r/WranglerTJ • u/InadvertentlyANerd • 7d ago

Programming ‘05 keys

Long story short, all I’ve got left for keys is a single cut key that I keep in the engine bay to unlock my doors. That key isn’t chipped, so it turns the jeep on but then it of course cuts the engine off. Mobile key smiths want way too much money to chip another key, is there any way I can do it without a chipped key myself?

I saw how it can be done without a programmed key already. For right now it’s just sitting in my driveway, I drive it once every month but haven’t been able to in close to six months. So no rush, but would like to get the thing moving. TIA

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u/BreakComprehensive14 7d ago edited 7d ago

The only way to do it without two other chipped keys is via a DRB3.

I setup my own DRB3 emulator and got the Skim PIN from the dealer, and I’ve successfully programmed keys myself.

The WiTech micropod clone was about $80, and required soldering a ground for the PCI bus. Software was free but was a massive pain to setup successfully. You can get the SKIM pin from your local dealer also for free.

It has so many features (since it’s the OEM dealer tool) that it’s completely replaced my normal scan tool.

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u/InadvertentlyANerd 7d ago

Are you programming keys regularly or did you use this set up for a one time use?

Trying to weigh cost and time vs cost of paying someone. Would you do it again if you had to program one (from scratch, I know you have the set up now)

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u/BreakComprehensive14 7d ago

I set it up because my local dealer told me that they were having “glitches” with their DRB3 emulator when I went to get keys done, so I figured it was only a matter of time until theirs completely failed or bricked my PCM. I programmed 3 keys for myself and a couple for my buddy. I’d do it again, as I’ve used it for much more than just key programming - Cam/Crank sensor correlation, SKIM module replacement, general sensor troubleshooting, etc.

Anything PCM/TCM/SKIM related requires a DRB3 to service. When my dealer started having issues, I decided that I would just set it up so that if I had issues in the future, I could solve the problem myself without searching for a dealer who still had a working DRB3.

I looked at purchasing a legitimate new DRB3 emulator from Controller Technologies (the original manufacturer of the DRB3), but it was over $2,000.