How To: Program a new Sentry Key to your car

[NiteHawk]

First, you have to have two keys that are already programmed to the car...

Second...this only works on US cars, dont know about Canada cars...

“CUSTOMER LEARN” MODE

This feature is only available on domestic vehicles or those which have a U.S. country code designator. This procedure requires access to at least two valid Sentry Keys. If two valid Sentry Keys are not available, Sentry Key programming will require the use of a DRB III scan tool.

The steps required to program Sentry Keys with two valid Sentry Keys follows:
(1) Obtain the blank Sentry Key(s) that need to be programmed. Cut the keys to match the ignition lock cylinder mechanical key codes.
(2) Insert one of the two valid Sentry Keys into the ignition switch and turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
(3) After the ignition switch has been in the ON position for longer than three seconds, but no more than fifteen seconds, cycle the ignition switch back to the OFF position. Replace the first valid Sentry Key in the ignition lock cylinder with the second valid Sentry Key and turn the ignition switch back to the ON position. The second valid Sentry Key must be inserted, and the ignition key to the ON position, within 15 seconds of removing the first valid Sentry key.
(4) About ten seconds after the completion of Step 3, the indicator light will start to flash and a single audible chime tone will sound to indicate that the system has entered the "Customer Learn" programming mode.
(5) Within sixty seconds of entering the "Customer Learn" programming mode, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, replace the valid Sentry Key with a blank Sentry Key transponder, and turn the ignition switch back to the ON position.
(6) About ten seconds after the completion of Step 5, a single audible chime tone will sound and the indicator light will stop flashing and stay on solid for three seconds and then turn off to indicate that the blank Sentry Key has been successfully programmed.

The SKIS will immediately exit the "Customer Learn" programming mode and the vehicle may be started using the newly programmed Sentry Key.
These steps must be completed in their entirety for each additional Sentry Key to be programmed. If any of the above steps are not completed in the given sequence, or within the allotted time, the SKIS will exit the "Customer Learn" programming mode and the programming will be unsuccessful. The SKIS will also automatically exit the "Customer Learn" programming mode if:
- It sees a non-blank Sentry Key when it should see a blank.
- If it has already programmed eight ( 8 ) valid Sentry Keys.
- If the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position for more than about fifty (50) seconds.

NOTE: If you attempt to start the vehicle while in “Customer Learn” mode (LED flashing), the vehicle will behave as though an invalid key is being used (i.e. the engine will stall after two (2) seconds of running). No faults will be logged.

NOTE: Once a Sentry Key has been programmed to a particular vehicle, it cannot be used on any other vehicle.

[Danteneon]

Good info to have

Just so folks know...the procedure is outlined in the owners manual as well.

[BlackRoseRacing]

http://forum.2gn.org/viewtopic.php?t=19757

Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 5:26 am

[biggrobb1995]

Nice write up. Thanks.

[Swordfish2Cowboy]

Isn't this information already covered in the manual that comes with the car?

[Andpto]

edit; Delete my question....




found the answer in the orignal post.......

[TheRandom1]

I wonder if I could somehow use my remote start for this since my 2nd key is hidden in a box somewhere behind my dash.

[ejclide]

you'd have to have a cut key with no transponder and then put your bypass module right next to the lock cylinder for that to work (in theory this works anyway, i think, maybe...), of course, I'm also thinking of keyless bypass. As you'd be removing your bypass, you'd be better off just pulling the key out of your bypass. I have the xpresskit xk531, so no key

[inthewerks]

Quick questions. Why do you need 2 programmed keys to do this? Cant you just use the same original key twice? What would be the problem with that?

[NiteHawk]

if you try to use the same key twice, it will exit learning mode...you have to have 2 keys that are already programmed.....

[03MaineSXT]

what if i curently only have one key and i would like to have two more?

[NiteHawk]

you would have to get the dealer to program at least 1 key for you....at which point you may as well have them do both since you're already there...

unless you know someone with a DRBIII...

[03MaineSXT]

i might my girls stepfather works for a dodge,chrysler,jeep repair shop that used to be a dealership and he told me they could but i have ran into a couple issues with being on different sides towards repairs so i naturally kinda wrote him off with his comment towards programming a key. he is a very nice guy but more of a gopher than anything. but if i were to get the keys programmed could i buy my own or should i buy them from the place to have them programmed?

[NiteHawk]

either or...most dealers wont sell you blanks though without cutting them...

[blueneo03]

mine will not go into the customer learn mode... i have two keys but one is one of the ones that looks like it was programmed from walmart or something as it is not a dodge key.. would this affect my ability to program the key by myself?