genuinegemini

Hello fellow Jeepers. I know this question has been asked, but I could not find a straight answer for the 2003 WJ. I took my Jeep to the dealership today to have two keys and two FOBs programmed as I only had one key and no FOBs. They were able to program the keys without issue, but informed me that the RKE receiver/module was not even detected when they tried to program the FOBs. They even tried with a factory FOB and no dice. I got a build sheet and it clearly states that my 2003 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L 4x4 WJ came with a factory RKE system. I have searched the forums and Google only to find a variety of answers for the location of the RKE receiver/module. Some say in the passenger door, some say the driver door and the service writer at the dealership told me it was way up under the dash. I found and OEM Mopar RKE receiver on ebay new for $111.00 where the dealer wants $179.00, but it does me no good if I can't find where it's located on the vehicle. Thanks for any and all info on this issue.

SteveMongr

The RKE does not seem to be listed with the other modules. http://wjjeeps.com/modules.htm

genuinegemini

Thanks for the reply, SteveMongr, but not really helpful. I've actually seen that diagram already, along with a few others that basically showed me the same info. I wonder if it's possible that the build sheet is wrong. I requested it directly from the Jeep Customer Assistance Center online and provided my VIN. Doesn't really make much sense that they would have something on the list that wasn't actually installed. Anyway, thanks.

SteveMongr

According to TSB technical service bulletin, issued by Jeep, the RKE module is located in passenger door. http://www.wjjeeps.com/tsb_list.htm#ELECTRICAL

genuinegemini

Thanks, SteveMongr. It looks like the whole PDM has to be replaced in order to replace the RKE receiver. I read in the FSM that no additional programming is required when swapping them out. I hope it resolves my issue. I only wish there was a way to test it without having to take it back to the dealer for another $54.00 charge and a crossing of the fingers. Thanks again.

genuinegemini

Just thought I'd post some snippets from the FSM regarding the RKE and it's location. It's not really very helpful beyond that, but figured I'd share anyway for anyone else looking.

I tried posting all the images together, but it kept re-ordering them so they were all backward. I guess this works too.

genuinegemini

Image Two

genuinegemini

Image 3

genuinegemini

Image 4

94zj318

All Grand Cherokee WJ's came from the factory with keyless entry. Your module might be in the BCM (Body Control Module), but not sure.

dave1123

If you read the FSM posts, you'll see the RKE receiver is part of the passenger's door module. It's connected to the PCI data bus and shares information with the PCM and BCM.

SteveMongr

That was my mistake. I posted referring to the SKIM module but then realized the RKE was separate, then edited the post rather than delete it.

AkSlayer77

so am doing research due to the fact my 2003 jeep grand cherokee keyless remote seemed weak. Replaced batteries so called dealer and they said replace fob. But am learning that I may be able to order fob and reciever and install fairly easier for far less than dealer here in Alaska. So is the RKE in passenger door? And is the fob truly dead after it doesnt work when changing batteries? Yes had to be close to rig before battery change for it to work. But afyer brand new batteries doesnt work at all. Thx for your help. I can build a house and follow directions when working on a car. But cannot troubleshoot or locate on vehicle issues let alone vehicle electrical or tech issues. Im a carpenter thats it
oh nothing in fob seems worn. Metal contacts and everything look great. May off even been original battery or close to due to all the pocket lint crap that was built up around perimeter of buttons and casing

dave1123

The RKE works great in my 2000 WJ from as far away as 75 ft. and I've only replaced the batteries once since I bought it in 2012. However, it only works from 50 ft if approached from the driver's side. I've been inside my house about 30 ft from the jeep and accidentally set the alarm when putting the keys in my pocket because I've heard the horn.

It's possible the receiver itself is at fault in your rig. It is an integral part of the PDM since I've seen it myself. You may have a frayed wire in the door bundle. The PCI bus is a twisted pair.