Disable Sentry key?

[awspence]

Ive just bought a 99 XJ, and this the car only came with one key. Ive searched on here and found info about the key system and what id have to do to get another key cut at the dealer. i personally think that this is a ripoff and this immobilizer is a feature i could live without. My basic question is this: is it possible to disable this feature without harming anything else such as keyless entry etc.? If so how involved would it be to do this? If not ill just have to live with one key and hope it never gets lost.
thanks for any help

 

[Eagle]

Do not lose that key. I had a '99 Grand Cherokee with the Sentry Key -- if I remember correctly, a replacement key runs about $200.

The Sentry Key is independent of the remote entry system, and independent of any alarm system if you have one. The Sentry Key uses a chip in the head of the key to link to some kind or receiver or proximity sensor in the steering column to disable the ignition unless the vehicle senses to correct coded key in the ignition. It was an option; my 2000 doesn't have it, and does have remote locks. The vehicle can certainly be made to function without it, but what would have to be removed or changed I couldn't begin to tell you. I'm sure it would involve removing or jumpering the proximity sensor in the steering column, but I don't know how involved that might become.

I suggest you get a factory service manual for the '99 XJ and review the wiring diagrams to see what's different about the ignition circuit when the vehicle is equipped with Sentry Key.

 

[Bryan C.]

The sentry key immobilizer system consists of 2 modules. The sentry key immobilizer module(SKIM) and the Powertrain Control Module(PCM). If you have 2 valid (previously programmed) keys, you can program up to 8 total keys without going to the dealership. The procedure is in the owners manual and is very easy to do. If you have only one key, then you need to have another key cut and programmed at the dealer. At my dealership, it costs $50 for a cut key and another $50 to have it programmed. You can disable the system if you wanted to do so. It would require you to remove or disconnect the SKIM from the steering column area and replacing the PCM with a factory fresh unit. Once the PCM has recognized the vehicle is equipped with a SKIM system, you cannot unprogram it, it will always look for the signal from the SKIM and prevent the vehicle from starting untill it receives a message over the PCI bus. Basically, if you bought the Jeep from a used car dealership, tell them they need to furnish you with another key. If you bought it from an individual, then you might be stuck going to the dealer to get another key. I have a 01 WJ that has this system and I have 4 keys programmed. I like to have spares around just in case I do lose the key. If you lose the key, you will need to have the Jeep towed to your nearest Jeep dealer so they can program a key, they must have the car there to program the key.

Long story short, get another key. It will save you money in the long run.

Bryan

 

[awspence]

thank you, i didn't think about just looking at wiring diagrams to see what i could get around. I've had haynes manuals for all my other vehicles, and they have ok wiring diagrams, but is there any other brand of manual that might be better for that sort of thing?

 

[awspence]

Ok, i replied before i saw that second message, i havent had a chance to check with my local jep dealer about prices, im away at school, but i was under the impression that it would be closer to 150 or 200 dollars. I will check and see about pricing. $100 is a lot to a college kid, but i really need a spare, and i think i might be better off to not try and tinker with the system to much and just get one made.
thank you both for helping

 

[Bryan C.]

You may also want to check with a local locksmith, I have seen a few aftermarket keys that are priced less then a factory key. Find a good locksmith and he can probably get you one. You would still need to have it programmed though. I would check around a little first if money is tight.

Bryan

 

[awspence]

found this on EBAY:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2477301093&category=40016

$22 for this and then the cost of getting it cut and programmed. I will do as suggested and talk to a few local locksmiths and see what they can do, this isnt incredibly urgent so ive got some time to shop around.

 

[JEEPZZ]

Ive just bought a 99 XJ, and this the car only came with one key. Ive searched on here and found info about the key system and what id have to do to get another key cut at the dealer.

This may sound stupid but I have to ask, are you sure you have the senty key system? Not all 99+ XJ came with them, in fact most didn't. XJ sentry keys are gray in color.

 

[awspence]

yeah i checked up on that both me and my sister have the big round gray keys for our XJ's