Hey all,

I've been a long time lurker here and finally decided to sign up since this issue is getting on my nerves and I could really use some help tracking down this gremlin.

I have a 1997 Cherokee Country with keyless entry. When it works it works great, but when it doesn't it's not even a good paperweight. The issue seems to arise when it's hot outside, almost like the heat expands a broken/cracked solder joint on a circuit board somewhere causing it to not make contact and thus not work. I can hear it click when I press the lock or unlock button, but nothing is happening. The power door lock also quits working when the keyless entry stops, so I have to manually go around and lock each door.

Is my issue the keyless entry module, door lock switch or something else?

TIA for any help!

 

I have the same exact problem. It's a fault in the PDM (passenger door module.) It's the switch cluster in the passenger door. If you listen to that cluster and hit the unlock button you'll hear the clicking. I don't know if there is a fix other than replacing it.

 

Check the wiring that goes from the doors to the body. They wear out, break and what not. Its pretty common.

Check it out and repair/replace what's bad before you buy anything.

 

I could've sworn the click sounded like it came from the overhead console. I'll check again.
Thanks Diesel, I'll check these wires while I'm at it. These are the one covered by the rubber boot, right?

 

Yup. They're also taped up. They disconnect from 3 (I think) different plugs, so if needed you can pull the whole harness. That's my plan, I have power window problems and intermitent lock problems too.

 

Good deal, please post up what your findings when you tackle the job.

 

Haha. I will, but my to do list could hit the ground if I pinned it to the celing!

 

You and me both brother. I've been working on a master bath remodel for longer than I'd care to say. Unfortunately, the jeep has fallen to the wayside recently.

 

Lol. No kidding. I wasn't even including other crap. My Jeep list could hit the floor, I got two though. Lots of plans.

Anyways, it will probably happen sooner than later because my passenger window regulator has broken and the window fell in the door. I want to get rid of my temp fix asap.

If I don't repost here go subscribe to the "what did you do to your cherokee today" thread. I'd put it in there.

 

Ha and here I thought you meant all to-do lists!

I'll definitely go subscribe to that thread.

 

Well checking again the clicking was in fact coming from the PDM. I took it out and cut it open to see if I could identify any broken solder joints or any thing else that could be causing the failure, but I couldn't. So I figured the easiest thing to do was to replace it with a brand new OEM PDM. By doing that my keyless entry once again works!

 

Cool. Glad you got it working.

How much did you pay for the new PDM?

 

I've got the same issue along with windows not wanting to work at times. Anyone know if this fixes both issues or just the keyless entry?

 

Check all your wiring first.

 

^^ This

Been battling this issue for over a year and recently the door lock issue has arisen. Will finally be getting around to fixing it this weekend.

Pull your driver door harness and look for broken or damaged wires and check the ground at the kick plate.