Ive been having some trouble lately with my 07 JKU. It doesnt do it all of the time but on occasion it will start up and die after a second or two of running. If retry it a few times it will eventually start and run fine. Someone originally mentioned that it could be the battery in the key but the battery is only a few weeks old (I replaced it after having the original problems a while back).

What else can I try or should I look at to fix it? It hasnt left me stranded anywhere yet but it is rather worry some when you cant get it to start.

 

I have seen this problem in older cherokees where the key is no longer being recognized by the anti theft system..... Maybe look into that. My cherokee has a connection problem with the chipped key sensor and when it is connected right my cherokee will start but only fun for 3-5 seconds then shut off.
Sounds similar

 

What you describe is a symptom that the wireless control module isn't recognizing the transponder in the key.

The battery in the key has nothing to do with the transponder in the key. It gets its energy from the coil that surrounds the lock.

There is a white fuse holder in the fuse box. Pull up on it to disconnect the fuse, then push it back down to reseat the fuse. This will reset the wireless control module if that's the source of the problem. Disconnecting the battery negative wire will do the same thing, but this is a lot easier.

Do you have another key to see if it behaves the same with it?

 

I do not have another key. I was going to buy one but when the dealer told me $180 i decided to skip it for now. I know there are some on ebay you can get cut and programmed for cheaper but I havent taken the time to get one yet.

 

Suggest getting the transponder key from a hardware store, mine was about $25. They cut the key, and you program it in the ignition with a method in the owners manual.

 

The method in the owner's manual requires 2 working keys to program a 3rd key.
Some locksmiths have the scanner to program a single key.

 

There is a red light on the dash that tells you when the key isn't recognized. It is unlabeled and is located next to the fuel gauge. The owner's manual explains what that light does, but basically it must go out when the Jeep is started or the Jeep will die after a second or two.

 

'forgot that little catch22 detail... another good reason to make a spare key and hide it on the jeep (while one still has two keys).

 

Thats my problem, I bought it used and it only came with one key.
I guess ill look into getting a second (and third as a spare) soon. But at the price the dealer wanted Ill push my jeep home.

 

You'll have to get your second key programmed by the dealer but you can buy spare keys for $6 on ebay. I bought some so I have extras to avoid the dealer.

As noted above, once you've got the 2nd key then you can program your own keys......up to 8 IIRC.