Lost keys, replacement tips and alternatives

[squashthefrog]

I have a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee and recently lost one of the keys. The replacement quote I have is AUD $713 for the key/fob and a further $150 to program it to the car. My biggest concern is with the cost of the key, besides being seriously over priced, why in the US the same key for the same car (with additional functionality I might add) can be purchased for $40 USD. Can someone please advise if there is an alternative to spending $800 to replace a key, which is obviously not worth $800.
Cheers. Simon.

[Shane001]

Wow, firstly, wrong section, but secondly, wow, $800 for one new key!

Bloody hell that's got to be the biggest aussie car dealer rip off yet!

[55zed]

I think you will find the US ones are on a different frequency..

[bleetnblurt]

the loss of a key is a bad thing , how do you know ?
could be in the next several days or so when some person has watched your every move decides to take it.
I have not delt with the newer models , but as it goes for others every key has a small chip inside it (moulded in) bmw ones are a small tube made of glass holding the chip . most cases one could go to a key maker and get the key you have replicated. this involves giving the key and your vin number , (if jeep have released it out yet) BUT jeep might be nasty in this and not release the code for the chip .
only way to find out is ask a key maker (lock smith)

[hsnow]

Try going to a locksmith they may be able to provide a non Jeep replacement which is a copy of the one you have. They can program it as well. It will show up as a third key not the second. This is what I did for my WG which did not come with any remotes it has worked for me. They can also duplicate the chip key. Let us know how you go. Also get the part number for the remote and chase it on the US websites and UK. UK unit may work in Australia. Good luck.

[squashthefrog]

It's impressively over priced. I spoke to a lock smith and he said that the jeep is different in that he would also have to take it to jeep, so cost will be about the same.

Also agreed that the frequency is different here in Oz, a difference which I'm guessing does not cost an additional $500???

[67HR]

Hi, and sorry to hear of your loss. I'm not sure where you live but if your'e going down the locksmith path you need to find a dedicated automotive locksmith not a firm that does your run of the mill Holden/Ford/Toyota.
The MY14 WK2's run the new Fiat immobilizer system and need specialized programming tools to do them.
These vehicles run an integrated chipset not a glass or carbon wedge like your blade keys. http://cache.nxp.com/documents/leaflet/75017275.pdf
The frequency for the remote part is 434mhz.
I purchased a SRT 5 button unit ( from china) as a spare for my Laredo, liked the idea of the SRT badge and the buttons.
I programmed this in at work and all the button's (except remote start) worked externally. Even the tail gate & panic ones. The bad side is the prox is not recognized in the cab, but will start the vehicle by pressing the start button with the fob.

The fobs are made by continental and all the numbers appear the same. I'm just waiting on new A/M software to try and enroll these again. I've no doubt the fobs are the same just a glitch in the programming as there's lots of talk on USA Locksmith forums about programming issues with these.
My fob cost $70 landed here. I'd get a part number for your fob and check it with USA suppliers. Don't forget the emergency key too. Make sure you get the 4 digit pin code from your dealer. You can't pull the code with diagnostic gear like the earlier models.


Laredo Fob on top'


On a side note I made an A/M remote flip key for an 08 Commander. Cost the customer $200 all up.