the only reason I know this is because I never had a spare key, and I went to the dealership to buy one. the next day at work I found a keyless remote to a 98 dodge intrepid and it was identical to mine, so I figured I'd get a second remote too. come to find out that the serial numbers don't match and if I wanted a keyless remote it would cost me over $100. damn dealership and their outrageous prices. I wish we could code our own remotes

 

you can with the IR remotes, but I dont think you can on teh newer ones.

 

how? cause i would love to try and code my intrepid remote to my car

 

99s dont use IR, do they?

 

Actually, i think your right. I don't think they use IR. damn. haha

 

Okay, I tried unlocking the passenger door and that had failed. I feel like your idea of using the back hatch would work but for some reason I can't unlock it. I feel like I will break my key.

And so everyone knows I did find my remote, so I can still drive and get in. But I still feel like I want to solve this mystery.

 

what mystery? the fact that the spare key didn't start the Jeep?

 

I'm arriving late to this thread but I hope this helps someone.I have a 2000 Cherokee Sport. I've been puzzling over the same problem. I checked the manual for mention of a valet button but found nothing. I just looked down by the inside hood release and found a small button. I activated the alarm. When I turn the spare key in the ignition to the start position and hit the button the alarm stops.

 

Does your vehicle start though?

 

Yes, After I hit the button to deactivate the alarm. The key has to be in the start position for the button to work, then you can start as normal.

 

Interesting. Can you show me a picture of the button? Maybe I have one in my 96 also, I'll have to look!

 

I think you all are looking at this from the wrong POV. OP, you said the key didn't open your hatch, and that it felt like it would break? Sounds like a poorly cut key to me, as a 96 shouldn't have a chip inside of it. Will the key turn they ignition switch at all? If not then go to a hardware store, (ACE if you have one) and get a new spare cut. If it does turn ignition switch, then disregard this post. From what you described bout the hatch, sounds like a poorly cut key.

 

Well my key works for the ignition, so my key should be fine.

My hatch I am thinking that maybe it at one time had a second key for it (my 88 and 89 had two separate keys)

My question for the original post was that "why is it that if I activate my locks with my remote, I cannot unlock my door and turn the vehicle on with the key? (the key unlocks the door, but will not start the vehicle).

I had originally posted the thread, because I missed placed my remote one time after a party (I locked it with the remote) and I wasn't able to start my car until after I found my remote. But I believe somebody answered the op with "it is a safety measure in case somebody ever broke In they could not start the vehicle"