Sentry key cost

J_Minnesota · 06-03-2008, 02:18 PM

Bought my WJ used, and it only came with 1 key, and 1 key fob because the original owner lost the other set. So today I called a dealership to check on costs of the key and programming it, and was told $100. I purchased an extra keyfob on ebay, and they said they might program that for free if I purchased a key. Does the $100 price sound right to you guys? Anyone have any less expensive ways to get it done?

painted600rr · 06-03-2008, 03:12 PM

i was also quoted $100. they charge like $60 for just the key. you can find a generic brand key on ebay probably or a local shop that installs remote starts. i got my key for $7 and had the dealer program for $38

redwolf698 · 06-03-2008, 05:29 PM

I lost my keys over the weekend and it cost me $120 to get a new one up and running in Warner Robins, GA. What a nightmare!

**tsconver** · 06-03-2008, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_Minnesota

Bought my WJ used, and it only came with 1 key, and 1 key fob because the original owner lost the other set. So today I called a dealership to check on costs of the key and programming it, and was told $100. I purchased an extra keyfob on ebay, and they said they might program that for free if I purchased a key. Does the $100 price sound right to you guys? Anyone have any less expensive ways to get it done?

if you have two keys you can program it yourself. check out wjjeeps.com I think it has the process to do it. If you do not have two or any keys then a dealer has to do it with the DRB3 scantool.

**Whybu1** · 06-03-2008, 07:07 PM

The self programing requires 2 keys. If/when you ever have 2 keys buy a 3rd one and program it as insurance. The blanks are pretty cheap and well worth not having to go to the dealer for a key.

**tsconver** · 06-03-2008, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whybu1

The self programing requires 2 keys. If/when you ever have 2 keys buy a 3rd one and program it as insurance. The blanks are pretty cheap and well worth not having to go to the dealer for a key.

doh

you are right I am wrong

CMARJEEP · 06-03-2008, 08:43 PM

ebay for the keys. they are around $10 a piece on there. never buy anything you dont have to from the stealership.

GS Audio · 11-13-2008, 12:49 PM

Hey guys……I just got a 2002 Overland and have the same issue where the prior owner had just one key and remote.
Just to confirm some info…..
I can get the remotes and keys from ebay and they will work just as good as the dealer units, correct?
The local dealer said the programming was free. We'll see if that is true when I show up with 3 keys and 2 remotes to program.

If someone can let me know soon, I can buy this stuff and get this completed.
Thanks guys!

**Whybu1** · 11-13-2008, 01:35 PM

Yes the keys off E-bay work as well as the dealer ones. Never heard of a delaer programming them for free; might be only if you buy the keys/remotes frothem. I'd ask that specifically as well as ensuring they know you only have one key. Ensure they will program non-OEM keys. I can see them doing a third key for free if you have two as that is super simple.

Hope you got lucky and they will hook you up.

CMARJEEP · 11-13-2008, 01:36 PM

The stuff off ebay will work fine. Remember though you will have to get the keys off ebay cut because they come blank (obviously). If you only have one key you will have to take it to the dealer to get it programmed. If you had two originals you could do it yourself. The remote you have to take to the dealer to get programmed regardless of how many you have.

As far as it being free to program at the dealer, that may only be if you buy the keys and remotes from them. But I have heard of dealers that do it for free.

**rm2001wj** · 11-13-2008, 02:17 PM

For what you need to get done, $100 is not far wrong and you get it done without any other effort.

GS Audio · 11-13-2008, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMARJEEP

The stuff off ebay will work fine. Remember though you will have to get the keys off ebay cut because they come blank (obviously). If you only have one key you will have to take it to the dealer to get it programmed. If you had two originals you could do it yourself. The remote you have to take to the dealer to get programmed regardless of how many you have.

As far as it being free to program at the dealer, that may only be if you buy the keys and remotes from them. But I have heard of dealers that do it for free.

Yes….I specifically asked them if they would do it if I brought my own keys. I found some OEM ones on ebay (at least they look OE), so hopefully they stick to their word.

Worst case…..if its like $50 to program 3 keys and 2 remotes, I'm ok with that.

MeWJWifeZJ · 11-14-2008, 10:21 AM

I bought a sentry key from Park Chrysler Jeep in Burnsville, MN and it was $62 and they programmed it for free. I got a non sentry key cut at Home Depot just to open the doors if I lock the keys inside.

QuadraTokn · 11-14-2008, 10:27 AM

getting keys off ebay is the ONLY/best way to go.

I would let a dealership charge more than $50 to program a key.

One day I called the closest dealerships around me using the chrysler.com dealer search, and the 14th closest one programs keys and remotes for free as a courtesy!