Got an insane dealer quote yesterday to copy my SKIM enabled key, need recommendations

[AndyA]

Be careful copying a 20 something year old key:

View attachment 502282

That’s the key that’s been in my pocket vs the one the dealer cut from the vin. I thought I needed to replace the ignition cylinder again but the issue was the key

I took both my non SKIS keys to a locksmith and they scanned them with a machine that gave them the probable original pattern. They cut a new one from that pattern and it works like a new key would. Only comes out of the cylinder in the off position.

Andy

 

[Bigcanoe]

That is what I need to do. My key comes out nearly in any position!

 

[CharlesHS]

Be careful copying a 20 something year old key:

View attachment 502282

That’s the key that’s been in my pocket vs the one the dealer cut from the vin. I thought I needed to replace the ignition cylinder again but the issue was the key

I have a total of 5 grey (chipped) keys; three are dealer cut (thanks to my Jeep technician friend) and one was cut at HD and one was cut at Ace Hardware. No problems with any of them.

 

[jwilkinson01]

I have a total of 5 grey (chipped) keys; three are dealer cut (thanks to my Jeep technician friend) and one was cut at HD and one was cut at Ace Hardware. No problems with any of them.

It sounds like locksmith technology has advanced a lot since the last time I had a key copied, they used to have a machine that traced the key you gave them. My point was if I gave them the only key I had that was worn down, the new key would be just as worn down since it’s an exact copy.

 

[CharlesHS]

I didn't provide the new SKIM keys, Home Depot did and they cut and programmed them too.

When I still lived in San Diego I went to the Carmel Mountain and Mira Mesa Home Depot and both stated they could not copy programmed chip keys. I finally went to the Escondido HD and they provided the service.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

When I still lived in San Diego I went to the Carmel Mountain and Mira Mesa Home Depot and both stated they could not copy programmed chip keys. I finally went to the Escondido HD and they provided the service.

@GregBelleville West of the I-15 at 1550 W. Valley Parkway is the Escondido store I used.

 

[GregBelleville]

@GregBelleville West of the I-15 at 1550 W. Valley Parkway is the Escondido store I used.

Thanks, that's a bit of a drive for me. I think I'm going to try a locksmith first about a copy because my key is pretty worn down and it would be nice to get a new key as others have mentioned that isn't so worn down it pulls out of the ignition in any position.

 

[AndyA]

It sounds like locksmith technology has advanced a lot since the last time I had a key copied, they used to have a machine that traced the key you gave them. My point was if I gave them the only key I had that was worn down, the new key would be just as worn down since it’s an exact copy.

That is all my local Ace Hardware has - a manually operated machine that traces the old key. Andy

 

[bmcgc]

I only stop by the dealer to use the can. They are usually pretty clean.

 

[GregBelleville]

I only stop by the dealer to use the can. They are usually pretty clean.

Cheapest service they offer for sure

 

[inkedrose]

On a whim yesterday I stopped at a local Jeep dealer to ask their service department what it would cost to have a copy of my key made so I'd have a spare skim enabled key in case I ever lose the one I have or the chip craps out on me.

Anyway I was floored when they told me a key was $150 and having it programmed would be another $250 for a grand total of $400!?

So naturally I'm looking for advice from others who've recently replaced a key for more affordable options, help!

I went to make local ACE. The key and programming $80

 

[chudlet]

I had one made at the local Lowes. They had the key and the machine cut and programmed the key at the same time. $60. Took it home tested by leaving my normal keys in the house. New key worked just fine.

 

[mrblaine]

Be careful copying a 20 something year old key:

View attachment 502282

That’s the key that’s been in my pocket vs the one the dealer cut from the vin. I thought I needed to replace the ignition cylinder again but the issue was the key

Yep, we almost always cut to the VIN at the dealer for that reason. The exception is the person who keeps a newly cut key to use as a master.

 

[Rickyd]

Be careful copying a 20 something year old key:

View attachment 502282

That’s the key that’s been in my pocket vs the one the dealer cut from the vin. I thought I needed to replace the ignition cylinder again but the issue was the key

There are 4 different height tumblers if i remember correctly. When i rekeyed all my locks the same i had keys made according to the order of the tumblers since the vin was no longer a useful reference.

 

[WestCoastDan]

Just to chime in again, I used the original key and had it cloned at the locksmith mentioned above a few years ago.
I kept it in the drawer until last week.
I was having issues w/ our original key coming out of the ignition, it going into the ACC mode instead of off, etc.
So I pulled out the fresh key and ensured that it would start the Jeep, then I order one of these learning, ignition cylinder replacements:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D8BKR5M?tag=wranglerorg-20

I used the fresh key to create the new cylinder configuration, swapped it and now our ignition works like new.
I hid the old key to use as an emergency option if we ever lose our keys while out.

 

[mrblaine]

There are 4 different height tumblers if i remember correctly. When i rekeyed all my locks the same i had keys made according to the order of the tumblers since the vin was no longer a useful reference.

Which is exactly why we only cut to the VIN. Even if your tumblers are not VIN specific, we change them until the OEM issued key works.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

That is all my local Ace Hardware has - a manually operated machine that traces the old key. Andy

Our newest local ACE also has the manual operated key cutter. When I first saw it I thought I was in the Twilight Zone or something it was so new and shiny!

I will say I was kinda surprised that the lady in her early 20s who cut my (NOT for Jeep) key was able to handle doing that but she did great.

As for HD and others with the big plastic "programmable" or whatever key cutters, I've returned so many non-functioning non-skim keys that I'll never bother with them again.

 

[YJBrian]

Cut and past from an older post I made in a similar situation, had one programmed key when buying my LJ. Summary, bought extra keys from the link below, now discontinued but perhaps still available somewhere. Paid for one key to be cut and programmed at a local dealership, had to call around as the charge for this varied wildly. Had the local Ace cut the blanks, I tested them in the ignition/door locks to make sure they worked, then programmed them using the two programmed keys I had after paying the dealer's ransom. Now I have 5 keys and should never need to go back to the dealer again.



"Had only one key with my 05 LJ - Had tried to go to Ace Hardware, who said they could cut/program the key, but after talking with them, they could not (for some reason they say they can do this again now??). The catch was, the key was somewhere on the order or $80 and if miscut or did not work, it was on me.

Got another chipped key from the dealer with programming for ~$150, cheapest of the few dealers around my area. Got the correct key cut and correctly programmed at the dealer and purchased three chipped keys from Car and Truck Remotes.com Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep transponder key blank Y160-PT - Ilco brand

Talked the folks at Ace into cutting the keys for me and I programmed them following the directions from the Resources section here: SKIS (SKIM) Sentry Key Programming Now have 5 total programmed keys in case I lose any and will still have enough (two) to program additional keys unless I really goof up!

Total cost ~$200 and some time, worth it in my opinion to keep the system in place and active."