I want to order a new set of keys, probably off the 'bay. I have read here on how to "program" the keys, but who would I take the keys to be cut for my ignition? Thanks!

 

Maybe the Stealership or an MB dealer.

 

If you want the car to be able to start from these new keys, you have to go to the dealer.

 

The key has 3 components:
1. The blade which unlocks the door and turns the ignition switch
2. The remote which unlocks/locks the door
3. A Radio Frequency ID chip which is NECESSARY to start the car

A key ordered off Ebay will not have the correct RFID chip and therefor cannot be used to start/run the car. Only a dealer can get you the right key. Programing is used only for the remote.

 

Key has to come from dealer...cost $90-140 depending. I've seen ranges and I paid $138 for a replacement key in January. You can program it easily using the forum instructions.

 

I just went through this and wound up with a key that will at the very least unlock the doors & trunk. Helpful if you lock your key inside... I ordered a key off of ebay & had to send the first one back because it was used!!! It was already cut, was worn out and rattled. They did send spare batteries & postage to make up for it.

Anyway, what it seems to boil down to is that you really do have to order the key from a dealer because there's a remote part that you can program, & there's the chip part that comes from the factory. I couldn't program my ebay key with the instructions from the forum. If you find a dealer with a good price, please let me know. I was quoted $140 for the key and $100 to program it. He even said it with a straight face.

You need to tell the locksmith you have a switchblade type key, like for a Mercedes. 2 locksmiths told me they could cut them, I drove over, but they couldn't. I finally found a mobile locksmith who did it. He said you only get one chance to cut the key correctly. He had thought he could also program it, but it was not in his book.

Good luck.

 

Thanks everyone. I will call some dealers around here tomorrow and report what I find. Thanks again!

 

Local dealer wants $316 for key replacement.
Any suggestions on where I can order one for less?

 

call 1-800-438-7423 Mark Beal he is a service manager

 

I purchased one of the FOB s with a blank key off of Ebay, went to a local locksmith and he cut the key for me. I tried the programing from here it would not work. I then went to the dealers to get the Fob programed
and they tried for about 45 minutes. They called about it and was told that the FOB was vin # related and could not be programed if it was once done before.So I now have a spare key to get in the car but thats it.

 

Thanks, but who should I say sent me?

 

Please let the rest of us know how much he's asking for a new key...

 

Bartow, Fl. Chrysler told me for $44.50 they would do it. I had a new key cut here in Tampa at a local locksmith. Nothing works on the programming so I'm going to take the car, my original key fobs and the new ebay one to them.

Service manager said they change the program in the car and all three fobs to the same thing. He told me it works. I asked him if there was a chance none of the key fobs would work and I would be stuck.

His answer..."No. They will work".

Maybe the week after Christmas I will find out.

 

Thanks FishHawk..Good to know if I ever have a problem.

 

From what I've been reading it will not work as a key to start the car. It will only work as a fob for the entry/exit security part of the fob.

hope I'm wrong.

 

In October 2007 paid $54.00 including tax for my key from the dealership, programmed the doors myself.
Part # 5099684AA

Dealership is Continental Chrysler jeep in Countryside, IL
708-354-1944 WWW.Continentalmotors.com

 

Fishhawk -
Don't waste your time with the dealership because it just simply will not work. It is not a programming issue but a hardware issue specifically you need the RFID for your car. (VIN specific) I'm not saying the service manager is lying to you he is just misinformed. Do a search and type in "fob" or "rfid" and you'll learn everything about the xfire key.
But having said that if you don't mind spending some time at the dealership go ahead and let them try reprogramming your keys. Who knows you might have stumbled on a solution to one of the biggest probmem in this forum. There's always a first for everything and it would benefit a lot of members if there is indeed a workaround to this problem. Please keep us updated.

 

I emailed the IL dealership and keys are now $143 each plus shipping plus programming. Same as in my CA dealership....

 

Can get a programmed key by mail from Park Cities Dodge . Forum member Sowardcustoms works there. He can get you a key, he needs copy of your dl and title. Last cost was 114.oo + shipping PM him.