Need new key(s)

[paulrhyan]

I recently purchased a lightly used '03 Rubicon. The owner only had one key. At the time I didn't think anything of it. I went to a local hardware store and they want $90 for a new key. The locksmith wants $115 for a new key. I can only assume that the dealer will want a king's ransom and my first born child. I'm having a fair amount of difficulty getting my head wrapped around the cost of a replacement key.

I went to amazon and found transponder keys for anywhere from $7.00 - $25.00 each. Here's my question(s):

1. Will these keys work?
2. What should I know to make sure I purchase the correct key?
3. Is the locksmith just going to charge me $80 - $100 for the programming?

Thanks.

 

[L J]

1. Will these keys work?
2. What should I know to make sure I purchase the correct key?
3. Is the locksmith just going to charge me $80 - $100 for the programming?

1. Yes, as long as they are compatible.
2. I have one MOPAR key and two ILCO Y160-PT keys (~$8.00/each)
3. probably

 

[pagrey]

If you have a grey key and only one you need the dealership or somebody with an expensive scan tool. Once you have two genuine unique keys you can make more. I always keep three so if I lose one I'm good to go. I'd go to the dealer and get a new real key so you can program more, it won't break the bank. Don't get a clone. Once you have two then buy the cheap ebay key and make a third yourself.

 

[L J]

Don't get a clone.

A quality aftermarket key is fine. mrblaine was having issues with MOPAR keys. They aren't infallible and cost ten times as much.

 

[pagrey]

All I mean by clone is you need a key with a unique id and not one that is a copy of the existing id or a clone. Hope that makes sense, this key stuff can be difficult.

 

[L J]

All I mean by clone is you need a key with a unique id and not one that is a copy of the existing id or a clone. Hope that makes sense, this key stuff can be difficult.

OK, I had no idea those were even available. I had mrblaine's helper Mike program my keys with his DRBIII when I added SKIM. I bought one MOPAR key but thought paying another $200 for two keys I'll probably never use was a bit ridiculous.