How do you make a spare key for your Jeep Grand Cherokee? Where can you buy and program Jeep Grand Cherokee key fobs? Why did your Jeep Grand Cherokee ignition switch stop turning and how can you get it fixed? What should you do if the actual key is broken? Mile High Locksmith is an expert Jeep Grand Cherokee locksmith company located in Colorado at four convenient locations. We have shops in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs and Loveland. We would like to share some information with you about Jeep Grand Cherokee lock and key services, as well as some other pieces of general information.

Jeep Grand Cherokee key fobs

Jeep Grand Cherokees that were made between the years 1998 and 2004 will have a key fob remote that is separate from the key itself. These key fobs are relatively inexpensive and are usually between $30 and $60. They can be found to purchase on many websites online and some of the websites we recommend include, ebay.com, amazon.com, ikeyless.com and keylessride.com. To program this fob, you will either need the help of an automotive locksmith or a Jeep dealership. You will not be able to program it yourself.

Jeep Grand Cherokees from the years 2005 to 2007 have a key fob remote that comes as one unit with the key. To program these key fobs, you will have to use an automotive locksmith or Jeep dealership as well. The cost between a locksmith company and dealership are usually different. The prices cannot be matched. The reason the prices cannot be matched is because the locksmith and the dealership use different tools and resources to cut and program the key. What we recommend you do is shop around for prices between the two.

Some Jeep Grand Cherokees from the years 2008 to 2017 will have a smart key. The smart key can be cut and programmed by an automotive locksmith company or a Jeep dealership. Again, we recommend you check around for the best price between the two.

Spare key for Jeep Grand Cherokee
Where and how to make a spare key for a Jeep Grand Cherokee all depends on what type of a key your Grand Cherokee requires. Your Jeep Grand Cherokee will have one of four different types of keys. The four different types of keys are regular keys, transponder chip keys, key fobs and smart keys. For example:

A regular key, or what we like to call an old-fashioned key has no extra features and is just a regular metal key. These keys can be copied in many neighborhood hardware stores such as, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, and even at Walmart. Your local locksmith shop will also be able to copy this key for you. Before you are heading on your way to make your key copy, call your neighborhood store to make sure they have the duplicating machine. Jeep Grand Cherokees that are from the years 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998 will have this type of key.

Starting in the year 1999 all the way until 2017, most of the Jeep keys will be transponder keys, also known as chip keys. However, sometimes we still find that until the year 2003, a Jeep Grand Cherokee can still have just a regular key. An easy way to know the difference is by looking at the color of the key head. A regular key will have a black color whereas a transponder key will have a gray color. If you do have a transponder key and want to make a copy, a hardware store will not be able to help you. You will either need to call or go to an automotive locksmith or go to a Jeep dealership to cut and program a transponder key.

Jeep Grand Cherokees from the years 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 have the transponder, (chip key), and these keys need to be programmed to your Jeep’s immobilizer. Although, between 1999 and 2003 you might have a key that does not need to be programmed. Remember, a good way to be able to tell if your transponder key has the invisible chip inside that needs to be programmed, just look at the key’s head color. A black color means it is not a transponder key, and a gray color means it does need to be programmed.

What does the transponder key do?

The transponder key has a hidden chip inside. This chip is programmed to your Jeep’s immobilizer and has a wireless connection between your key and Jeep. The immobilizer is a part of your Jeep’s security which is called an anti-theft system. In simple words, if your transponder key is not programmed to your Jeep’s immobilizer, the anti-theft system will block your gas pump. This means that you will be able to use the key to open the vehicle’s doors, turn the ignition switch and crank the engine, but the anti-theft system will not let the fuel get to the engine.
How to program a third key

(You must already have two working keys in order to program a third key).
1.Make sure you have two working keys with you and the third key you want to program already cut.
2.Insert your first old programmed key into the ignition and turn the ignition to the ON position. You will see all the dash lights come on. DO NOT start the engine.
3.Leave the key inside the ignition on the ON position for at least 3 seconds but no longer than 15 seconds.
4.Turn the ignition to the OFF position and remove the key.
5.Repeat the same exact steps with the second old programmed key. After about 10 seconds, when the second key is still in the ON position, a chime will sound.
6.Turn the ignition to the OFF position and remove the key.
7.Now you can insert the new key that has not been programmed and turn it to the ON position, but still do not start the vehicle.
8.After about 10 seconds, you will hear the chime sound.
9.Turn the ignition back to the OFF position and then turn it back to the ON position again for another 5 seconds.
10.Turn the ignition to the OFF position and remove the key.
11.Your new key has now been programmed.

You can program up to eight keys to your vehicle by repeating these steps.

Jeep Grand Cherokee key won’t turn in ignition
It is a common problem in Jeep Grand Cherokees that the ignition switch will not turn. The reason is is that these ignitions have a common problem with one of the wafers inside the ignition cylinder getting stuck. The best fix for this problem is to call a locksmith and have them re-key the ignition cylinder. Another problem that can cause the ignition to stop turning is a worn-out key. Making a key copy will not fix the problem. What we recommend is to have a locksmith company or Jeep dealership make you a new key either by your Jeep’s VIN number or by key code.
TIP: If your ignition switch is becoming harder and harder to turn or the key is getting stuck and it’s hard to pull it out, stop using this key. Call a locksmith or dealership and have them make you a new key. In many cases this will fix the problem.