Programming Your 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Key Fob: A Step-by-Step Guide

Having a properly functioning key fob for your 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is essential for convenience and security. Key fobs offer remote locking and unlocking, panic buttons, and sometimes remote start functionalities, making vehicle access and security management much easier. If you’re dealing with a new key fob, a replacement, or simply need to reprogram your existing one, you might think a trip to the dealership is necessary. However, for the 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, you can actually program your key fob yourself right at home with a few simple steps. This guide will walk you through two straightforward methods to program your key fob, ensuring you regain full remote control of your Jeep.

Method A: Resynchronization and Programming

This method is a two-part process, starting with resynchronizing your transmitter and then moving into the programming sequence. Follow these steps carefully to program your 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Key Fob.

1. Resynchronize the Transmitter: Begin by pressing the [LOCK] button on your key fob five times in quick succession, with approximately 2-second intervals between each press. This step is crucial as it attempts to resynchronize the transmitter with your Jeep’s receiver. After performing this step, test your key fob to see if it’s now functioning correctly. If it is, you can discontinue the programming process. Sometimes, simple resynchronization is all that’s needed.

2. Turn Ignition to Run Position: Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “run” position. This is the position right before you would start the engine. It’s important to wait for the ignition chimes to completely stop before proceeding to the next step. This ensures the vehicle’s electronics are properly initialized for programming mode.

3. Press and Hold the UNLOCK Button (Original Transmitter): Take any of your original, working key fobs. Press and hold the [UNLOCK] button for a duration of 4 to 10 seconds. It’s important to maintain consistent pressure throughout this period.

4. Enter Programming Mode (UNLOCK and PANIC): While still holding the [UNLOCK] button, press and release the [PANIC] button for one second. Then, release both buttons simultaneously. Listen carefully for an audible chime. A chime indicates that your 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo has successfully entered transmitter programming mode. Allow up to 3 seconds for the chime to sound. This chime is your confirmation to proceed with programming.

5. Simultaneous Button Press (LOCK and UNLOCK): On the key fob you are programming, press and hold both the [LOCK] and [UNLOCK] buttons at the same time for one second, then release them.

6. Button Press and Confirmation Chime: Immediately after releasing the [LOCK] and [UNLOCK] buttons, press and release any button on the same key fob. A chime should sound again. This second chime confirms that the key fob you just operated has been successfully programmed into your system.

7. Program Additional Transmitters (Repeat Steps 5 & 6): If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat steps 5 and 6 for each of them. This is the time to program all the key fobs you want to use with your 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo.

8. Exit Programming Mode: To exit the transmitter programming mode, simply turn the ignition to the “OFF” position. The programming mode will automatically discontinue after 60 seconds if you don’t manually turn off the ignition. Ensure all transmitter programming is completed within this timeframe.

Method B: Alternative Programming Sequence

Method B provides an alternative sequence for programming your 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo key fob. If Method A does not work, or you prefer a slightly different approach, try Method B.

1. Resynchronize Transmitter (Same as Method A): As with Method A, begin by pressing the [LOCK] button five times at 2-second intervals to resynchronize the transmitter. Test the key fob functionality afterward. If it works, you are done.

2. Turn Ignition to Run Position (Same as Method A): Turn the ignition to the “run” position and wait for the chimes to stop.

3. Press and Hold UNLOCK and PANIC Buttons (Original Transmitter): Using an original, working transmitter, press and hold the [UNLOCK] button for a duration between 4 and 10 seconds. While continuously holding the [UNLOCK] button, press and release the [PANIC] button.

4. Enter Programming Mode Chime: A chime will sound to indicate that the transmitter programming mode has been successfully entered. Again, allow up to 3 seconds for the chime to be audible.

5. Program All Transmitters: Press a button on every key fob you wish to program into the system. This includes any previously programmed key fobs and any new ones you are adding. Each time a key fob is successfully programmed, a chime will sound as confirmation. Make sure to program all desired key fobs at this stage.

6. Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition to the “OFF” position to exit the transmitter programming mode. This will finalize the programming process for all the key fobs you programmed in the previous step.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter issues while programming your 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo key fob, consider these troubleshooting tips:

• Battery Check: Ensure the batteries in your key fobs are fresh and have sufficient charge. Low batteries are a common cause of programming failures. Replace the batteries and try the programming methods again.
• Timing is Key: Pay close attention to the timing in each step, especially the button press durations. Being precise with the timing is crucial for successful programming.
• Original Transmitter Requirement: Both methods typically require at least one original, working transmitter to initiate the programming sequence. If you don’t have a working original key fob, these methods might not work, and you may need to seek professional programming.
• Sentry Key System: While this guide focuses on standard key fob programming, be aware that some 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo models may have the Sentry Key system, which involves transponder chips within the key. The programming methods here are for the remote locking/unlocking functions and may not cover immobilizer chip programming if your vehicle is equipped with Sentry Key.
• Repeat the Process: If the programming is unsuccessful on the first attempt, carefully reread the steps and try again. It might take a couple of tries to get the sequence exactly right.

By following these methods, you should be able to program your 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo key fob quickly and conveniently. Enjoy the ease of remote access and the added security your functioning key fob provides!