Hello,

My 97 XJ's power locks haven't worked since I bought it, but I am now looking to fix it. When I push the lock and unlock button on the key fob, I hear a noise under the steering wheel as if it is making a connection but nothing happens. I also have a remote start set up with the same fob, which works, so I do not think the fob is the issue. Other forums I have read mention that the passenger lock switch may have gone bad...but I don't have one. My jeep has roll-up windows so the only buttons on the door are to lock/unlock, and so I have no idea what the issue is.

Any help is appreciated, thanks is advance

 

If you're hearing a clicking noise under the steering wheel those are the lock and unlock relays being energized. That makes me think the fob is working. Can you feel any movement in the lock button at all. Test for battery voltage at the lock switch when pressing the fob and without the fob with just the door button. Test relays if needed.

 

I will go test those and let you know my findings, no movement in the lock button at the moment. Thanks for the help!

 

Relays seem to be fine, I am unable to check the lock switch because I don't have one, unless is is located elsewhere. I'

ll link an image of my door panel

 

check the wires going into the door. super common for them to break in there.

 

The lock button/switch right above the door handle. There's a little motor behind the door panel that operates the lock button. Weird how your relays are energizing but the motor isn't receiving voltage. The harness between the door and body is a common weak point for wires to break.. before you take the door panel off though it's a pain in the as$ there's another test you can do from the keyless entry receiver module connector that's easier to get to. I don't know your truck interior very well but I believe it's on the ceiling in the center front above dash under a plastic trim piece. If you are savvy in electrical circuitry with a multimeter and test light it's a fairly simple test checking for ground and jumping the proper connector terminals. This should lock and unlock your doors. If not you'll move on to the motors and wiring leading to them. You may possibly need to be sure the fob is programmed to the receiver properly. If everything else works. I doubt the relays are bad if you hear both energizing but it's still possible. Enjoy 👽

 

This is true.

 

Thanks, I'll get right on that, not the most electrical savvy but doesn't sound to complicated

 

It's not really complicated. Just follow the circuit path. And really you can diagnose pretty much anything with a multimeter and test light. Do you have those ? Usually a free fix. I believe this picture is where your keyless receiver connector is the trim may be a little different but the connector is there.

From there you will be able to test the keyless locks manually without the fob. This should narrow down the culprits.

 

Simple answer. You don't have power locks. This is my guess. The relays clicking just means your receiver and fob are communicating. The part past the relays your rig most likely does not have.

 

I just checked with previous owner, and it never had power locks. The fob I was given was mean't for remote start only, and the noise is just the fob connecting, but not doing anything when those lock/unlock buttons are clicked. Thanks for the help everyone!

 

Well at least I got to brush up on my electrical. Good to know you got it figured out!