Key Fob issue...

ChargerX3 · 12-29-2009, 11:21 PM

So i just purchased my XJ last month, but it didnt come with any key fobs. Its the limited model, so im sure it came with them. The last owner didnt get any when he purchased the jeep used, but the dealer said that it came with them and that he would get them to him. Well, that never happened.

So i did some ebay shopping and picked up some Grand Cherokee key fobs for 96-98 model years. I figure they are the same as XJ's so i jumped on them. Well ive been looking through all of the DIYS stuff and none of the tricks seem to be working. I also did a search on here and it says that i need to take them into the dealer to have some sort of tool to program them to each other.

What should i do? What is the real way to program these babies? I really want to get these working...and hopefully by myself not the dealer.

**CJ7-Tim** · 12-30-2009, 04:34 AM

The only way to program new key fobs to your 1997-2001 Cherokee is at the dealership. Some charge a fee for the programming and some will do it for free if you are having other service work done.

FG Jeep · 12-30-2009, 07:27 AM

97-01 xj's require a drb3 to program. a lot of independent shops have them now with all the dealers that went under.

The other way is go to a jy and try to find a key fob, pass side window switch (which is the door module on an xj) and the little rf receiver board in the overhead ceiling light. all three of those from the same jeep will be coded together and the keyless will work. I did this on my 98.

ChargerX3 · 12-31-2009, 10:14 AM

Thanks for the tips guys. If i do go to get it re-coded will the 98 grand cherokee fob work on my 98 xj cherokee, or are they different systems?

Leo_1969 · 12-31-2009, 10:19 AM

Should work fine - it was the same system mounted in XJ and ZJ.

ChargerX3 · 12-31-2009, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo_1969

Should work fine - it was the same system mounted in XJ and ZJ.

If they are the same then why cant you program them both the same? Why can one be done in your driveway, and the other have to be set up at the dealership?

Leo_1969 · 12-31-2009, 11:13 AM

As far as I know /correct me if I'm wrong/ both could be programmed in your driveway, but you need one original KeyFob + 2 original keys - then you can program any other new bought key fob. If you haven't any working Key Fob, then it must be programmed wit help of DRB3.

**CJ7-Tim** · 12-31-2009, 02:54 PM

The remote fobs may or may not be the same part number, ZJ vs. XJ.

1997-2001 XJ's require the DRB-III scanner to program the key-less entry.

throttlejunkie1 · 12-31-2009, 03:14 PM

Don't know if this is relevant, but auto parts stores have a little device at the front counter that, once your fob buttons are pushed, will indicate whether or not the signal is even being sent. This might help you later...

ChargerX3 · 12-31-2009, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo_1969

As far as I know /correct me if I'm wrong/ both could be programmed in your driveway, but you need one original KeyFob + 2 original keys - then you can program any other new bought key fob. If you haven't any working Key Fob, then it must be programmed wit help of DRB3.

Yea, but i dont have that chip thing in my key, so do i really need 2 original keys? I also dont have an original key fob, so i take it im SOL? BTW what is the programming method for the XJ key fobs without using the DRB3? Thanks again for your help

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJ7-Tim

The remote fobs may or may not be the same part number, ZJ vs. XJ.

1997-2001 XJ's require the DRB-III scanner to program the key-less entry.

May or may not? Is there a way i can check my part #?

Quote:

Originally Posted by throttlejunkie1

Don't know if this is relevant, but auto parts stores have a little device at the front counter that, once your fob buttons are pushed, will indicate whether or not the signal is even being sent. This might help you later...

That sure can help me find out if my battery is dead or not in the two.

Thank you all for helping. I feel im starting to figure this out.

**CJ7-Tim** · 01-01-2010, 12:50 AM

SKIM security chip keys are not the same thing as key-less entry fobs. SKIM security system keys are usually gray in color and larger than the skinny black non-security system key.

Key-less entry fobs can ONLY be programmed with a DRB-III scan tool at the dealership or repair shop.

1997-2001 XJ Cherokee key fobs are imprinted on the backside with Chrysler Part Number 56036859 and Model/FCC GQ43VT9T.