I'm Leo. I cut and program Jeep keys at your vehicle — Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, Gladiator, Compass, Renegade, and Wagoneer. The 2018+ Security Gateway (SGW) lockdown that turns away most aftermarket locksmiths isn't a barrier here — I have dealer-level access and the common blanks on hand (rarer ones I order in). Driving a Ram, Dodge, or Chrysler? See that page →
25 years of Stellantis key tech
Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep / Ram (and now also Pacifica and Voyager) have moved through five generations of immobilizer technology since the late 1990s. Knowing which generation your vehicle uses tells you what blank fits, what programming flow applies, and whether the dreaded 2018+ Security Gateway is in play.
Gen 1 · 1998–2004
Sentry Key Immobilizer Module
First-generation transponder system. Older Caravans, Wranglers (TJ), Cherokees (XJ/WJ), Ram trucks of this era. Programming needs SKIM PIN code retrieval. Mechanical metal blade + chip in the head.
Gen 2 · 2005–2009
Sentry Key Remote Entry Module
Added remote keyless entry (lock/unlock buttons) to the SKIM platform. Most mid-2000s Chrysler 300, Charger, Magnum, Grand Cherokee WK, Wrangler JK. Programming via direct circuit-board connection on older units.
Gen 3 · 2010–2013
Controller Area Network keys
Programming moved to CAN-bus protocol — the same network the rest of the car's modules talk on. Late JK Wranglers, Grand Cherokee WK2, early Ram 1500 4th gen, Charger LD all fall here. Auto-detects in modern tools.
Gen 4 · 2010+
Fob-Integrated Key
Combined blade + remote + transponder in a single fob. Standard on most Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler vehicles 2010 onward where push-button start isn't fitted. Programmable with proper aftermarket tools.
Gen 5 · 2018+
Smart Key + Security Gateway
Push-button start proximity fob plus the Security Gateway module that locks the programming network. Wrangler JL, Gladiator JT, Ram 1500 5th gen, Pacifica, Wagoneer. Most aftermarket locksmiths can't do these without dealer-level Security Gateway access. I can.
2018+ Stellantis · critical detail
If your Jeep, Ram, Dodge or Chrysler is 2018 or newer, there's a hardware module called the Security Gateway (SGW) that sits between the vehicle's programming network and the rest of the car's electronics. By default, the SGW makes that interface read-only — an external tool can read diagnostic data, but it can't write to anything. Including the immobilizer that registers new keys.
Stellantis designed it that way intentionally — to slow down a wave of theft incidents that targeted FCA vehicles. The side effect: independent locksmiths who don't have the proper Security Gateway access tools are physically blocked from programming a new key on any 2018+ Stellantis vehicle. They'll diagnose, quote, drive over, and discover they can't do the work.
What I carry
Symptom that you're dealing with a SGW situation: you've called another locksmith, they came to your Jeep / Ram / Pacifica, plugged in, and said "I can read it but I can't program it." That's the lockdown — not the locksmith. Text me the year/model and I'll tell you straight whether your platform is SGW-protected and what it'll take.
Brand 1 of 4
The most common Stellantis brand I service in Winnipeg. Wrangler especially — I stock the common JK and JL blanks; rarer years I order in.
Starting prices follow the standard floor — spare from $90+ (transponder) or $180+ (Smart Key / FobIK), AKL from $280+, fob programming from $90+. JL and Gladiator on 2018+ SGW platforms sit at the higher end of the range because the SGW work adds time.
2007–2017 JK · 2018+ JL · 4xe PHEV
JK Wrangler (2007–2017) runs SKREEM/CAN family — programmable using dealer-level access tools without SGW concerns. JL Wrangler (2018+) and Wrangler 4xe (PHEV from 2021) use proximity FobIK + SGW. The 4xe key is identical to the gas JL — hybrid powertrain doesn't change the immobilizer architecture.
2011–2021 WK2 · 2022+ WL · 4xe PHEV
WK2 (2011–2021) sits on the FobIK proximity platform. WL (2022+) and Grand Cherokee L share newer SGW architecture. WK2 SRT and Trackhawk use the same key family as the regular trims — no special variant.
2014–2023
KL Cherokee (different platform from the older XJ/KJ/KK) runs the Stellantis CAN/FobIK system. Trailhawk variants identical to regular trims for key purposes. Discontinued in 2023 — keys still well-supported.
