The Chrysler Minivan Fan Club Forums banner

Key Alternative

6K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  jgbat 
#1 ·
I have a 2007 T&C and went to get a spare key. Dealer wanted $160 for a key with 3 buttons (lock, unlock and panic) plus $50 for service department to program it to my van. You've got to be kidding! $210 for a spare key??? Does anyone have an alternative? Can locksmiths do this cheaper?
 
#2 ·
Yes, but you need a quality locksmith. Some will drive to you, but a little more expensive. If we knew where you were at, some of the members might have a referral for you.
 
#3 ·
AzTraveller - I am on vacation now (FL) but I'll be home in Boston area in about 10 days. Thanks for your response. BTW, how much cheaper will a locksmith be?
 
#4 · (Edited)
BTW, how much cheaper will a locksmith be?
That depends on the locksmith.. I would not expect miracles in Boston, but maybe ~$100-$150 for the FOBkey, ~$15-$40 for regular gray chipped key (no buttons).. + programming (if you only have one key left, otherwise you can program it yourself)
Whoever programs the key for you should also erase (purge) all the old/lost keys.. and you should bring them (have on you) all the keys you have for the van..

you can also order a blank elsewhere and have the locksmith cut and program it for you... (some dealers will refuse blanks they didn't sell, but others will not..)

Note: you can not reuse a used (previously programmed) chipped key.. (it stores VIN#)
(unless you know about / can find someone with latest key tools)
 
#7 ·
If you already have TWO keys, you can buy a key for a lot less. A good lock shop can cut it to match your key. You can then program it to start your van yourself if you have TWO working keys. The instructions are on page 17 of your owners manual.

Customer Key Programming
You can program new sentry keys to the system if you
have two valid sentry keys by performing the following
procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key Transponder blank(s) to
match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch ON for at least 3 seconds but no
longer than 15 seconds. Turn the ignition switch OFF and
remove the first key.
3. Insert the second valid key and turn the ignition
switch ON within 15 seconds. After ten seconds a chime
will sound and the Theft Alarm Light will begin to flash.
Turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch ON within 60 seconds. After 10
seconds a single chime will sound. The Theft Alarm Light
will stop flashing, turn on for 3 seconds; then turn off.
The new Sentry Key has been programmed. The Keyless
Entry Transmitter will also be programmed during this
procedure. Repeat this procedure to program up to a
total of 8 keys. If you do not have a programmed sentry
key, contact your dealer for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your dealer to
have all remaining keys erased from the systems
memory. This will prevent the lost key from starting your
vehicle. The remaining keys must then be reprogrammed.
All vehicle keys must be taken to the dealer at
the time of service to be reprogrammed

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Or you can buy a key with fob for less and do the same thing.

W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem518c9f1055QQitemZ350251585621QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2008...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
 
#9 ·
If your just wanting a door key, the dealer should be able to cut you one for about $8.00. But that is just the black key. No chip. Which means if you lock your keys in the van, you can unlock the door. But be aware, the alarm will probably go off as the door lock has a transponder to the chip in the key as well. That key will not start the van. It will only get you access inside the van, albeit with a bit of noise on the side...
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top