What generation is my Jeep Compass — MK or MP — and why does it matter?

2007–2016 Compass is the MK generation: remote head key OHT692713AA, no push-start, starting at $175. 2017–2023 is the MP generation: M3N-40821302 smart proximity fob, push-button start, starting at $220. The blank, the cut, and the programming process are different — we confirm by year before dispatch. Tell us the year and trim when you call.

My 2012 Compass key won't start the car after a jump — the remote buttons work but the engine won't turn over

That symptom — remote works, engine won't start — is the signature of a dead transponder chip, most often caused by a jump start with reversed cables. The remote circuit survived but the ID46 chip that authorizes the ignition was killed by the reverse polarity. A new OHT692713AA blank, cut and programmed to your Compass, is the fix. We do it on-site.

Can a key blank from a Wrangler work in my MK Compass?

The OHT692713AA is the same physical blank for both — same body, same ID46 chip format, same 315 MHz frequency. A Wrangler key is not programmed to your Compass and won't start it, but an unprogrammed OHT692713AA blank cut to your Compass's key code and programmed to its ECU works perfectly. We cut from a fresh blank and program it specifically to your car.

My MP Compass won't detect the fob in the parking garage at work — is the key dying?

Likely not. Steel-reinforced concrete parking structures attenuate the 433 MHz proximity signal significantly. Try holding the fob directly against the push-to-start button — this activates the backup inductive antenna that doesn't depend on the proximity circuit. If the car starts that way, the key is fine and you're dealing with a signal environment issue, not a hardware fault.

Jeep Compass Key Replacement

Starting at $175

Remote key (flip key)

2007–2023

Call (336) 790-2233

The Compass is Jeep's compact entry-level model, and the calls reflect the ownership profile — apartment parking lots, office garages, and suburban errands rather than trail runs. It's also the Jeep with the widest generation split in our service area: the 2007–2016 MK-generation Compass uses a remote head key, and the 2017+ MP-generation Compass uses a smart proximity fob. Those are two completely different blanks and two completely different programming systems under the same nameplate, and the first thing we confirm on any Compass call is the generation.

The split matters practically. MK Compass (OHT692713AA): cut and program from $175, fixed-blade transponder key, no push-start. MP Compass (M3N-40821302): starts at $220, push-button start, proximity detection. Both generations are still common in Charlotte — the MK is appearing more in used-car sales as older inventory moves through the market, often without a spare key.

Key types by year — Jeep Compass

Years	Key type	FCC ID	Starting price
2007–2016	Remote head key (transponder + remote integrated, fixed blade)	OHT692713AA	$175
2017–2023	Smart proximity key (push-to-start)	M3N-40821302	$220

2007–2016: MK generation — no push-to-start; same FCC blank as JK Wrangler
2017–2023: MP generation — full redesign with push-button start

What you pay for — Jeep Compass key

Key blank (OEM-equivalent)$45

Key cutting (laser / high-security cut)$25

Transponder / smart-key programming$105

Total (single key)$175

All-keys-lost adds $50–150 depending on the security system. Quote locked before we leave. No hidden fees.

Common issues we see with Jeep Compass in Charlotte

MK Compass OHT692713AA housing cracks — the rubber overmold where the blade meets the remote body splits after years of pocket carry; shell swap available if blade and transponder chip are intact
MP Compass M3N-40821302 battery drain in 12–18 months — urban commuters with multiple short daily trips deplete the CR2032 faster than highway drivers; straightforward battery swap but the timing surprises people
All-keys-lost on MK Compass purchase — budget-priced used Jeep with high private-sale volume; previous owners often retained the only key
OHT692713AA transponder failure after reversed jump-start cables — reverse polarity kills the ID46 chip; symptom is remote buttons work but car won't start. New blank, cut and programmed, is the fix.
MP Compass key not detected in underground office or apartment parking garages — steel-reinforced concrete attenuates the 433 MHz proximity signal; hold fob to start button to bypass antenna if detection fails in a garage

Why not the Jeep dealer?

Charlotte-area dealers quote $250–400 for an MK Compass key (OHT692713AA) and $300–450 for an MP Compass smart key (M3N-40821302). The older MK blank is less commonly stocked — dealers sometimes need to order it, adding a day or two. We carry both in the truck: OHT692713AA from $175, M3N-40821302 from $220, at your location. Shell swaps on MK Compass keys (when the transponder is intact and only the housing is cracked) are available for less than a full cut-and-program.

How it works

1
Call us
We confirm your Jeep Compass year and key type over the phone — usually takes 60 seconds and prevents any wasted trip.
2
We dispatch a mobile unit
Our technician arrives in 15-30 minutes with all equipment pre-staged for your vehicle.
3
On-site cutting & programming
New key cut, programmed, and tested. Typical time for Jeep Compass: 20–35 minutes.
4
Drive away
You pay only after the new key works — no surprise charges.