2020+ Gladiator · others vary
Gladiator JT (2020+) shares the JL Wrangler key family + SGW. Compass and Renegade use lighter Italian-platform fobs but still on the Stellantis programming flow. Wagoneer / Grand Wagoneer (2022+) — newest, SGW-protected, full proximity.
Ram 1500 and HD trucks, Dodge Charger / Challenger / Durango / Grand Caravan, and Chrysler 300 / Pacifica / Voyager have their own page — same dealer-level Security Gateway access, same on-site service, same pricing.
Stellantis pricing
Open-ended starting prices. Final number depends on your year/model (older platforms cheaper, 2018+ SGW platforms higher because of the extra Security Gateway access step). Written quote before I dispatch.
Spare / extra key
$90+ transponder
$160+ remote head / flip
$180+ smart key
Cut and programmed at your vehicle. Every Jeep — Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, Gladiator. Pre-2018 platforms run at the floor; JL Wrangler and Gladiator with SGW sit higher due to the extra Security Gateway access step. See spare key page for the full breakdown.
Lost all keys (AKL)
$280+
New key generated from scratch at your vehicle with ownership verification (photo ID matched to registration or proof of insurance in your name). Compare to forum-reported dealer pricing of $250–$500+ plus $100–$250 tow. See lost-keys page.
Fob programming only
$90+ you bring it
$90+ I supply
Bring a reputable aftermarket FobIK (e.g. Hopkins, Strattec) and the programming is labour-only at $90+; or I supply a basic remote — same $90+ floor. A push-button-start proximity FobIK is a pricier part — that's the spare / AKL pricing above, not a $90 basic-fob job. Fob programming details →
Manitoba PST 7% + GST 5% = 12% added to the total. Distance fees case-by-case (typically free inside the Perimeter). Payment by e-transfer, tap, or cash — after the key works. Full pricing breakdown including supply-your-own-fob policy on the pricing page.
Nine verified Google reviews so far — early but real. Here are three.
"I was very impressed. He was on time and set up both key fobs and cut both keys for my car and it only took about an hour. He really knows his stuff and I really appreciated it."
— Glenn Buckboro · Google review
"Great service! He quickly made a copy of my car key, and it works perfectly. Friendly, professional, and fair price. Highly recommend!"
— Oleh Vashchenko · Google review
"Precise, polite and punctual."
— Dominic Ibeme · Google review
9 verified reviews · 5.0 average · all on the Google Business Profile. No padding, no buying.
Service-specific questions live on the dedicated spare, lost-keys, and fob pages. More on the full FAQ page.
Yes. The 2018+ Wrangler JL uses a proximity FobIK with push-button start. From mid-2018 onward, Stellantis introduced a Security Gateway (SGW) module that locks down the vehicle's programming network to read-only mode unless you have dealer-level access. I have Security Gateway access and the common blanks on hand (rarer ones I order in). JL Rubicon, Sahara, Sport, and 4xe PHEV all program the same way.
FobIK is Stellantis's term for the fob-integrated key (a single device that holds the metal blade, transponder chip, and remote buttons). Smart Key / proximity key is the next generation — the fob talks wirelessly to the car so you can unlock and start without taking it out of your pocket. Most 2010+ Jeep / Ram / Dodge / Chrysler vehicles run one of these two systems. Functionally similar from a programming standpoint, slightly different hardware.
Spare key for a Wrangler starts at $90+ for older JK transponder keys and $180+ for JL FobIK / Smart Key fobs if I supply. Less if you bring your own reputable aftermarket fob. Lost all keys (AKL) starts at $280+. Compare to the dealer route, which forum data shows typically runs $250–$500 (often with separate $105 programming fees on top). Newer JL keys with SGW programming sit higher in the range — the written quote I text you before dispatch is the exact number.
Yes. The Wrangler 4xe (and the Grand Cherokee 4xe and Pacifica Hybrid) uses the same proximity FobIK as the gas variant — the hybrid powertrain doesn't change the key/immobilizer architecture. Same programming flow, same blanks, same price tier.
Year, model, and trim is enough for an accurate quote. Mention if it's a 2018+ Jeep so I can confirm Security Gateway status before I dispatch.
Quote in writing before I dispatch. SGW-equipped if your vehicle needs it. Pay after the key starts the engine.
