Lost your spare key fob or need an extra for your 2011 Jeep Wrangler? Programming a new key fob yourself can save you a trip and expense to the dealership. This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step process to program a new key fob for your 2011 Jeep Wrangler, directly referencing the owner’s manual procedure.
Before you begin, it’s important to understand a few key points. This procedure is designed for “blank” keys, meaning keys that have never been programmed to another vehicle. Attempting to program a used key fob from another vehicle might not work and could potentially lock your system temporarily. According to the owner’s manual, repeated unsuccessful attempts could lock the system, requiring a waiting period before you can try again with a valid key. This timeout period can range from 15 minutes to as long as 24 hours.
Here’s how to program your 2011 Jeep Wrangler key fob:
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Get Your Key Ready: First, ensure your new Sentry Key® Transponder blank is properly cut to match your Jeep’s ignition switch lock cylinder key code. This step is crucial as the mechanical key needs to turn in the ignition.
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Insert and Turn First Valid Key: Take your FIRST already programmed and working key and insert it into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. Keep it in this position for at least 3 seconds but no longer than 15 seconds. After this time, turn the ignition switch back to the LOCK position and remove the first key.
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Insert and Turn Second Valid Key: Immediately, within 15 seconds of removing the first key, insert your SECOND already programmed and working key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. After approximately 10 seconds, you will hear a chime sound. Simultaneously, the Vehicle Security Light on your dashboard will begin to flash. Once you observe these signals, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the second key.
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Program the New Blank Key: Now, within 60 seconds of removing the second valid key, insert your new, uncut blank Sentry Key® into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. After about 10 seconds, you will hear a single chime sound. The Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing. To confirm successful programming, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on again for three seconds and then turn off.
This completes the programming procedure for your 2011 Jeep Wrangler key fob. You should now test the newly programmed key to ensure it starts your vehicle and the remote functions (if applicable) are working correctly.
If you encounter any difficulties or prefer professional assistance, your local Jeep dealership can program a key fob for you. They will typically require a 4-digit code specific to your vehicle. While this code is vehicle-specific and not publicly shared for security reasons, dealership personnel are trained to access it.
By following these steps, you can successfully program a new key fob for your 2011 Jeep Wrangler, providing you with a convenient spare and saving on potential dealership costs. Always refer to your official 2011 Jeep Wrangler Owner’s Manual for the most accurate and detailed instructions.
