Ultimate Guide to Replacing Keys to Your Jeep


We all misplace things at times. Perhaps you are outdoors, driving your vehicle off-road. You then notice that your spare keys are missing and that you cannot find them.

There is no need to worry since this happens to many people. So you are not alone.

You will be wondering then from where you can get new keys. And equally importantly, how much they will cost you.

How Much Does a New Jeep Key Cost?

A couple of options are available if you need new keys. The good old-fashioned ignition key will cost you only $10 to $15, so it’s no big deal. Costs can go up to $250 if you go to a dealer cut and program a new key.

Hence, you should know all your available options so that you replace your keys when needed.

It should be obvious at this point that there is a pretty big range of costs involved when replacing the key. You will be wondering what choices are available to replace the keys. This will depend on your situation as well as your preferences.

Jeep Key Replacement Options

When looking for replacements, it is not just a matter of picking up your new key from a hardware store or your locksmith. You will first have to decide what kind of key you want.

Here are your options.

Ignition Key

Getting just an ignition key is quite simple. You can make spare ignition keys for all models of Jeep at any hardware store. You can try out Ace Hardware or Home Depot when you can get the job done quickly and easily.

As discussed previously, the ignition key is the cheapest option you can have when making spare keys.

To get your spare ignition, you will have to provide a master key so that it can be copied. It would be a good idea to keep a spare key for your Jeep since there is a possibility that your master key can be lost.

This is, by far, the least expensive option. You can make a spare ignition key from your local hardware store for up to $15. You should take your master key to a hardware store like Home Depot or Lowes to make your spare ignition key there.

This is the most convenient and quickest way of getting spare keys for your Jeep.

However, you should bear in mind that getting an ignition key for a newer Jeep model may not be possible. This is because a chip replacement is also required. Hence, you should check your Jeep model and year to know whether or not you can get an ignition key.

If your Jeep is one of the newer models, an ignition key may not be an option.

However, before you go over to your local hardware store to make a spare ignition, you should first confirm whether they provide key-making service in the first place.

Spare Key Fob

If you are interested in keyless entry, you may want to get a spare key fob. This is obviously going to cost more because such keys are more sophisticated.

You should call up your hardware store to find out whether or not they make key fobs. You can even check out their website to find out whether such a service is available.

If you want a spare key fob most inexpensively, here is what you can do. Place an online order for a blank key fob. When you receive the key fob, it can be locally programmed. Ace Hardware and other such hardware stores offer this service.

Making and programming the key fob at a hardware store may be cheaper than getting it from a Jeep dealership. Just to make sure, you should call up both to find out what they are charging, and based on that, you can pick who gets to make your key fob.

If you look for your options, you may be able to have this job done for under $100. If your Jeep key requires replacement, then you can call your Jeep dealer to understand your options.

Replacing the Key Fob

If you have lost your master key, your options will be more expensive.

There is a small chance that you may be able to get a replacement at Ace Hardware or Sears. But it is more likely that you will have to pay a visit to your Jeep dealership so that the job is done.

If your Jeep is relatively new, then there is a higher chance that you will have to go to your local dealership. This is because the key, as well as the key fob, are more updated and sophisticated. If you face this situation, then you may have no option besides this.

You can expect to pay an amount starting from $120 to a maximum of $250. The final cost will depend on the Jeep model you drive and the dealership rates.

This option will be the most expensive since you are replacing quite sophisticated equipment. .

Bottom Line

If you are willing to go for an ignition key and your Jeep model allows it, then your cost will be far less. But if you need to program a key fob, then the cost will be at least $100.

Mark Anders

I love my Jeep and will share my years of knowledge with you here! Stay with me and read on!

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