Jeep Key Replacement Melbourne

Jeep keys are weird. Not in a bad way, just different to what most people expect.

If you drive a Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Cherokee, or Compass, you're probably carrying a Fobik. Not a traditional key with a blade. Not a regular remote fob. A Fobik. It's Jeep's proprietary key format, a thick, chunky fob that slots into a port on the dash. Some models have a hidden emergency blade tucked inside. Others don't bother.

The Fobik system is tied to Chrysler's Sentry Key immobiliser, which Jeep uses across most of its range. Secure? Very. Expensive to replace at the dealership? Extremely.

A Melbourne Jeep dealer will charge $500-$1,200 for a Fobik replacement. Buzz does the same job, same day, mobile to your location, for significantly less. With a 3-year warranty on parts and labour.

What's a Fobik, Anyway?

The Fobik is Chrysler/Jeep's answer to the smart key. Instead of pushing the key into an ignition barrel and turning, you slot the Fobik into a receiver on the dash and press a button to start.

It handles remote lock/unlock, boot release, and engine start all in one unit. The transponder chip communicates with the Sentry Key Immobiliser Module (SKIM) to authenticate. If the Fobik doesn't match, the Jeep doesn't start.

Why does this matter for replacement? Because you can't just copy a Fobik at a key kiosk. It needs to be programmed to your specific vehicle's SKIM module. That's a specialist job.

Jeep Key Types We Handle

Fobik keys. The standard for Grand Cherokee (WK, WK2), Cherokee (KL), Compass (MK, MP), Commander, Patriot, and Wrangler (JK). Chunky fob, slots into the dash, push-to-start.

Smart proximity keys. Newer Jeep models (Grand Cherokee WL, Wrangler JL) have moved to a more conventional proximity smart key. Keep it in your pocket, press the button on the door handle, push to start.

Standard transponder keys. Older Wranglers (TJ) and Cherokees (XJ, KJ) used a traditional metal blade with transponder chip. Turn key, start car.

Flip keys. Some Renegade and older Compass models use a flip-style key with remote buttons.

Common Jeep Models We Service

• • Grand Cherokee (WJ, WK, WK2, WL)
• • Wrangler (TJ, JK, JL)
• • Cherokee (KJ, KK, KL)
• • Compass (MK49, MP)
• • Renegade
• • Commander
• • Patriot

If Jeep sold it in Australia up to 2022, we've done the key for it.

Jeep's Niche Pricing Problem

Jeep is an interesting one for key replacement pricing. They're not quite European prestige, but they're not mainstream Japanese either. The dealer pricing sits somewhere in between, but closer to the European end than most owners expect.

A Grand Cherokee Fobik at the dealer: $700-$1,200. For a car that isn't a Mercedes or a BMW. That stings.

Part of the issue is supply. Jeep's dealer network in Australia is smaller than Toyota's or Hyundai's. Fewer dealers means less competition, which means less pressure to keep key replacement prices reasonable.

Quick Car Keys doesn't have that problem. Fair price, same technology, 3-year warranty, and Buzz comes to you. Done.

Frequently Asked Questions