Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a major headache, and for 2017 Jeep Renegade owners, the prospect of replacement can seem daunting. Many find themselves wondering about the most cost-effective and reliable way to get back on the road with a functional key fob. This guide dives into the real-world experience of a 2017 Jeep Renegade owner who successfully navigated the key fob replacement process, offering insights and tips for those facing the same situation.
Finding an OEM Key Fob Online: A Budget-Friendly Start
The journey to a replacement key fob often begins with price comparisons. Dealership costs for key fobs and programming can be significant, leading many to explore online options. In this case, the decision was made to purchase an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) key fob from Amazon for a considerably lower price of $70. This included an uncut emergency key, specifically the squared-off laser cut type required for the 2017 Renegade. It’s important to note that edge cut key fobs, while cheaper, are not compatible with this model year, highlighting the need for careful selection when buying online.
Dealership Programming: Navigating Potential Roadblocks
With the new OEM key fob in hand, the next step was programming. A call ahead to the local Jeep dealership confirmed they could schedule the programming service. However, upon arrival, a service technician immediately raised concerns due to the fob being purchased online. The warning was clear: there was a “high chance it won’t work,” and the programming fee of $145 would still apply regardless of success. Despite this initial skepticism, another service technician offered a more balanced perspective, stating they had seen online-purchased fobs programmed successfully before, reassuring the customer not to be overly concerned, while still confirming the non-refundable programming fee.
Adding another layer of complexity, the vehicle information – a 2017 Renegade Latitude – prompted further hesitation. The service technician mentioned that Renegades, particularly 2017 and 2018 models, are known to be “picky” about key reprogramming, unlike the earlier 2015 and 2016 models which are generally easier. Despite the uncertainty, the dealership agreed to proceed with the programming attempt.
The Programming Process: High Stakes and Unexpected Twists
The waiting period during the programming was filled with anxiety. Adding to the stress, the service technician returned with a concerning update from the shop foreman. There was a “slight chance” that attempting to program the new, “unknown history” key fob could not only fail but also potentially erase the existing, original key fob. This worst-case scenario would leave the owner with no working keys and forced to purchase a new fob from the dealership at full price – a situation no better than when they arrived.
This information seemed illogical, as the original key was already linked to the vehicle. The customer voiced this concern, pointing out that adding a key shouldn’t erase an existing one unless a mistake was made. The service technician, while acknowledging the customer’s point, reiterated the foreman’s warning and asked if they still wished to proceed.
Just as doubt peaked, the technician responsible for the programming approached to take the Jeep. Upon hearing the foreman’s cautionary tale, he expressed disbelief, stating he had programmed numerous Renegades without such issues, though admitting limited experience with the 2017 and 2018 models. He explained that increased security measures in these newer models made programming more challenging to deter theft. However, he also humorously acknowledged the possibility of this being the first instance where two fobs might be rendered useless. Despite the heightened stakes, the decision was made to proceed, hoping for a positive outcome against the odds.
Success and Relief: Two Keys Are Better Than One
After an anxious wait, the programmer emerged with a smile and a thumbs up. The OEM key fob purchased online had been successfully programmed! The process took a bit longer than usual because the technician had attempted to enable the remote start feature on the new fob, even though the original fob lacked this functionality. While the remote start didn’t work out (as expected, requiring more than just a button), the effort was appreciated. The dealership also performed a complimentary 27-point inspection during the process. Both the original and the newly programmed fobs were tested and confirmed to be fully functional.
While the emergency key cutting couldn’t be done on-site and would require sending it out, the owner opted to skip this for the time being. The immediate relief and satisfaction of having two working key fobs were paramount. The experience highlights that purchasing an OEM key fob online for a 2017 Jeep Renegade and getting it programmed at a dealership is indeed possible and can be a cost-saving solution. The initial skepticism and warnings from the dealership underscore the importance of persistence and a bit of risk-taking. With two functional keys now in hand, the question of purchasing a third as a spare is certainly a worthwhile consideration for added peace of mind.
