2007 Jeep Wrangler JK Build-Up 2007 Jeep Wrangler goes from Mild to Wild

Adding a New Key

From time to time we have to give the Jeep to other people (for warranty service, cleaning, valet, or just loaning it out). Giving out your entire key ring with other car keys, house keys and flash drives is not a good idea. Also, if you ever loose a key it is more expensive to get a new key made when you only have one key, due to a different (dealer only) programming process that is required. We highly recommend getting a third key as a “valet” key.

Our local dealer wanted about $60 for a blank key and $35 to program a key, the local locksmith wanted to charge $35 to program any key we brought them as well. We got the key and had it cut for less than $30 total.

The following is the process to get yourself hooked up with a spare key for minimal cost. For this write up we will be using a Rock Key that works just like a factory key with the transponder, but looks and feels better. The Rock Key has the same type of transponder built in, so everything is 100% compatible with your stock Jeep.

1. Purchase a Rock Key.
2. Get your rock key cut by a local locksmith. We prefer locksmiths over Lowe’s, Wal-Mart, etc. because they are usually better trained and if the key is cut wrong you will have to buy a new one.
3. Get two of your existing keys and your new key and hop in the Jeep.
4. Insert the first key that is already programmed into the ignition switch and turn the ignition to ON for 3-15 seconds then turn the ignition OFF and remove the key.
5. Insert the second key that is already programmed into the ignition switch and turn the ignition to ON within 15 seconds of removing the first key. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound and the key indicator light on the dash will begin to flash. Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key.
6. Insert your new key which has not been programmed yet and turn the ignition to ON within one minute of removing the last key. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound and the key indicator light will stop flashing.
7. Your new key as now been programmed and should work as a normal key.

Notes: (1) The key indicator light is a little red LED light on the far right side of the instrument cluster. (2) Our Jeep didn’t chime, but the key still programmed correctly.