dose my ignition key have a battery

[98Chero]

bought this 2000 grand 4 years ago... Love It ! So I went to a hardware store and got a set of keys made for it. the hardware people said its possible that the keys they sold me wouldnt work, sure enough it would open the doors but the engine would not start. my question is dose the key have a battery in it to send a signal to the security device ? and if so how long dose this battery last and what kinda problems would I have with a low battery or dead battery.

curios

 

[greg92jeepxj]

Hey brother ! Good to hear all' swell in your '98 grand ! The ignition key uses a transponder which is a micro chip just like GM used in their '90's model years . Yeah , without that chip , there will be no reference signal to the sentry system and just as you've experienced , a no start. Nice to know it's working right but either you'll have to get one made at an auto alarm installer if they do that around your way or that's a dealer item which we both know is $$. Hope that somewhere nearby for you there is a this alarm specialist shop or maybe some locksmiths are certified to vend such a key. That's the whole trick , it's got to come from someone who is licensed to sell these keys since we're trusting them with our personal info . I know that a dealer wants to see the paperwork and proper identification from the vehicle's owner so they know who their giving a key too so I would imagine the same for the alarm specialist as well as the locksmith who may vend the proper key . I know , what a hassle just to get a key made but at least your jeep is secure !

 

[98Chero]

Thanks Brother ! so the transponder in the key is battery operated ? no telling how many people are throwing money at a car, truck and Jeeps that dont start or dies while driving. The dealerships are making a killing I am sure by just making a new key for auto's that wont start, telling customers that it was the flux capacitor or head light fluid or high speed bumber bolts lol

 

[greg92jeepxj]

Your welcome sir ! To my knowledge , the transponder isn't battery operated but if your key has the large key fob built onto it , that is usually for accessories such as door locks , panic key and alarm setting. The transponder chop is like a bridge connector that completes connection for the crank mode using an intelligent code that is unique from other keys so it only works on YOUR ignition lock for security purposes. Changing the battery ( if applicable ) restores the door lock and alarm features . As long as the chip is recognized by the system , there should be no issues with starting/cranking. Yes , they're making $$ on this simple service alright . But that's the dealers job , keep,the customer happy and faithful to their product and keep gouging them as the trade off . Flux capacitor ! You just gave me an idea !

 

[98Chero]

Thank You Greg ! your spot on with your info, stopped by a Jeep dealer today (before checking here for more info) and they told me the same thing. The Jeep sends a signal to and thru the transponder or chip and it validates the info on the Key then you can start it up. Now I can rule out the key as the problem of my Jeep just dying at random times.

 

[greg92jeepxj]

Your welcome . That was some good thinking to check the sentry system . These systems are often overlooked in no starts and it is assumed the problem is fuel or spark . This is why we must always check for diagnostic trouble codes to see if there is an error from the security system . Now that the security system can be ruled out ( but always good to check to be sure ) for any future problems , it will make diagnostics that much easier. Glad it's working and the GC is doing well . Thank you for the update , it really helps when referring to any history in terms of any faults . Looks like you nailed it though when the repair was done to the fuel pump wiring harness .

 

[cougarlasch]

you can get a transponder duplicate at the home depot. i konw the one by me in dover nj does it. and there is a home depot everywhere.

 

[JPNinPA]

Fairly certain you need to take all your keys to the dealer to learn into the system. At least that is how my other vehicle works. You may find a lock smith place that will do it as well. Check several dealers as some don't charge much and some require you buy the keys from them.