring to the VIN number? If so what is estimated cost? I recently had to order a smart key for a Ram and IIRC that was over $200! Grrrrr!
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You need to bring the jeep to the dealer, or to a locksmith, or apparently some ACE hardware stores are capable of programming it as well. They need to program the key into the ECM. As I indicated above, I picked up an aftermarket grey key off of ebay, brought it to a locksmith and they were able to cut and program it. The key was $20, and the cut and program was $65. Buy two keys so if you lose one, you will be able to program another yourself (you need two keys to program a third).
 
rol1964 said:
I have similar issue...just bought an ‘04 but only got the one key (gray). So my question is can the dealer produce a key by referring to the VIN number? If so what is estimated cost? I recently had to order a smart key for a Ram and IIRC that was over $200! Grrrrr!
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Yep I only had one key for my 2004 LJ. Got a duplicate made yesterday at ACE Hardware for $80.
He will connect to your OBD connector in your Jeep to program the new key.
I don't know that all ACE Hardware stores are created equal....but worth a try.
 
C.J. Roberts said:
I have a Dakota with a SKIM key. I had a couple plain keys made, then placed the SKIM key inside the steering column, through the rubber boot on the right side and zip tied it to a wire bundle inside it.
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Thanks! I still want to try that idea. Then if I did lose one...there would be a spare inside the column.
 
luby said:
Thanks! I still want to try that idea. Then if I did lose one...there would be a spare inside the column.
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Yeah, but since I have SKIM, I'd like to use it for what it was intended, keeping my TJ from being stolen. These TJs obviously aren't as desirable as they were when they were new, but it's nice knowing someone can't just break the ignition and drive it off. For all the hassle that it is to get a couple of keys made, if it needs to activate just once it'd be well worth it.
 
hardtailpan said:
Yeah, but since I have SKIM, I'd like to use it for what it was intended, keeping my TJ from being stolen. These TJs obviously aren't as desirable as they were when they were new, but it's nice knowing someone can't just break the ignition and drive it off. For all the hassle that it is to get a couple of keys made, if it needs to activate just once it'd be well worth it.
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If it's tricked out real nice they're still pretty desirable.

But SKIM is an old system, you can assume any experienced car booster has a dozen different ways to bypass it in about 30 seconds.
 
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WallyWest said:
If it's tricked out real nice they're still pretty desirable.

But SKIM is an old system, you can assume any experienced car booster has a dozen different ways to bypass it in about 30 seconds.
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I completely agree, I just figure that the guys with this kind of knowledge aren't targeting TJs. The guys targeting TJs at this point likely have a hammer and a screwdriver. They'll break the lock, they'll get it started, then SKIM will shut it down and they'll run off.

If someone really wants it, they're gonna get it no matter what it is.
 
hardtailpan said:
I completely agree, I just figure that the guys with this kind of knowledge aren't targeting TJs. The guys targeting TJs at this point likely have a hammer and a screwdriver. They'll break the lock, they'll get it started, then SKIM will shut it down and they'll run off.

If someone really wants it, they're gonna get it no matter what it is.
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IIRC, Jerry Bransford's first Jeep was stolen with a flatbed tow truck.
 
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C.J. Roberts said:
IIRC, Jerry Bransford's first Jeep was stolen with a flatbed tow truck.
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Exactly my point: If they really want it, its next to impossible to stop them. SKIM, in my opinion, is excellent for the average joy rider which is probably the type who will be looking to steal a 20 year old TJ. The point here is, it's better than nothing. Without it, I could steal anyones TJ in a minute or so, and I'm not an expert.
Just look to all the threads about installing a hidden kill switch. This won't stop everyone, but it'll stop the majority.
 
luby said:
Thanks for reply.
I'm getting old and lose keys more often now.
I really hate getting stranded somewhere because I lost my keys again.
Perhaps If I could get rid of that SKIM and bypass the ignition switch with a two or three
hidden SPST toggles and a push button, it would be just as secure and keyless.
I guess I got stuck on this idea because I just did the same thing to my tractor.
The keyed ignition switch kept breaking inside. After two replacements, I decided just put in a
a toggle and a push button. It's much more dependable now.
There may even be a keypad type switch available that would work.
Does anyone know if the LJ wiring diagram shows enough info to be able to remove or bypass the skim link?
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my 2011 came with 2 keys. both have electronics in them. no valet key was provided. I need a key to unlock the door and start the vehicle that won't be affected by wet environments. how can I get such a key?
 
C.J. Roberts said:
IIRC, Jerry Bransford's first Jeep was stolen with a flatbed tow truck.
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That sounds like a repo... lol

I broke the key on my 08 Impala while out of town. I had a straight key hidden under the back of the vehicle. It would not start the vehicle with the SKIM next to the column.
 
Smtwnwygrl said:
my 2011 came with 2 keys. both have electronics in them. no valet key was provided. I need a key to unlock the door and start the vehicle that won't be affected by wet environments. how can I get such a key?
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Not sure what's available for your 2011 JK.
This is a TJ forum (97-06).
 
So if my key is black it is just a regular key? My only key is black and I have the dealer installed mopar fob. I plan on removing the mopar system because I only have the 1 fob and have not been able to find a replacement. Luckily one of the members here sent me the manual. It’s just on of the many things on the to do list.
 
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