Jeep Key Fob's PSA

[RugbyRef]

When I picked up my Jeep 392 just over a month ago, the dealer did the typical walk-around showing me all of the features...blah, blah, blah. He, also, handed me two key fobs. During the walk-around, he only used one of the fob's, if I remember correctly. Fast forward - I had a 3.5 hour drive home, so I thanked him and left. The next day I went and experimented with both of the fob's and found one worked and the other did not. Both of them had the same dealer-supplied tag on them with the VIN, etc. The key fob that would not work correctly would not even lock/unlock the doors with the physical key either. Called the dealership and they said it must have gotten switched around, so I overnighted it back to them. Turns out, they could not find my other key, so they sent me a check for the cost of a new key plus programming. Very nice of them!

Called three dealer service departments close to me and all three quoted different fee's. Keep in mind that the new key is laser cut from the vendor based on VIN. Here's what I was dealing with:

Dealer #1 - $179.00 for the fob plus laser cut for the metal key. $100.00 to program it.

Dealer #2 - $199.00 for the fob, laser cut, and programming.

Dealer #3 - $179.00 for the fob. $50.00 for laser cut (this from the service manager). $100.00 to program it.

Obviously I went with dealer #2, but not without making the service manager at dealer #3 squirm a bit. I asked to see where the pricing for the laser cut came from and he hung up on me. Just so happens, the GM of that dealership and I are past rugby team members. So I called him. Apparently this has happened before with this particular service manager, so I think my friend is going to make a long-needed change in that department.

Moral of the story - MOPAR (or their vendor) cuts the keys based on the VIN. It is included in the price of the fob itself. Or...so I am led to believe.

 

[Guest862]

…but not without making the service manager at dealer #3 squirm a bit. I asked to see where the pricing for the laser cut came from and he hung up on me. Just so happens, the GM of that dealership and I are past rugby team members. So I called him. Apparently this has happened before with this particular service manager, so I think my friend is going to make a long-needed change in that department.

Get ‘em

 

[stumblinhorse]

When I picked up my Jeep 392 just over a month ago, the dealer did the typical walk-around showing me all of the features...blah, blah, blah. He, also, handed me two key fobs. During the walk-around, he only used one of the fob's, if I remember correctly. Fast forward - I had a 3.5 hour drive home, so I thanked him and left. The next day I went and experimented with both of the fob's and found one worked and the other did not. Both of them had the same dealer-supplied tag on them with the VIN, etc. The key fob that would not work correctly would not even lock/unlock the doors with the physical key either. Called the dealership and they said it must have gotten switched around, so I overnighted it back to them. Turns out, they could not find my other key, so they sent me a check for the cost of a new key plus programming. Very nice of them!

Called three dealer service departments close to me and all three quoted different fee's. Keep in mind that the new key is laser cut from the vendor based on VIN. Here's what I was dealing with:

Dealer #1 - $179.00 for the fob plus laser cut for the metal key. $100.00 to program it.

Dealer #2 - $199.00 for the fob, laser cut, and programming.

Dealer #3 - $179.00 for the fob. $50.00 for laser cut (this from the service manager). $100.00 to program it.

Obviously I went with dealer #2, but not without making the service manager at dealer #3 squirm a bit. I asked to see where the pricing for the laser cut came from and he hung up on me. Just so happens, the GM of that dealership and I are past rugby team members. So I called him. Apparently this has happened before with this particular service manager, so I think my friend is going to make a long-needed change in that department.

Moral of the story - MOPAR (or their vendor) cuts the keys based on the VIN. It is included in the price of the fob itself. Or...so I am led to believe.

Going thru the same thing. But it is much much higher.

dealer 1 - $250 for the fob, 1 day at the dealer to program with appointments 6 weeks out $150 to program. Must be specially ordered for my Vin.

Dealer 2 - $300 for the fob, just call ahead to program takes only a few minutes $100 to program. Order the key for the Vin.

dealer 3 - $250 for the key, $100 service appointment to program, but I can wait for the work. key fobs in stock cut them on site.

it is crazy. All these dealers are 2-4 hours from me, so it is an investment of time.

 

[RugbyRef]

Going thru the same thing. But it is much much higher.

dealer 1 - $250 for the fob, 1 day at the dealer to program with appointments 6 weeks out $150 to program. Must be specially ordered for my Vin.

Dealer 2 - $300 for the fob, just call ahead to program takes only a few minutes $100 to program. Order the key for the Vin.

dealer 3 - $250 for the key, $100 service appointment to program, but I can wait for the work. key fobs in stock cut them on site.

it is crazy. All these dealers are 2-4 hours from me, so it is an investment of time.

If you would like, I could check into dealer #2 for you (where I ended up going). They have a pretty good crew there. BTW - any of the MOPAR Parts Online I checked all quote about the same price for the key.

Let me know!

Tim

 

[stumblinhorse]

If you would like, I could check into dealer #2 for you (where I ended up going). They have a pretty good crew there. BTW - any of the MOPAR Parts Online I checked all quote about the same price for the key.

Let me know!

