'98 with remote keyless entry...

[98XJSport]

Ok I got a build sheet from jeep for my '98 XJ, and it is listed as being equipped with a remote keyless entry system. I bought this second hand so if it did have a remote, it never made it into my hands. While searching threads to see the cost of a new remote, I noticed that people were noting that they had something of an IR sensor between the sun visors of thier jeep, which mine does not. Is there any other way to tell if mine has keyless entry, or just assume the buils sheet is right and try to get a remote? I just dont want to get a remote and find out I don't have keyless entry. Thanks for any help.

 

[casm]

While searching threads to see the cost of a new remote, I noticed that people were noting that they had something of an IR sensor between the sun visors of thier jeep, which mine does not.

Earlier remote locking systems were infrared, but the later ones were radio-based. I don't know the exact year of the changeover, but I believe that all '97-on Cherokees with remote locking *should* be radio-based, hence no IR receiver between the sun visors. This at least holds true on my '01 and the '00s and '99s I'm familiar with; YMMV.

Is there any other way to tell if mine has keyless entry, or just assume the buils sheet is right and try to get a remote? I just dont want to get a remote and find out I don't have keyless entry. Thanks for any help.

Worst case scenario, you could always go to the dealership and have them run the VIN, verify that the build sheet they get specifies remote locking, and then have them encode the remote. At least this way if the build sheet is wrong the burden of responsibility would be on them.

 

[crystalship1]

CASM is right. Only the older XJ's had I.R. I have a '97 Sport and it's a radio signal version.

The Auto Zones in my area have just begun putting up signs that they can replace car remotes (OEM included), so you might check there. If you have to go to the dealer....better bring your check book!!!!

Ok I got a build sheet from jeep for my '98 XJ, and it is listed as being equipped with a remote keyless entry system. I bought this second hand so if it did have a remote, it never made it into my hands. While searching threads to see the cost of a new remote, I noticed that people were noting that they had something of an IR sensor between the sun visors of thier jeep, which mine does not. Is there any other way to tell if mine has keyless entry, or just assume the buils sheet is right and try to get a remote? I just dont want to get a remote and find out I don't have keyless entry. Thanks for any help.

 

[scoobyxj]

If you have a little bubble between the visors it's there, if not pull the dome light down and check there. Its in one of the two places. On my sister inlaws 97 it was in the bubble. On my 00 its in the dome light cover, not shure when they changed it.

 

[2offroad]

my '98 has radio, bump the dome light forward and it should come off, if you have a chip in the housing you have keyless entry, a good dealership will charge $25-50 for the remote and around $25 to program it.

 

[jneary]

the 98 keyless entry is controlled from the passsenger front door switch, there is no visible signs to tell. have the dealer run your vin and get your option codes

 

[JEEPZZ]

All 97+ XJ with keyless are RF.
97 had the receiver in the plastic bubble between the visors OR in the overhead console if equipped.
In 98 the receiver was moved into the new larger style dome light OR still within the overhead console.
A receiver was never placed in the drivers door/switch.

 

[jneary]

up to 96 there was a visible keyless entry reciever, 97 and up are controlled through the passenger door switch assembly

 

[biscuitboy87]

dont know about the 98, but the 00 has the radio in the pass door.

 

[JEEPZZ]

...maybe I'm confusing the receiver's antenna with the actual overhead circuit board signal decoder? (or whatever it's called; the stamped PC board)