Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your trusty 1996 Jeep Cherokee? Don’t worry, programming your key fob at home is a straightforward process that can save you time and money compared to dealership programming. This guide provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions to get your 1996 Jeep Cherokee Key Fob working in no time. You can program up to four transmitters for your vehicle, ensuring every driver in your household has convenient access.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Programming Your 1996 Jeep Cherokee Key Fob
Before you begin, ensure you have your new key fob for your 1996 Jeep Cherokee and your vehicle’s ignition key. Follow these steps carefully to successfully program your remote:
Step 1: Prepare the Driver’s Side Door
Begin by opening the driver’s side door and leaving it open throughout the entire programming procedure. This is crucial as the system relies on the door sensor to initiate the programming sequence. Make sure nothing obstructs the door sensor to ensure proper communication.
Step 2: Manually Lock the Driver’s Door
Locate the mechanical door lock lever on the driver’s side door panel. Manually move this lever to the LOCK position. This step is important because it sets the system to recognize the programming signal from your new key fob.
Step 3: Turn the Ignition to the RUN Position
Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch. Turn the key to the RUN position. Important: Do not start the engine. Simply turn the key to the position just before starting the car, where the dashboard lights illuminate. This activates the vehicle’s electrical system and prepares it to receive the key fob programming signal.
Step 4: Program the First Key Fob
Now, take your 1996 Jeep Cherokee key fob and aim it at the receiver. The receiver is typically located in the vicinity of the rearview mirror or the overhead console, but for this model, you can generally aim towards the front of the vehicle. Press and hold the LOCK button (the right button) on the key fob for approximately 5 seconds.
After holding the button for 5 seconds, the vehicle’s doors should automatically unlock. This indicates that the receiver has successfully accepted the programming signal from your key fob.
Step 5: Program Additional Key Fobs (Optional)
If you have additional key fobs that you wish to program for your 1996 Jeep Cherokee, you must program them immediately following the first key fob, within the same programming sequence. Up to four key fobs can be programmed to a single 1996 Jeep Cherokee.
To program subsequent key fobs, repeat the following steps for each additional remote:
- Return the mechanical door lock lever on the driver’s door to the LOCK position.
- Aim the next key fob at the receiver and press the LOCK (right) button for 5 seconds.
- Wait for the doors to unlock, confirming successful programming of that key fob.
- Repeat this process for all remaining key fobs you want to program.
Step 6: Finalize the Programming Sequence
Once you have programmed all desired key fobs, it’s crucial to finalize the programming sequence. Turn the ignition key OFF and then back ON to the RUN position again within 20 seconds after programming the last key fob. This step is essential to ensure that only the key fobs programmed during this specific procedure will operate the door locks. This prevents any previously programmed but now unwanted key fobs from working with your vehicle.
By following these steps, you should have successfully programmed your new 1996 Jeep Cherokee key fob. Test each key fob to ensure they are all working correctly by locking and unlocking the doors remotely. If you encounter any issues, double-check each step and ensure you have followed the instructions precisely. In most cases, these instructions will allow you to program your 1996 Jeep Cherokee key fob quickly and efficiently at home.
