Do you have to have the sentry key to program the remote for keyless entry.I have a 2000 sport which came with keyless entry on the build sheet but dont see any thing about the sentry imb. system.I only have the black keys which are not sentry.I also have no remotes but Id like to buy one and have programmed buy the dealer.

 

I am in the exact same boat. My red 2000 has no remotes but came with them originally. Ive ordered one from ebay but unfortunately, from all that Ive been able to find, this has to be done by the dealer with an expensive obd scan tool. I too have the black keys that have no chip in them. I was able to program new remotes for various ford vehicles by just turning the key on and off a few times and then pressing a button on the remote, but apparently, this type of self programming was done away with by jeep for the 98-01 models. Some people say their local dealer did it for them for free or for 20 bucks but the book calls for a specific labor charge for each remote programming. Basically $60 per remote if your dealer is by the book. At least the remote will make a nice keychain. I think there is a guy in the classifieds section that is selling the remote with the remote board that it is programmed to. Just replace your board and the remote should work. Its located inside the dome light btw.

 

You can save few bucks by programming key fob yourself.

Just find your car and go through easy instructions :
http://programkeyfob.com/

 

My research says only 1996 and earlier are programmable by owner. Uses the Infra-Red system. Directions are in the owners manual.

 

As stated above, 2000's have to be done by a dealer

 

what about a '97?? and what key fob should I be looking for?

 

The infra-red type Keyless Entry ended in 1996.
1997-2001 require a DRB-II Scan Tool for key-less remote programming. The Jeep dealership and some larger independent repair shops have will have a Scan Tool.
http://colorado4wheel.com/content/drb_XJ_RKE.html

 

Got fob and circut board on ebay 50.00.It works now.

 

This is what I ended up doing as well. I picked up a matching fob and board for $35 in the classified section here, installed the board and I was good to go. The fob was a bit worn, so I replaced the housing with the one from my ebay fob that I had bought weeks ago. All working great now. I just couldnt see spending $60 for a programming. And the "I did it myself" feeling is priceless.