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Replacement Key Fob $620

17K views 39 replies 18 participants last post by  Hickers 
#1 ·
Hello to all

Unfortunately we lost a Key Fob a couple of months ago and really expected it to turn up around home, but alas it hasn't.

So the Jeep dealer wants $620 for a new fob that includes programming.

Wow! Might have to get a "Key Finder" on the next key ring.....
 
#5 ·
$160 to program. Dealer reckons that they can't program the US ones as they don't work.

But how would we ever really know?


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#6 ·
I had a simmilar problem with a VW key. VW wanted somthing in the region of $500, can't remember now. I bought one on ebay for $65, took it to them and they said they couldn't do it. Ended up finding a copy of the VW VAGCOM software (it happened to be in German) so I had a mates mate translate for me, and within an hour it was programmed and working.
 
#14 ·
You can get a "keyfob only" for about $240 (for 2012 GC), just ring up few dealers and quote your vin number and get a quote. The emergency uncut blade is available for like $5 on ebay however jeep au wants $80 for the blade (WTF???). Dealers can charge from $55 to $200 to program them. I don’t think the US keys works in AU (different frequency ??).
 
#16 · (Edited)
I just priced a RKE (Remote key entry) 3Btn key for an 07 Cherokee/Liberty for a customer. The dealer here wanted $534.00 for it, I also asked for the part #.
05189231AB. Google search for the same part bought me to here: 5189231AC |*TRANSMITTER | Genuine Mopar OEM Parts

As you can see it's the same part # at 1/5 of the price. Yes most Jeeps from 06 > run 433mhz for the transmitter, so the story about the "overseas ones won't work" is bull. NB: Mostly our keys don't have the Red Panic button on them. This unit includes the remote & immobilizer in a chip set and they program at the same time.
The same deal for the WK2's

RE 2014 Laredo Prox:
Recently I cut keys for the dealer and scored the part #'s for blade & prox fob. All parts in packaging showed they were ex USA.

When I rang to let them know they were ready I asked for pricing and this is what I got:

Emergency Key blade part #
68200221AA R/R $129.9 + tax

Prox Fob Part #
68143501AC R/R $ 589 + Tax

I've run those part #'s through two USA sites and they are same as used here.

See attached screen shots of pics,
I'd be ordering from the States, and get a local locksmith to cut & program.

Hint keep them in the packaging to prove you've got the genuine article and there shouldn't be any issues with them refusing to cut or program thinking they're china or ebay keys.

Hope this helps down the track

PS: Perhaps the ACCC should be investigating FCA Australia for price gouging on spare parts.
 

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#17 ·
FCA Aus have offically said they need to do something about their spares prices, as they are too high.
 
#18 ·
If you take the emergency key out of your fob the part number is written there, a quick search of my part number bought up this:

TRANSMITTER. Export. Integrated Key FOB. Receiver Modules, Keys and Key made by Chrysler. #68143501AC

Even says it's the export.

So i cannot see how the exact key you already have with the same part number cannot be used by a dealer to program to your car. It would be far more likely that they would rather earn $620 or nothing at all.

If they are charging more than the key is worth to program it that would take less than 5 minutes using a handheld computer then that is robbery enough for them isn't it, they don't even have to waste time ordering a key.
 
#21 ·
If they are charging more than the key is worth to program it that would take less than 5 minutes using a handheld computer then that is robbery enough for them isn't it, they don't even have to waste time ordering a key.
You have to understand that whether you provide the key or they procure it from the parts department the process to program it is the same: Punch VIN into the software, obtain the 4 digit pin. The dealer just doesn't plug in a hand held device. The chrysler Witech system has a router set up in the workshop. Fiat-Chrysler-Scan-Tool - Scan Tool Resource

Apart from the hardware/software they have to pay an annual licence to uses this software.
All this doesn't come cheap so they need an ROI (Return on Investment) you the customer are it. Most dealership labour rates would be $120> an hour. This is more than likely what they'll charge out to program keys.
A competent Auto locksmith probably has over $140K of gear, programmers etc, but will usually do the job at less than the dealer.

