So a guy on a facebook group I'm in is selling this "factory" keyless entry unit. I asked how it installs and he said "Pull the dome light, two screws into the light, plug it in, put your dome light back in. Done."

Now is he just blowing smoke trying to sell it or is that really how it works. I already have power locks and such so does it work through the existing wiring or is there any other mods that need to be done? He's asking $50 for it so IF it does work and install like he said then I might get it.

 

He's not blowing smoke. It's just that easy to change.


Here's some pics...


Carefully remove the lens with a screw stick.





Remove the two screws.





Remove the RKE Module and install the replacement.





Cheers.

 

Wow sweet. So with already having power locks, the picture he posted would be all I need to have keyless entry?

 

This is also out of a 99. Mine is a 2000. I'd imagine this one would still work right?

 

Yes, it should be the same. I did this on my 2000 as the PO had lost the remotes. It was the cheapest rout to go. I think I paid $35 for one remote and the board. But I dont think $50 is bad.

 

Awesome. Guess I'll buy it and slap it in.

 

Good find and they are simple.

 

Well I put it in and I guess mine already had this before but the PO lost the remotes cause to already had a board in it. So I put it in and out it all back together and it doesn't work. So...I changed the batteries and still nothing. I used Autozones remote fob tester just to see if it was transmitting anything and it's not picking up anything. I tested my trucks remote as well just to make sure their tester was functioning and it is. So does it sound like just the remote is dead then?

 

The FOB does have to be programmed to the RKE. The dealer does it for around $50. I don't know if this is your problem or not but thought I'd throw it out there.

 

I told the guy about it and he's refunding me. So no loss on my end. Mine already had the RKE board installed but I never got a remote. At this point I'd probably be better off putting my old one back in and getting a new remote programmed since this one seems dead.

 

Well it was a pretty dumb reason for the fob not working but it all works as it should now. One of the "new" batteries I bought was dead already. I looked at the battery and it is actually bent. I checked the voltage of it with my multimeter and it's dead as a door nail. I just used the other new one and one of the old ones that still had a decent charge on it and all is good now.

 

Thanks for the follow up.

 

Thanks for posting this. Where did you find the RKE and fobs for $50? Cheapest I have found so far is $100+

Thanks for posting the procedure. I will be doing this to my '99 if I can find it for $50 like the OP. Otherwise a fob + dealer programming might be cheaper (PO lost the fobs).

 

Have you checked the classified section on here with people parting out xjs? I think thats where I got mine.

 

I actually just contacted someone that way.