cdeal28078

Dumb question but on my overhead console on my 90 Cherokee Laredo there is a little black ball about 3/4" diameter right in the middle. I thought maybe it was a decorative way to secure the console but today I saw one on the dash of a newer Jeep. What is it?
Thanks
clint

XJmanXJ

yea i always wondered what that was tio i just tell people its a camera

HairyPotter

Someone else may correct me, but I think it's the reciever for the remote entry system.

SlapHappy

No need to correct you, exactly what it is.

mike albo

X2

The91XJ

x3

cdeal28078

Thanks!. And all I have is a single key. lol So the 90 Laredo had a key fob to lock unlock the doors? Wonder what I could do about getting one for mine? My 90 is an auction truck that on the title says Total Loss claim. Got it titled and tagged today so that is a load off my mind. Insurance company has no trouble. In fact my insurance agent has a total loss claimed Cherokee herself. lol Said she loves it and saved a bundle by buying it. lol
So I need to find a key fob for mine and figure how to either buy the right key fob or code my new key fob to match my Jeep.
Ought to be a nice challenge
Thanks for the help.
clint

phillyxj570

i was wondering the same thing on my 96 but mine doesnt have keyless entry . i bought it of of a private seller 1 and only owner and i asked him if it had keyless entry and he said no but he went and had a remote starter installed

duncan0668

I like the camera the best.

SlapHappy

For this model year, it isn't a RF key fob but a infrared one. You cant just buy one then reprogram it yourself:

http://www.thejeep.com/piland.html


For the money, personally I'd buy an aftermarket keyless entry and install it.

I have one with the matching receiver laying around somewhere.

cdeal28078

Yeah I saw the link for a infrared one in the link about. $75 or so for a little plastic thing with a button on it to unlock my doors? Yeah right. lol
I'll just tell people it is a camera also. lol
clint

alpine.adrenaline

Compass! My XJ's an '87 and there weren't too many keyless entry systems on the market back then, but I salvaged the headliner from a '94(?) and needed to cover the hole that plastic part covers. Took the guts out of that little cover, got a "Type-S" compass and superglued it in there. I can't say I've ever used it though... in CO if you can see the mountains you know which way's West.

SlapHappy

VERY COOL! I used mine to hide the mic for my glass break sensor for my alarm.

mopar440

It's a camera... Big Brother is watching...

Howler_GT

I love the compass, that looks good.


I believe we have a new CF record for the fastest "correct" answer for a "Whats the black ball on the overhead console" question.

For the OP: Cdeal, it is not a stupid question. In fact its a very valid question.
Although, the answers, sometimes can get pretty creative.

Don't believe me?
Try reading one of the "Black ball in front bumper" threads sometime.
The answers that are posted can be very comical.

Most DAPOs are totally unaware they have keyless entry, most times they bought it used and only got the IGN key.
The factory keyless entry is a PITA. You basically have to be right up against the glass for the receiver to recognize the signal. Might as well just use the key--you're there!