I have been having issues with my 99 xj. Keyless has been fading in and out over the last year or so and seems to have stopped working completely. When it was still working the problem seemed worse when the car had sat in hot sun.

The door lock buttons inside the car both work still and I have tried new batteries in the remote. I have read through about a dozen old threads with nothing being quite the right match and am hoping someone can help. I think I would rather have after market alarm, keyless, and start installed than pay a dealer to troubleshoot. Is that an option in my situation or do I need things working to start with?

Really I would prefer to just fix or by an affordable stock part but so far I haven't been able to find good direction.

 

Do you have a mini dome light or an overhead console?


You may try replacing the RKE Module.


Get one from a junk yard.


The RKE Module is easy to replace. See pics.


Carefully remove the dome light lens.





Remove the screws that retain the light.





Remove & replace the RKE Module (Printed circuit board). You may need to have your Fob reprogrammed at the dealer.

 

If the RKE module went bad would it slowly fade out or stop all of a sudden? Any way to test my unit?

Also, would an aftermarket alarm system need this replaced if it is bad?

 

I know of no way to test these things, other than trying a different one.



I don't know anything about aftermarket alarm systems, nor would I install one in my Jeep. If push came to shove I would just use my key to get in.

 

If you do need to have your fob reprogrammed, DO NOT go to the dealer. They will seriously rip you off (usually). Take it to a locksmith. Any good locksmith can program your fob for around $25 in 5 minutes.

My remote is very iffy also. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, and you usually have to be right outside the Jeep to make it work. I will have to get around to replacing mine module one of these days.

 

FYI for anyone looking at this because your fobs are not working: Ensure you have qty 2 of CR2016 batteries installed in the fob and NOT just 1 CR2032. The fob works on 6 volts per the service manual and 3 volts will cause it to work intermittently and/or not at all. This is only for the fob and RKE, the door switches should work regardless.