This is a "how-to" reprogram the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) remotes/FOBs in the Jeep Cherokee XJ. This procedure is the same for 1997-2001 Cherokees, 1997/1998 Cherokees use a different remote than the 99-01 Cherokee that seems to interchange with all 97-01 Cherokee's. 1996 and older Cherokees have a different programming procedure for the IR remotes. In theory it would be possible to swap in a programmed pair of remote and board to a 1996 and older for the improved remote range.

I do offer an exchange program to program remotes for $50 return shipped. Send me your RKE receiver board with up to 4 of your remotes(With FCC ID; GQ43VT9T) needing to be programmed. After successful program I will send a paypal invoice, wait for payment, and then I'll send you back matched set of remote and receiver board. I do not stock remotes as this is a very low volume requested service. The RKE receiver board is located in the overhead dome light/overhead console. It is very quick and easy to remove for shipping. Turn around is typically less than a week and cheaper than a dealer visit for programming alone. Contact me for more details here.

From the main menu, select #1, DRBIII standalone.



Select #1, 1998-2007 Diagnostics.



Select #1, All.



Select #7, Theft Alarm.



Select #1, VTSS.



Detecting.



This will display after first detection.



Select #9, Miscellaneous.



Select #3, Program RKE.



If the ignition is not off, turn it off.



Select which position remote you want to program for. Defaults are 1 and 2, I recommend having all the remotes available for programming, otherwise another remote might get overwritten.



The RKE will accept a signal for a few seconds, press unlock repeatedly during this time. After the end of the cycle this will display, even if the programming was not successful. Test the remote by pressing lock and unlock, if it does not activate then it is not working properly and either needs to be programmed again or it is a bad remote.



Select 1 to change the horn chirp duration.



10ms is almost inaudible, 40ms is very noticeable. User preference.



Illuminated entry can also be set. User preference.



While many remotes appear to be physically identical actual compatibility varies. Verify part numbers before purchasing remotes. In the future I hope to expand a cross compatibility chart of the various part numbers.

All Images and materials contained within this site are Copyright 2000-2012 James Slaten unless otherwise noted.