Hi Guys,

First I promise I’ve tried to find the answer myself but couldn’t and I put in a lot of effort.

I recently bought a TJ VRX with only 1 key and 1 FOB.

I found out the key only works in the Ignition not any of the doors. So basically if the FOB dies I can’t get into the car.


I think someone has changed the Ignition barrel and neglected to mention this at point of sale!


So I’m left with several options and am unsure if some of them are possible.


Pull apart door to get the door lock barrel number and get a key cut just to get me into the car (no programing as it won’t work in ignition) But if I lose my main key I still can’t start the car.


Now here is my preferred option but I don’t know if it can be done.


But a new set of locks (boot, Doors/door handles, ignition barrel) and 2 keys from a wreckers. Take the old key and the 2 new ones to a lock smith and get the transponder code reset in the new keys to match old one.


Or failing that change locks (excluding ignition) and take the car to a dealer and get them to reset the ECU/BEM to the new keys then put in the new ignition barrel.



So my question is can the transponder in the keys be reset?

And if that cant be done Can the ECU/BEM be reprogramed to 2 new (essentially random, wont match VIN) keys?



Thanks so much guys.

Any Ideas? Please help.

I spoke to some stealerships they seem to say I cant use alternative keys.

So im assuming the Keys are coded to the ecu as opposed to the ecu recognising the code on the keys?

You could buy a second remote central locking fob off ebay, program it to the car so when the one you have now is broken, you have an alternative straight away

Your best option is to get your current key cloned or a new genuine key thus getting back to 2 keys.

While you are at it, take out your door locks and then get them re tumbled to match your existing key

You wills struggle to find a wrecker with 2 keys for a car, we get them in once in a blue moon however most people will supply a single key at the time of an accident to the tow truck driver who in turn hands it over to the auctions with that single key.

Once keys are programmed to a particular car, they can not be re coded to another

Thanks Madmagna.

Yeah its seeming like the only option. Ill call around to some locksmiths today and see if they can retubmble the drivers lock and cut a new genuine key as the current one may be too shagged to clone.