The reasons behind replacing your jeep Wrangler’s key can be many. It can be due to a broken key, stolen key or improperly programmed key. However, it’s always a great idea to have spare pairs. Whether you need a spare one or need a replacement, you must know the total cost.
So how much does the Jeep Wrangler key replacement cost? In general, it can vary from $120 to $415. The variation is caused mainly by the variety of models of Jeep and key types. Moreover, the service that you seek to replace the key will also control the cost.
Besides, programming is a key factor in the transponder keys of the Jeep. To get the proper programming, you need to get hold of the VIN. Keep reading today’s article to know more.
Table of Contents
Jeep Wrangler Key Replacement Cost for Different Models
The key of Jeep Wrangler comes in seven models:
- OHT1130261
- OHT692713AA
- Y164-PT
- P1795/Y159
- P1794/Y157
- P1793/Y155
- P1789/Y154
Here I will discuss the replacement cost for all these models. Moreover, the price also depends on the way you get the key. Usually, there are three options:
- Dealer
- Locksmith
- Online purchase
Below I will discuss all these options for the keys mentioned above. One thing to mention is the transponder keys will require programming, whereas the non-transponder ones won’t.
1. OHT1130261
This model is a remote key fob which is an updated version of the transponder key. It has been used in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 models of the Jeep Wrangler. Let’s discuss the cost.
Dealer
- It will cost you $230 excluding the towing cost.
- The dealer will have the fob and programming code, so you won’t have to worry about that.
Locksmith
- It will cost about $345.
- This will include service fee, labor cost, price of the blank key, cutting fee and programming fee.
Online purchase
- It will cost you about $135 but the key won’t be cut or programmed.
- You will need a dealer or locksmith to make the key useable.
2. OHT692713AA
This model is a transponder key. It has been used in the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 models of the Jeep Wrangler. Let’s discuss the cost.
Dealer
- It will cost you $215 excluding the towing cost.
- The dealer will have the fob and programming code, so you won’t have to worry about that.
Locksmith
- It will cost about $285 including the service fee, labor cost, price of the blank key, cutting fee and programming fee.
Online purchase
- It will cost you about $75 but the key won’t be cut or programmed.
- You will need a dealer or locksmith to make the key useable.
3. Y164-PT
Everything regarding this model is similar to the previous one except the cost. The cost will be
- Around $180 from the dealer
- About $250 from the locksmith
- Around $40 from online
4. P1795/Y159
This model is a non-transponder key. It has been used in the 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 models of the Jeep Wrangler. Let’s discuss the cost.
Dealer
- It will cost around $50 if the dealer is provided the security code.
- However, it’s unlikely to find a dealer with the code if the car is more than 10 years old.
Locksmith
- If you take mobile service, it will cost around $35 for the service charge and $50 for labor and the key.
- If you take it from the shop of a locksmith who has the key code, it will cost around $55.
Online purchase
The uncut key will cost around $6.
5. P1794/Y157
This model is a non-transponder key. It has been used in the 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997 models of the Jeep Wrangler. Let’s discuss the cost.
Dealer
- It will cost around $45 and other conditions are similar to the previous model.
Locksmith
The cost is similar to the previous model.
Online purchase
The uncut key will cost around $2.
6. P1793/Y155
This model is a non-transponder key. It has been used in the 1993 model of the Jeep Wrangler. Let’s discuss the cost.
Dealer
It will cost around $50 and other conditions are similar to the previous model.
Locksmith
The cost is similar to the previous model.
Online purchase
The uncut key will cost around $3.
7. P1789/Y154
This model is a non-transponder key. It has been used in the 1991 and 1992 models of the Jeep Wrangler. The cost from a locksmith and online purchase is similar to the previous model. So it will cost around $45 from the dealer and other conditions are similar to the previous model.
Things to Consider Before Jeep Wrangler Key Replacement
Certain important aspects should definitely be considered before replacing the key for your Jeep such as:
- A new key can be cut if a code is available.
- Produced year of the car should be noted.
- The question of whether the ignition was real or not should be asked.
- Choosing the right key is crucial.
- Possible options where the key can be replaced such as the dealer, locksmith or online marketplace should be inspected.
- Your location and the time of day should be known.
- Generally, it has been noted that the type of key you have and the year of manufacture are the two most important factors here. It helps determine whether you need a chip key, a smart transponder, remote starting, or an ordinary key with no transponder.
- The difference in cost can be as much as $250 between new and old models due to more secured keys.
- Although the cost from a dealer and a locksmith is 85% to 90% similar, the towing cost takes the overall spending to a much higher rate.
- Furthermore, it is important to mention if the ignition cylinder has been rebuilt before. This is because it is very common in outdated cars that the key code is most probable to be ineffective.
- In such a case, the dealer will be of no help and the locksmith might cut the key.
Can VIN Be Used in Jeep Wrangler Key Replacement?
Using the VIN, a dealer or auto locksmith can enter the key code, providing code-based key swaps, which can be done quickly and easily.Â
However, you need to consider three things:
- You should keep in mind when was your car made and what type of key was provided along with it.
- A replacement Jeep key can’t be obtained from the Jeep dealership if the car is more than 10 years old. In this case, you’ll have to hire a locksmith.
- Vehicles with transponder systems and/or remote-controlled keys/fobs need to be provided with codes. As the key must be programmed, it must be programmed at the dealership or by a locksmith.
FAQs
Let’s look at some of the frequently asked questions and their answers:
How long does it take to get a new Jeep key?
This can take 20 to 60 minutes depending on the key type.
Why are key fobs so expensive?
A key fob contains advanced transmitters, codes, and programming, resulting in a higher cost as they are more difficult to duplicate and more expensive to purchase.
Bottom Line
Without keys, your Jeep Wrangler is virtually useless. So it’s very important to keep hold of the factory-provided keys with great care.
However, if you need spare keys or replacement, this article will give you all the details you need regarding costs and services.