OutbackOz

Hi Guys I just got myself another Cherokee a 99 Sport.... It only has One Key
My Question is are they chipped? it has no key fob .. lost..
There is no security system .... the key in my 96 Limited is not chipped? yet the key for my 2001 PT Cruiser is chipped!
easier enough to get blanks and get them cut but if they need programming that could be a bit of fun out here in the outback
thanks

dave1123

The Security Key System was an option. My 2000 XJ doesn't have it. If your key is flat without a plastic cover on top, you don't have a chipped key. Now that I think about it, my wife's 96 Caravan had a plastic covered key and no chip. All the 99 and up WJ Grands had chipped keys.

If you have a dash light that looks like a key with a circle around it and a slash thru it, it's an SKS. Be thankful you don't because they are a PITA if they go wrong. It's just wrong when you can't drive a perfectly good jeep just because the computer doesn't recognize the key!

Ralph77

My understanding is that not all Jeep are chipped.
My '00 is not.
If the key is black and the Jeep starts and drives you should be good.
Gray keys are chipped.
But there is one trick that people do.
They tape the chipped key somewhere up in the Jeep.
I believe it has to be on or near the steering column.
But even if the PO did that thinking you can still just get a regular key made and are good to go.

OutbackOz

thanks for the replies I think it is chipped its a greyish plastic topped key and I think I remember seeing the dash light I will check later

dave1123

Yeah, every jeep with the SKS comes with 2 keys that are programmed into the module so it knows they are valid. You can get more keys (up to 10 keys total)and program them yourself IF YOU HAVE BOTH ORIGINAL KEYS. Any replacement key will be black and needs to be programmed into the SKIM module so the vehicle will recognize it as being valid. If you only have a single original key, additional keys can be programmed by a dealer using a DRB scan tool. There is a special procedure you can use to do it yourself if you have both keys, but since you only have the one, there is no need to tell you how to do it, is there?

The SKIM module has a ring antenna on it that fits around the ignition switch and when a key is inserted and turned on, the module sends a signal to the key, activating it's chip which responds by sending back a coded signal. If that coded sequence is stored in the module, it will allow the engine to stay running. If it doesn't, it will shut off the fuel pump and the engine runs on residual fuel in the rail, then dies. Each key has it's own coded sequence, but that sequence must be stored in the SKIM module for it to work in your jeep. Here's where the magic comes in. The 2 original keys that come with the vehicle have a "secret" code in them so the module knows they are original. Both keys have to be inserted into the ignition to start the programming function to make additional keys. If you only have one key, the dealer can turn on the programming function with your one key and his DRB scan tool. IDK for sure because I haven't had to do it, but they tell me it costs $60 to have the dealer make a key!

SKS= Security Key System
SKIM= Security Key Identification Module.

If you ever have to buy a reman PCM, you can ask them to leave the SKIM function dormant. Then you take the SKIM out or leave it unplugged, then when you start the engine for the first time, the computer will search for the module and when it doesn't find it, will allow the engine to stay running. It's best to cut the wiring or tie it back on itself because if it gets plugged in somewhere down the line, you will again need a valid key. If you eliminate the SKIM the key light will stay on, but you can pull the bulb out of the cluster in that case.