Not starting after attempted theft

Tiny
MAXPAIN1
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 240,000 MILES
Someone tried to steal my vehicle listed above Cherokee, they destroyed my steering column and broke the immobilizer in the process. So I purchased a used steering column from LKQ and replaced the original, no luck. Am I wasting my time or is there a solution to my problem?
Monday, April 8th, 2019 AT 9:55 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

No, you did not waste your time or your money, you just didn't finish the job. Your vehicle has a chipped ignition key and is matched to your vehicle's Power-train Control Module (PCM) or "computer". Since you replaced the steering column and lock cylinder assembly, the lock cylinder came with a new key. The new key turns the lock cylinder but your vehicle's PCM is not recognizing the new key so it will not start your vehicle.
The solution is to have either a locksmith or the dealership program your new key to your vehicle's PCM. Only a locksmith or the dealership will be able to do this. This prevents people from stealing your vehicle, which I'm sure you can appreciate.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Tuesday, April 9th, 2019 AT 12:39 AM

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