Tim

I asked if I could bring a key, all three said they wouldn’t guarantee the work if they didn’t provide the key…

 

[Viking Jeeper]

One of the well known members here posted a great review of aftermarket smaller FOB's. Some of them did not include the backup key. There are times just running around town I would be willing to risk not having the backup key in exchange for a smaller FOB. I have been considering getting a FOB without cutting the key then putting the electronics in the aftermarket casing, making a third FOB that is smaller. Thoughts?

 

[stumblinhorse]

One of the well known members here posted a great review of aftermarket smaller FOB's. Some of them did not include the backup key. There are times just running around town I would be willing to risk not having the backup key in exchange for a smaller FOB. I have been considering getting a FOB without cutting the key then putting the electronics in the aftermarket casing, making a third FOB that is smaller. Thoughts?

Fob is same cost cut or not cut…

 

[Turboencabulator]

I swapped my 2nd key fob for a smaller key fob and I put the backup key in my wallet. It is super thin and small once you remove the hinge part off the end. I actually forgot it’s in my wallet, hopefully I’ll remember if my key fob battery dies
Since I cannibalized one of my two original key fobs for the parts for my Threedom Model M mini fob, I find myself in need a new spare Jeep Key (or two). I’m going to add the MOPAR Max Care factory warranty that includes 3 replacement key fobs up to $600. Just wanted to share that key replacement option.

 

[RugbyRef]

I swapped my 2nd key fob for a smaller key fob and I put the backup key in my wallet. It is super thin and small once you remove the hinge part off the end. I actually forgot it’s in my wallet, hopefully I’ll remember if my key fob battery dies
Since I cannibalized one of my two original key fobs for the parts for my Threedom Model M mini fob, I find myself in need a new spare Jeep Key (or two). I’m going to add the MOPAR Max Care factory warranty that includes 3 replacement key fobs up to $600. Just wanted to share that key replacement option.

Thanks for posting @Turboencabulator! I forgot you had posted something about the Threedom key about a week ago.

 

[stumblinhorse]

@RugbyRef did you get this taken Care of? It is even worse for me now that I am about to do it. I think they read this thread Now every dealer is $275 for the uncut key and $100 to cut and program from the service department. All 3 dealers within 150 miles from me say the same thing.

 

[RugbyRef]

@RugbyRef did you get this taken Care of? It is even worse for me now that I am about to do it. I think they read this thread Now every dealer is $275 for the uncut key and $100 to cut and program from the service department. All 3 dealers within 150 miles from me say the same thing.

I sure did! Shall I check with my contact in the parts department and see if they will still honor the same price I received for you?

Tim

 

[Viking Jeeper]

Are the FOBs user programable? I only ask because in the 97-06 TJs if you had two keys you could program more.

I just called local dealer, they said the FOB would arrive cut for $179 and charge $80 to program.

I'd like to save on the key cutting service as I plan to use a third FOB in the aftermarket cases @Turboencabulator did his great review on. I would use the smallest one, without the metal key, only on local runs. If I am going far my habit has always been to take both sets of keys for whatever vehicle I am driving so then I would have a physical key if needed.

 

[stumblinhorse]

I sure did! Shall I check with my contact in the parts department and see if they will still honor the same price I received for you?

Tim

if I can get the key already cut and then take it to get programmed that would be great. I can call your person and order it a maybe they ship to me?

 

[stumblinhorse]

Are the FOBs user programable? I only ask because in the 97-06 TJs if you had two keys you could program more.

I just called local dealer, they said the FOB would arrive cut for $179 and charge $80 to program.

I'd like to save on the key cutting service as I plan to use a third FOB in the aftermarket cases @Turboencabulator did his great review on. I would use the smallest one, without the metal key, only on local runs. If I am going far my habit has always been to take both sets of keys for whatever vehicle I am driving so then I would have a physical key if needed.

Not sure, but even the jk would allow a third key to be user programmed if you had 2.

 

[stumblinhorse]

Called a dealer 2 hours away. $179 uncut, $70 to cut and programming. going that route.
Other dealers that are marking up 80% are autonation Golden CO and groove Silverthorne, CO….

 

[Viking Jeeper]

The parts guy at my dealer (close dealer but not where I purchased) said it comes to them cut, just needs to be programmed.

 

[RugbyRef]

if I can get the key already cut and then take it to get programmed that would be great. I can call your person and order it a maybe they ship to me?

Just PM'd you.

 

[stumblinhorse]

Got my second key today! $264 out the door. Strange the huge difference in price between dealers. But couldn’t be happier. Got to drive the 392 200 miles today. Over 2 mountain passes and through snow and ice. It really is a fun vehicle and handles really well with 35s. 18mpg also. Topped out at about 10k feet above sea level on rabbit ears pass. Snow is still 5 feet deep there. Only 3 feet deep here!

 

[Viking Jeeper]

I can't imagine seeing 18 mpg but over the years I have had some of my best MPGs driving in the mountains even when I am going up and down in the same tank.

 

[stumblinhorse]

I can't imagine seeing 18 mpg but over the years I have had some of my best MPGs driving in the mountains even when I am going up and down in the same tank.

Got 18.5 here From the dealer 500 miles from Texas at sea level to 8000 ft where I live…. It is a hybrid. Where’s my $7500 tax credit!!!