Hi just bought my first jeep to get me through the winter snow here in the uk
[thats not snow i hear you all say].
96 cherokee 4l sport.
Came with 2 keys and a remote that doesn't work. At the moment I have to open the drivers door with the key then open other doors with the drivers door lock switch. Exiting the car lock all doors with the drivers switch then just shut drivers door [bet I leave the key in soon]. Should the key operate the central locking on all doors? If not is a new remote my only fix. Sorry if this is a silly question but as i have said I'm new to Jeeps.

 

The key does not operate the power door locks, like BMW or Volvo etc. The remote once operational will unlock the driver door with first press and the rest of the doors and hatch on second press. This is assuming its a factory remote.

 

Thanks for that. Don't think the remote will ever work again the right hand button press has come away from the board and after new batteries still no light. Is my only option a new remote? Have been told that the after market ones are useless some work others don't. Can you program the key with the door switch even without a working remote? Assuming there's nothing else wrong with the system.

 

You can go OEM if you choose. Aftermarket adds expandibilty and the added security of a starter interrupt, as well as longer range. Stick with well known brands like Viper, Clifford, Autopage, and Prestige. As for programming, im not certain on your year XJ. Some jeeps require a Tech2 to program remotes, especially if you are startung without a functioning remote.

After you find a remote or 2 remotes if you choose, you will have to add programming charges in. If you can read diagrams, strip wires and use a multimeter or test light, you can install one yourself.

 

My '98 opens all the doors with the first press. It's the factory fob. You can get factory replacements easily and take them to a Jeep dealer for reprogramming. There are numerous outlets for them online including eBay, new and used. Unfortunately, one cannot reprogram our fobs themselves.

 

On -96 you can...

And why would you think using one key on one door would open all of them? Doesnt make sense...

Unlock door, hit unlock button... Not that hard.

 

And why would you think using one key on one door would open all of them? Doesnt make sense...


I have seen cars that do that. Its so you can unlock the doors for your passengers. I have not seen an xj that will do that though.

 

Lots of european cars have a central.locking system. They used that in older cars before key fob remotes became standard. Nissan is another company that comes to mind that uses this.