Losing or having a key fob stolen is always a stressful situation. For Jeep Wrangler owners, this can quickly turn into a complex problem, as one owner recently discovered. This story begins with a used 2015 Wrangler 4DR hardtop, purchased with only one original key fob. This key fob, a standard three-button model for lock, unlock, and panic, was unfortunately stolen from a locked garage months later.
Seeking a quick solution, the owner contacted a locksmith for replacements. However, this is where the trouble began. Instead of providing identical replacements, the locksmith supplied different key fobs, featuring an additional remote hatch button – a feature not on the original.
The replacement key fobs, while functional, were not the same as the original. Almost immediately after the new fobs were programmed, a new problem arose: intermittent car alarm activation. This issue persisted daily. Communication with the locksmith became difficult and unhelpful, with defensive responses and even threats when the owner questioned the service and the non-original key fobs. Suspecting the new key fobs might be the cause, the owner removed the battery from one of them, and the alarm issues temporarily ceased.
Further complicating matters, the remaining “new” key fob began to malfunction. Initially, it would only lock and unlock the doors intermittently. Eventually, it stopped working altogether. Despite attempts to resolve the issue with the locksmith company, the owner was met with delays and ultimately, a rejection of their claim due to timing.
This series of unfortunate events leads to a crucial question: Could purchasing two original-style key fobs, like the one initially linked, and attempting to reprogram them using the existing “new” key fobs be a viable solution? The owner is understandably hesitant to go to a dealership immediately, especially after the negative experience with the locksmith and the potential cost involved. Exploring a do-it-yourself fix with original key fobs seems like a worthwhile first step.
The core concern revolves around the compatibility of different key fob types and whether the programming from the locksmith, using non-original fobs, will prevent the successful reprogramming of new, original key fobs. Is it possible that the “wrong” fobs are indeed the root cause of the ongoing problems? And can reverting to the intended, original key fob design resolve these issues and provide reliable keyless entry for this Jeep Wrangler? This Jeep owner is hoping a relatively inexpensive key fob replacement might be the answer, avoiding more costly and complex solutions.