Advice: Take care of your keys, if you loose one, replace it ASAP as when the "spare" is lost and you loose your last one (a total lost key situation) just hope your insurance will cough up.
Obtain and ask for your 4 digit Pin, keep it secure. Because with out that on a weekend an Auto locksmith will not be able to get your WK2 on the road
 
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#23 ·
Unfortunately you need the dealer to programme them and they say they can't (won't) programme an imported one. Good luck if the online store can programme using your VIN. If not, for others, ensure that key fobs are included in your insurance.


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#24 ·
Beg to differ Swampy, you do not need the dealer to program.
A good auto locksmith with the gear can do it.
As per my post (two down)

Pedro, show us the link to your $40 key
 
#26 ·
Anyone know of a good auto locksmith on the upper north shore of Sydney? Both our fobs are on their last legs. They open and close the doors but the buttons have long since stopped working.
 
#27 ·
Hi Guys
I purchased two key fobs from keyfobmall.com when I had one of mine stolen. I took them to a locksmith who is able to programme them here in Perth W.A.. The problem they had was that they could unlock the doors but not authorize the starting with the start button,
Removing the cover and inserting the key fob as if using a key worked.
I have since used the cases and inserted the original internal board when my buttons stopped working when the contacts became dislodged. All work just fine. As an aside, my original one that was stolen was returned to me 18 months later.
I am driving a 70th Anniversary Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 Diesel Limited with 155,000kms. I have had it since new.
Only hassle I have experienced has been the failure of the 4WD Transfer Module that had me locked in 4WD with the message to "Service 4WD" message showing. Unplugged and plugged in a new module ($540au) and all good,
 
#29 ·
Changing the old board into a new fob sounds the way to go. It's really only the buttons that aren't working on mine. Thanks, I'll check it out.
 
#30 ·
:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
 
#35 ·
I won't need to program it. I'm only changing the case. The board is fine as far as I know.
 
#34 ·
Hello to all

Unfortunately we lost a Key Fob a couple of months ago and really expected it to turn up around home, but alas it hasn't.
So the Jeep dealer wants $620 for a new fob that includes programming.
Wow! Might have to get a "Key Finder" on the next key ring.....
$620? o_O
A few weeks after buying my GC, i proceeded to loose one one of the fobs.
The Jeep dealership's replacement for the fob alone was $217 and the emergency key was another $41.
I was out the door with a complete brand new working fob for under $260.

Was concerned if some nar-do-well found it, they could cruise parking lots and try it on every Jeep they see.
As a 'feel good' precaution i disabled the headlights turning on when the doors are remotely unlocked in set up.

Expensive tuition for a course in 'Don't Lose Your Key Fob 101'.
 
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#36 ·
The two key fob cases I ordered from keyfobmall.com arrived. The image shows one with the blank key removed. The OEM Jeep key fits right in but I'll get the blanks cut anyway. I swapped the boards over from the original fobs and they work perfectly. No programming required. Bloody good value for $50 the pare shipped.
229232

The only problem with the original fobs was that the metal contacts under the buttons just fell off for some reason.
The replacement cases can be bought in a number of button configurations. I wasn't sure about that so I ordered the ones with all the icons. It turns out that, unlike the Jeep cases, these have metal button contacts under all the buttons but not necessarily all the button icons. However, for each particular Jeep configuration, not all the buttons will necessarily work. For example, the red panic button I don't have before but it doesn't do anything in my car anyway. Apparently it's supposed to sound the car alarm so you can find it in a car park. The circle with the arrow is supposed to be the remote starter. It also doesn't do anything. There are two buttons for the tail gate and the back window. They work but I can't see the point. Didn't have them before and don't need them now.

Thanks Pedro24, I owe you one.
 
#38 ·
Keema cars in Brisbane provided 2 new keys for $600 though that was part of replacing the security system after the steering lock mechanism shorted out disabling the car! Luckily we weren’t in the middle of nowhere.
 
#39 ·
Luckily we weren’t in the middle of nowhere.
It's not like you need the steering mechanism, surely you can eventually turn by bumping off the right amount of stuff.
 
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