2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Key Fob Programming Guide

As an ASE-certified electrical technician and automotive locksmith, I frequently get questions about modern Jeep fobs. The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2 generation) features an advanced push-to-start proximity system. Because of modern anti-theft systems and the FCA (Stellantis) Secure Gateway Module, dealing with key fobs for this vehicle is more complex than older models. Here is your comprehensive guide to the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob.

Quick reference

Step-by-step on-board programming

If you are looking for a sequence of turning the ignition on and off, or pressing lock/unlock combinations to program a new key fob yourself, you are out of luck. The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee does NOT support DIY on-board key fob programming.

FCA (Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram) eliminated on-board programming for user safety and theft prevention years ago. Furthermore, starting in 2018, FCA introduced the Secure Gateway Module (SGW). This system acts as a firewall, meaning standard OBD-II diagnostic tools cannot even program a key without a specialized bypass cable or authorized FCA dealership credentials.

To program a new key fob, a certified locksmith or dealer must:

1. Connect an SGW bypass cable behind the radio or star connector.
2. Connect an advanced key programming tool to the OBD-II port.
3. Pull the vehicle's unique PIN code from the immobilizer module.
4. Program the new Hitag AES proximity transponder to the vehicle's computer.

Battery replacement

If your Grand Cherokee is showing a "Key Fob Battery Low" message on the dash, replacing the battery is a simple DIY task that takes only a couple of minutes.

1. Remove the emergency key: Slide the small mechanical latch on the bottom or back of the fob to release the emergency metal key blade. Pull it out.
2. Pry the shell open: Use the tip of the emergency key (or a flathead screwdriver) and insert it into the slot just beside where the emergency key sits. Gently twist to pry the two halves of the plastic shell apart.
3. Remove the old battery: Carefully pop out the old battery using a small pry tool or your fingernail. Be careful not to bend the metal contact prongs.
4. Insert the new battery: Insert a fresh CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing downward (towards the back cover).
5. Reassemble the fob: Snap the two halves of the shell back together firmly. Reinsert the emergency key.

Where to buy a replacement fob

When you need a new key, you have three primary avenues, each with its own pros and cons:

• The Dealership: This is the most straightforward but most expensive route. The dealer will supply a genuine OEM fob and program it. Expect to pay between $250 and $400 for the part and labor. The pro is that it's guaranteed to work perfectly; the con is the steep price.
• A Mobile Auto Locksmith: This is usually the best balance of cost and convenience. A locksmith can supply an OEM or high-quality aftermarket fob, cut the emergency blade on-site, and program it at your home or work. This typically costs $180 to $300 total.
• Online Retailers (Amazon/eBay): You can find aftermarket fobs online for $20 to $50. While this seems like a great deal, many locksmiths will refuse to program customer-supplied keys because they cannot guarantee the quality of the internal transponder. If it fails to program, you still owe the locksmith a programming fee.

If on-board programming isn't supported

Because on-board programming is impossible for the 2020 Grand Cherokee, you must rely on a professional. The vehicle utilizes a highly secure proximity system with an integrated transponder chip embedded on the fob's circuit board.

When factoring in your costs, remember that a professional is charging for their expensive SGW bypass equipment, software tokens, and the high-security laser key cutter required to duplicate your emergency insert blade. If you lose all your keys, the cost will increase significantly, as the locksmith will need to pick or decode the driver's door lock to generate a new key blade from scratch. Always keep a spare!

Find a mobile locksmith or shop on Repairius.