Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ - Key Fob Help !

[Percy Penguin]

I've had my 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ for 17 years - a fantastic car, still in great condition, that I've got no intention of ever getting rid of.

However, a few weeks back I mistakenly left the keys in my trouser pocket and treated them to a 40 degree delicates cycle in my washing machine. Now the remote keyless entry fob (although very clean) doesn't lock/unlock the car anymore, and my spare one only works intermittently when it feels like it.

No problem, I thought, I'll just get a replacement fob reprogrammed to my car. Anyway, two defeated locksmiths later and I'm told it can't be done and it's a main dealer only job to get the car to recognise a newly coded fob. I've contacted several main dealers, but they don't want to know on such an old car. So it seems my beloved Jeep is heading for the scrap yard unless I can find a solution.

Any ideas ? Or any independent Jeep specialists out there that can help ?

[tr7v8]

Its not a main dealer job, Terry Cloke at A1 Chrysler can do it. He's in Higham near Gravesend Kent. 07437 583783
His FB page is here, tell him Jim sent you.
https://www.facebook.com/p/A1-Chrysler-Ltd-1000571...

[Warhavernet]

Don't see this being a problem for an experienced auto locksmith, must be a few in your area.

[tr7v8]

Warhavernet said:

Don't see this being a problem for an experienced auto locksmith, must be a few in your area.

You need the dedicated Chrysler software apparently

[wildoliver]

Percy Penguin said:

I've had my 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ for 17 years - a fantastic car, still in great condition, that I've got no intention of ever getting rid of.

However, a few weeks back I mistakenly left the keys in my trouser pocket and treated them to a 40 degree delicates cycle in my washing machine. Now the remote keyless entry fob (although very clean) doesn't lock/unlock the car anymore, and my spare one only works intermittently when it feels like it.

No problem, I thought, I'll just get a replacement fob reprogrammed to my car. Anyway, two defeated locksmiths later and I'm told it can't be done and it's a main dealer only job to get the car to recognise a newly coded fob. I've contacted several main dealers, but they don't want to know on such an old car. So it seems my beloved Jeep is heading for the scrap yard unless I can find a solution.

Any ideas ? Or any independent Jeep specialists out there that can help ?

If you're near east Yorkshire I'll give you a hand (for free). If not get wjdiag from play store and an elm327 module and it's in the passenger door module.

Alternatively you could swap the passenger door module with another one with a pair of good key fobs.

Wj fobs are a bit flakey now tbh. Mine work perfectly most of the time, then just randomly decide to not lock or unlock for 30 seconds or so of pressing. Usually when stood with people you know looking like a prat.

[hemidom]

There's a bloke on the Challenger facebook groups who has a good rep and travels up and down the country. If you PM me your details happy to send them on to him

[Percy Penguin]

hemidom said:

There's a bloke on the Challenger facebook groups who has a good rep and travels up and down the country. If you PM me your details happy to send them on to him

Thanks - I've PM'd you.

[Percy Penguin]

wildoliver said:

If you're near east Yorkshire I'll give you a hand (for free).

Thanks, that's really generous of you. Unfortunately I'm about 4 hours away from east Yorkshire, but if I can't find a more local solution I'll be in touch !

[Percy Penguin]

tr7v8 said:

Its not a main dealer job, Terry Cloke at A1 Chrysler can do it. He's in Higham near Gravesend Kent. 07437 583783
His FB page is here, tell him Jim sent you.
https://www.facebook.com/p/A1-Chrysler-Ltd-1000571...

Thanks - I'll give him a call !

[Turbo_Terrific]

Percy Penguin said:

hemidom said:

There's a bloke on the Challenger facebook groups who has a good rep and travels up and down the country. If you PM me your details happy to send them on to him

Thanks - I've PM'd you.

I'm the person Hemidom mentioned. I'd recommend Terry if he's nearer you but I'm not sure he has a DRB III required to do the coding. I do speak to him a lot however, so can maybe arrange with him to help. I don't tend to travel around with a DRB due to it's size ( it travels in a large suitcase type thing ). One thing I would suggest, the fobs are *very* low tech - an ultrasonic bath, some IPA, and perhaps reflow of the chip afterwards if required would likely resurrect it. I can do this for you when time allows if any use - note - I don't do this for a living, I have a real job that pays me more than part time tinkering with electronics ever would, and I'll help people with the correct attitude. Some people start getting demanding of my time like they have some divine right to it. Feel free to DM me some details and a picture of the fob.

[tr7v8]

Turbo_Terrific said:

Percy Penguin said:

hemidom said:

There's a bloke on the Challenger facebook groups who has a good rep and travels up and down the country. If you PM me your details happy to send them on to him

Thanks - I've PM'd you.

I'm the person Hemidom mentioned. I'd recommend Terry if he's nearer you but I'm not sure he has a DRB III required to do the coding. I do speak to him a lot however, so can maybe arrange with him to help. I don't tend to travel around with a DRB due to it's size ( it travels in a large suitcase type thing ). One thing I would suggest, the fobs are *very* low tech - an ultrasonic bath, some IPA, and perhaps reflow of the chip afterwards if required would likely resurrect it. I can do this for you when time allows if any use - note - I don't do this for a living, I have a real job that pays me more than part time tinkering with electronics ever would, and I'll help people with the correct attitude. Some people start getting demanding of my time like they have some divine right to it. Feel free to DM me some details and a picture of the fob.

He does.

[Percy Penguin]

Turbo_Terrific said:

Feel free to DM me some details and a picture of the fob.

I can't seem to DM you - can you DM me ?