War Eagle

the yellow key with a circle around a slash thru the middle is up on my idiot lights....what does it mean? something with security system, since its a 2000?
also, it died right after starting once and the light came on and now it starts and runs fine, but the light is still on...any ideas???

Fsher21

I can't find anything on it, but my owners manual has all the dummy light icons and what they mean. If you have yours, might be worth looking at.

bryanthony

My 01 xj has a key with a chip in it and if you use a key to start it that doesn't have the chip it will run for a second or two and then stop. The dash light you're asking about illuminates at this point.

War Eagle

thx for the info, but it went away now...ill check into it

jhampton

I would take it to be looked at my buddy zj did the same thing but he was out of town in the boonies and I had to tow him out to the local dealer and found out the chip in the key was going bad and it cost ithink 200 to reprogram vs 20 buck for a new aftermarket key

Mmurdock

Are you using two different keys? It doesn't happen often but the chip in the keys can go bad (sometimes after being dropped other times for no explainable reason whatso ever).

Chipped keys have been around long enough that some locksmiths can now make them (the equipment is spendy so not all of them are doing it). If you need to get a replacement call around and get price quotes. When I was looking into replacing one of my wife's car keys I found prices varied between $30-$100 per key. Replacement cost may also vary depending on how many working keys you currently have as well. In some cases working keys are used to code new keys. If you don't have a working key a special computer, which plugs into your car, is used to code new keys.

If you are down to one chipped key get a second one made soon because if your last one dies you will be stranded and a tow or locksmith house call will be a lot more than the cost of the key.

War Eagle

chipped key, never even knew they used that tech in 2000 lol

ill look into getting a spare, thanks for the info

Brent Roper

Brent Roper

Turbo X_J

Siberiana

same idiot light on my 2002 Grand Cher. Now it cranks a few times then dies. It's gotta be a key chip prob, bc my husband bought almost identical one for parts and maybe mixed up the keys lol.

dave1123

This is the SKIM or Security Key Identification Module. There is a transmitter in the ring around the key lock that sends a inquiry to the key. The key then responds by transmitting it's embedded code. If the SKIM recognizes the code, it allows you to drive the car. If not, it will start, then shut down right away. If you have the 2 original keys, one grey and the other brown, you can self program additional keys. All aftermarket keys are black. The Skim will store up to 10 key codes. Without BOTH original keys, the dealer or an equipped locksmith has to program additional keys, at a cost of between $65-$100 each. Every key has it's own code built into it and the SKIM has to be programmed to accept it. I checked with Tru Value Hardware and they will cut me a key for $65 but I have to program it myself. This was for my 2000 WJ. My 2000 XJ doesn't have a SKIM so a key cost me $6.95.

My 2000 Cherokee Sport doesn't have ABS, cruise, or a SKIM. I was told they were optional on my model and standard on the higher models

Self programming a new key is easy. Put the one original key in, turn it on, then off and remove it. Put the second original key in, turn it on, then off and remove it. Then put the new key in and turn it on, and wait. The SKIM light will begin flashing. When it goes out, the key is programmed into the module. You can do the same for more keys if you want. The trick is you have to have BOTH original keys to do this. A new SKIM module, key tumbler, and 2 new keys are available as a unit if absolutely necessary. This doesn't solve the door lock problem however.

steelybill

A few years ago, I had to buy a new blank key for my Buick. I measured the old key resistance ( so-called chip was a resistor ) And had the new on cut at a key shop....
Not sure how the Jeep keys work...