Transponder Key - DodgeIntrepid.Net Forums - Dodge Intrepid, Concorde, 300m and Eagle Vision chat

**BatCaveTrep** · 01-23-2013, 08:48 AM

Can an already programmed transponder key be reprogrammed? My ignition key cylinder's locking function is broken; key can be removed even while car is running. I've read other solutions such as strapping the old key to the SKIMM and replacing the cylinder and key with nonSKIMM, but then you have a seperate key from the doors and trunk. I haven't found anything about being able to mess with the tumblers like you can with home locks. My thought was, while at a junkyard, to pull the keys and all the lock cylinders (doors, trunk, ignition) and reprogram to my SKIMM.

***Daytrepper*** · 01-23-2013, 08:53 AM

Nope, you can only flash them once. You'd have to start over with a new blank key.

ronbiggs · 01-23-2013, 09:53 AM

Just get a new cylinder...I recently had the opposite problem when my key wouldn't turn the cylinder. Went to the dealer and got a new cylinder, which they set to work with my existing key. Pretty easy to R&R the cylinder from the column.

Wasn't cheap...maybe $100 for the cylinder + $25 to set it to the key. I might have been able to do better pricewise by going somewhere else...not sure.

More info on this thread...

http://www.dodgeintrepid.net/showthread.php?t=248695

**BatCaveTrep** · 01-23-2013, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronbiggs

Just get a new cylinder...I recently had the opposite problem when my key wouldn't turn the cylinder. Went to the dealer and got a new cylinder, which they set to work with my existing key. Pretty easy to R&R the cylinder from the column.

Wasn't cheap...maybe $100 for the cylinder + $25 to set it to the key. I might have been able to do better pricewise by going somewhere else...not sure.

More info on this thread...

http://www.dodgeintrepid.net/showthread.php?t=248695

I snagged a cylinder from the last yard run. I wonder if the dealer/locksmith can reset it to my key. I would probably buy a new one if the problem was more than a nuisance. I'll live with it, for now, while I make some calls.

300maximilien · 01-23-2013, 10:55 AM

locksmith should be able to

ronbiggs · 01-23-2013, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300maximilien

locksmith should be able to

Possibly the dealer as well. I know the charge to match the blank cylinder to the key was $25

Crash Override · 01-23-2013, 05:25 PM

When my trep had the issue of the key being removable while the engine was running it turned out to be the key not the cylinder, fortunately mine was not SKIMmed and the key was only $7 at Dodge to be cut to code, chances are your issue is the same, I don't know off the top of my head what Dodge would charge for a new SKIM key including programming but it could be worth calling them and asking. Worst case you end up with a new key cut to code and you can still get the original lock repaired by a locksmith with new wafers so both are literally like new.

tgs · 01-23-2013, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash Override

I don't know off the top of my head what Dodge would charge for a new SKIM key including programming but it could be worth calling them and asking. Worst case you end up with a new key cut to code and you can still get the original lock repaired by a locksmith with new wafers so both are literally like new.

New transponder key from the dealership is around $200.

**Adpros** · 01-23-2013, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tgs

New transponder key from the dealership is around $200.

I assume you mean for a key cut and programmed. The keys themselves aren't always that much. I think we sell a value-line version that is somewhere around $35 - $50 for a new key. Of course, cutting the pattern and programming are extra.

ronbiggs · 01-23-2013, 08:21 PM

According to the FSM you can program up to six additional blank keys into the SKIM system. You need two valid existing keys that work, as well as the blank(s) that have been cut to match the existing key. The procedure is in the FSM (I haven't checked the owners manual). So essentialy the cost would be for the new blank sentry key, and the cost to cut it. I'm sure you can get a blank key from a dealer, but there is probably a cheaper option as mentioned in the prior post.

**BatCaveTrep** · 01-23-2013, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronbiggs

Possibly the dealer as well. I know the charge to match the blank cylinder to the key was $25

I like to stay away from the dealer as much as possible. The local ones are small and love to move at their own leisurely pace; 3hrs to pull codes. I did call a few locksmiths, however none had Chrysler tumblers. One did suggest just swapping the tumblers, from old to yard-pulled cylinder, but I didn't grab the key from the yard. I just wasn't thinking and stuck it back in the trunk cylinder. If it's not one thing, it always has to be something else.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash Override

When my trep had the issue of the key being removable while the engine was running it turned out to be the key not the cylinder.

I never thought of that. Tomorrow, I'll see if I can get a regular key cut, from Lowes or dealer, and test that, since I have only the one key.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tgs

New transponder key from the dealership is around $200.

eBay.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adpros

I assume you mean for a key cut and programmed. The keys themselves aren't always that much. I think we sell a value-line version that is somewhere around $35 - $50 for a new key. Of course, cutting the pattern and programming are extra.

Since you work for a dealer, is it possible to have a valet SKIMM key cut?

gardidien · 01-23-2013, 09:42 PM

I bought a cylinder from autozone that let me change the pins around to match my current key. Took about 30 minutes start to finish. Price was about $50

**Adpros** · 01-23-2013, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BatCaveTrep

I like to stay away from the dealer as much as possible. The local ones are small and love to move at their own leisurely pace; 3hrs to pull codes. I did call a few locksmiths, however none had Chrysler tumblers. One did suggest just swapping the tumblers, from old to yard-pulled cylinder, but I didn't grab the key from the yard. I just wasn't thinking and stuck it back in the trunk cylinder. If it's not one thing, it always has to be something else.

I never thought of that. Tomorrow, I'll see if I can get a regular key cut, from Lowes or dealer, and test that, since I have only the one key.

eBay.

Since you work for a dealer, is it possible to have a valet SKIMM key cut?

A valet key doesn't have a chip so, all it would be good for would be to open the door or turn the ignition tumbler for a tow. However, if you did get a skim key cut to fit your car and, had two working keys already, I believe you could do this yourself. I haven't checked which models allow this type of feature. I assume the LH allows it but I should check the FSM to be 100 sure before trying. Thanks RonBiggs for reminding me about that.

**peva** · 01-24-2013, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BatCaveTrep

...I never thought of that. Tomorrow, I'll see if I can get a regular key cut, from Lowes or dealer, and test that, since I have only the one key.

I'm thinking the new key will be no better than the worn one it's cut from - like photocopying - the copy is always going to be a little bit worse than the original it was copied from.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gardidien

I bought a cylinder from autozone that let me change the pins around to match my current key. Took about 30 minutes start to finish. Price was about $50

Good to know!

Crash Override · 01-24-2013, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peva

I'm thinking the new key will be no better than the worn one it's cut from - like photocopying - the copy is always going to be a little bit worse than the original it was copied from.

Good to know!

That's why I said 'cut to code' it's not a copy that way.