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Doors randomly lock (98 Sport)

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Old Sep 16, 2012 | 11:48 AM
  #1  
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From: Salt Lake City, UT
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default Doors randomly lock (98 Sport)

As the title says, my doors will randomly lock. Sometimes, days will pass between the "ghost locks" sometimes it will happen 10x in a matter of seconds.

I'm thinking short, but where would I start?

Also, this XJ has an alarm installed?? I don't have the original keyfob, so it's pretty much useless for me. When you disconnect/reconnect the battery, it goes off. Could the system be failing and causing the ghost locks?

I did a search of the forum, and several other people have had the same problem, but I didn't seem much for a solution. Any more ideas?
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Old Sep 16, 2012 | 12:00 PM
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From: Flagstaff, Arizona
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
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We had this problem in our 2000. We had to replace the switch in the passenger door, it was fried and caused all locks to engage randomly. I'd say your best bet is to replace both driver and passenger door switches by removing the door panel and installing a new one. These switches are well known to stop working with no notice, and it's usually when your windows down and it's about to rain. Youll spend about 50 for each switch but itll solve your lock problems and you won't have to worry about your window switches
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Old Sep 16, 2012 | 12:18 PM
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Is it as easy as pulling the old switches out and installing the new ones? It looks rockauto has both the passenger and driver for about 60$ apiece.
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Old Sep 16, 2012 | 12:27 PM
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From: Flagstaff, Arizona
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Yup, there's 3 screw in the arm rest and 1 in the door handle trim and one in the top corner, then pop off the door panel and disconnect the lock and handle arms from the clips in the panel (these you'll have to push on the plastic connectors and lift the arm out) after the panel has been removed, I think it's 3 screws that hold in the switch, take those out, remove the old switch, put in the new one and repeat for the other side.
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Old Sep 16, 2012 | 12:32 PM
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Well hang on.. If you wanna try and assess this situation, for free, then try a couple things first. Then spend 100 plus for A new window switch..

It could be that the alarm system is the culprit, in which I've got no input, sorry. However.. There are a couple weak spots for the wiring: the rubber boot between the drivers door and jamb houses a lot of wires and oftentimes there is a cracked wire or two. Also, a fix for the faulty window switch: there is a small panel behind the hood release that houses the harness in the attached picture. Jump the wires with a piece of equal gauge wire and solder it in.

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Old Sep 16, 2012 | 04:24 PM
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From: zeeland mi
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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my 97 does the same thing doors locking when it wants to. i have found the problem and its the passenger door switch. i will be replacing as soon as money permits
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Old Oct 8, 2012 | 08:39 PM
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From: Salt Lake City, UT
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So the problem came back. I guess it wasn't the door switches. I'm thinking it may be either a loose wire in the door hinge or the installed alarm.

Any other ideas? How would I go about disabling/removing the alarm? I don't have the clicker, so it's really useless to me.

Last edited by playbass; Oct 8, 2012 at 08:47 PM.
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