Can am grey key vs black key

I bought my '00 TJ Sport 4.0 used, the only key I have is a black key. Is there anyway that it came with a grey key and was possibly running fine with a spare black key? Having some 5.2 swap issues with the engine continually cutting off, likely an ecm issue, But does anyone have any feedback on the key? Is there any way to check if it was a security vehicle if a spare black key will run a grey key rig? Thanks in advance.:tea:

If it came with the grey transponder key from the factory, the black, non - transponder key would never work.

Is the computer from the 5.2 or from the 00 TJ?

If ECM needed a Gray key you are likely outta luck without one. Would need to have the computer reprogrammed by chrysler to get a new key.

Yeah I have several 5.2 ecm's. Just trying to eliminate all the possible options. Thanks for the feedback JF

I was in the same boat, did a swap and the donor ECU was SKIM enabled. Engine would run for 2-3 seconds and die when I started with the original key from the Jeep. I contacted the owner of the donor and he was able to make cheap black copies of his grey keys so he would have keys for his ignition and doors. He then sent me the grey keys with the RFID chip that matched the ECU and the SKIM module that goes around the ignition on the column.
Then bought blank grey keys and had them cut to match the original black keys and used the old donor keys to program the new ones.
No dealer involved but, I had access to all the parts.

Yeah man that's what mine is doing. I have a 99 Durnago 5.2 ecm a 98 van 5.2 ecm a 98 Ram 1500 5.2 ecm and a 97 Ram 5.9 ecm. Both 5.9 ecm's give the no no bus reads however they run the vehicle for a few moments. The 5.2 ecms after being unplugged for 24 hours or more (long enough to reset their memory fully) run all of the gauges and they're completely responsive no error codes. The engine will run with no problems for 4-7 minutes then chokes out. It will then crank and run for 4-6 seconds six times then wont crank again until it's unplugged for over 24 hours. This is text book SKIM forcing the ASD from what I have read. It makes this God awful sucking sound when it shuts down and my experience from this is the engine is being robbed of all fuel which the ASD is supposed to kill the fuel pump. This swap has been a little bit rougher than I anticipated it would be. The pronblem is I have been buying these ECM's off ebay wrecking yards that most likely have no keys with the original Jeeps/trucks/vans/suvs. I am waiting on a 96 5.2 auto van ecm now, thinking there is no chance of a skim.

The programming is actually in the SKIM module.

The SKIM stores the code that matches the gray key.

Was the transponder optional? My LJ uses a plain old all metal key.

SKIM is optional. If your PCM is configured to require SKIM, then you need the SKIM module and the appropriate transponder (grey) key.

When I bought my 04 used from the dealer they gave me two keys, one black and one gray. Both keys work but I normally just use the black one. So, from this information I don't have this optional SKIM module, correct? Did they just make a copy using the wrong blank just so they could give me 2 keys or what?

Sorry for the quick hijack, I'm just curious :dunno:

The metal part of the key is the same, so my guess would be that the dealer just used the unneeded more expensive blank when making you a second key...

When you use the grey key, you should see the little amber key light on your dash for a few seconds IF you have a set up SKIM module.

The metal part of the key is the same, so my guess would be that the dealer just used the unneeded more expensive blank when making you a second key...

When you use the grey key, you should see the little amber key light on your dash for a few seconds IF you have a set up SKIM module.

Ok that's what I figured. Haha leave it to a dealer to use the option that costs more when given a choice. :laugh:

I'll check for that light the next time. Thanks

Was the transponder optional? My LJ uses a plain old all metal key.

As SCS said it was optional. There are several threads here on JF about how to add the SKIM system to your TJ. Its not that hard nor expensive to add and its a heck of a theft prevention tool. They may mangle your ignition switch but they won't get your jeep.

FOG