I bought some keys from a place a forum member recommended - ikeyless. Good service, prompt delivery. I bought keys for both my 2010 JK and for our '07 Town & Country.

The T&C has remote door locks, thus a key with buttons on it. The JK has no electric locks so the key is buttonless.

The key for the T&C programmed perfectly on the first try - instructions were right on, no surprises. It took me longer to walk out to the car then to program the key.

But

The process in my JK isn't working. After inserting the second key, I never get the chime that indicates that both keys were recognized and it's ready to program the new one. I've tried a few times at large intervals. I've driven the JK using both original keys to be sure they are OK. I do get the correct "flashing light" responses until time for the chime after the second key. At that point the light doesn't go out.

Is it possible that both my keys are programmed the same so the computer thinks I'm putting the same key in each time? The computer must see two different keys before it'll go into programming mode. I can't think of any other reason it would be responding this way to my two original keys.

Before you ask, yes I'm doing it right. Remember I did the T&C first and it worked just fine on the first try.

Help. Any ideas?

 

Sometimes, for no apparent reason, the self programming of a new key in a JK just doesn't work; it takes the dealer's StarScan tool.

I don't know if you are using instructions from the owner's manual or not, but here they are for you, or any other interested party.

Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid Sentry Keys, you can program
new Sentry Keys to the system by performing the
following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key Transponder blank(s)
to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.

2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn
the ignition switch to the ON position for at least three
seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the first
key.

3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within
15 seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Light will begin to flash.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and
remove the second key.

4. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within
60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound.
In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing.
To indicate that programming is complete, the Vehicle
Security Light will turn on again for three seconds and
then turn off.
The new Sentry Key is programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be programmed
during this procedure.

 

If I remember correctly, just ignore that the light won't go out and carry on as if it did.

Make sure you only have the one key in the vicinity of the column to avoid crosstalk.

I remember it being temperamental but it had worked

 

When I did mine, back in 2007, chimes and lights did not work exactly as described in the '07 Owners Manual. But the key programmed and works to this day. So, yes, just press on as if it's working and see what happens.

 

Did you try the new key?? Like others said, mine didn't go straight by the book on every key I programmed (3 in total), but they all function.

 

Yeah, I followed the procedure straight from the 2010 manual.
But
I didn't think to try the new key after I'd gone through the entire sequence. Duh.
Thanks for the idea, I'll try it tomorrow when I have to go fill with gas at $4.50 per gal.

 

holy crap. is that for the 87? I just paid $3.75 for 87 (right off the highway). I thought that sucked.

Wait until Memorial Day weekend rolls around...

 

You guys were right. The keys did program. The computer simply didn't match the instructions.
So
For anybody else who tries this, here's an edited version of the 2010 owner's manual procedure which worked for me. It's about half flying blind.

Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid Sentry Keys, you can program
new Sentry Keys to the system by performing the
following procedure:

During this procedure, be sure that all extra keys are
kept at arms length from the steering column. The
back seat is a good place to row up the keys. Don't
lose track of which key is which.

Also, at no time during this sequence do you actually
start the engine.

1. Have the additional Sentry Key blank(s) cut to
match the ignition switch lock cylinder.

2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn
the ignition switch to the ON position for at least three
seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then remove
the first key.

3. Within 15 seconds, insert the second valid key into
the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON
position. After 10 seconds, a chime MAY or MAY NOT
sound. In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will begin
to flash and will probably continue flashing as long as you
leave the second key in the ignition.

Either way, after 15 seconds or so, remove the second key.

4. Within 60 seconds, insert a blank Sentry Key into the
ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
The Vehicle Security Light will PROBABLY start flashing.
After 10 seconds, a single chime MAY or MAY NOT sound.
In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will PROBABLY NOT
stop flashing but will continue as long as you leave the new
key in the ignition.
To indicate that programming is complete, if the Vehicle
Security Light DID stop flashing, it is supposed to turn on
again for three seconds and then turn off. This probably won't
happen, but the new key has most likely been programmed
anyway.
Go for a drive to see if it works.

The new Sentry Key is programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be programmed
during this procedure.

That's it. It worked for me.

Meanwhile, I filled with gas. Lucky me, it had gone down slightly - only $4.28 per gallon. Still

 

What if I only have one valid key - can I still buy a replacement key and program it myself?

 

It takes two valid keys. Your other option is the dealer.