Anyone know if the RKE circuit board in the dome light is interchangeable between 97-01 XJs? I think mine is partially bad and not allowing my electric locks to work completely (I can unlock but not lock via the switches on the front doors). I'm going to try to get some junkyard RKE boards and switch em out.

 

The buttons on the door don't work? That would NOT be the RKE. That's more likely to be bad solder joints in the switch(es).

** edit - not the rke.

 

I’ve been trying to debug this for weeks. I replaced the passenger and driver switches. I’ve checked the wires in the jamb, they were actually perfect. I’ve replaced the ignition switch with a brand new Mopar. So far still haven’t tracked it down.

 

Did you replace the entire module on the passenger side? The relays are in the pass side module. A bad relay could cause this.

 

There is a diagnostic procedure in the factory manual, btw. Time to start measuring at the pass side module.

 

Where are the relays for the locks on the passenger side? In the junction box?

 

I am with lawsoncl on this one.
If you are having problems with the locks working from the door switches thinking not the RKE.
You say you replaced the ignition switch with a brand new Mopar one.
But you don't say what you replaced the front driver and passenger door switches with.
New? Mopar? Used? Etc.
I am under impression that because '97 is a change over year that some will not work.
But technically '97 to '01 should.
Be aware that the keyless remotes are paired with the RKE.
So you want to find a Jeep that has them too.
Or else you will have to pay to get them paired with the RKE.
Cause I am also under the impression that this is something that you can't do yourself.

 

FSM says inside the passenger door module

 

 

While I don't know whether or not the boards are interchangeable, I DO know that the 1999 XJ's used the newer "rounded" remotes from the Grand Cherokee WJ, while the 1997-98 XJ's used the older "square" remotes (I don't believe the 1997-98 XJ's had a PANIC button on the remotes, either). You DEFINITELY wouldn't be able to use a '96 or older XJ board, as they use an IR (Infrared) remote system, as opposed to the 1997-2001 XJ's RF (Radio Frequency) remote system. Hope this helps a bit.

-Vince

 

I replaced both switches with new Standard brand switches. I don’t have any fobs, so not too worried about that right now. One reason I’m somewhat thinking it’s related to the RKE is that once when I removed the dome to clean it, unplugging the RKE board caused the locks to unlock/lock. I can’t duplicate that now, making me think I shorted something on the board affecting the locks.

thanks 94zj318 - I was wondering where the cutoff between the square and rounded fobs was. Thinking about getting a fob and having it programmed if I can figure this out.

 

Keep in mind the RKE board from junk yard you will need the key(s) also for it if you ever want to use a fob.

 

Thats only if it had transponder keys, right?

 

I'm talking about auto remote door locks using the fob...not the immobilizer crap...thank God my keys aren't chipped!

 

I sent my RKE board and 2 new fobs off to here: http://colorado4wheel.com/content/drb_XJ_RKE.html

He has a DRB-III tool and was able to program the fobs to my board. Installed it all and it worked great! I've never had RKE fobs for an XJ before and it's very convenient. It was an easy experience and cheaper than the dealership to get them programmed.