Programming your key fob for a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee can seem daunting, but it’s actually a straightforward process you can complete yourself. This guide provides comprehensive, easy-to-follow instructions to get your keyless entry remote working in no time. Whether you’ve lost your old key fob and replaced it, or you’re adding an extra remote for convenience, programming it yourself can save you time and money compared to dealership services.
Here’s how to program your 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob:
Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle
Begin by opening the driver’s side door and ensuring it remains open throughout the entire programming procedure. This is crucial as the system needs the door to be open to initiate programming mode.
Step 2: Manually Lock the Driver’s Door
Locate the mechanical door lock lever on the interior side of the driver’s door. Manually move this lever to the LOCK position. Do not use the power lock button; it’s important to use the manual lever for this process.
Step 3: Turn the Ignition to the RUN Position
Insert your ignition key into the ignition cylinder. Turn the key to the RUN position. This is the position right before you would start the engine. It’s important not to start the vehicle, simply turn the key to the RUN position to power on the vehicle’s electronics.
Step 4: Program the First Key Fob
Take your first key fob remote and aim it towards the receiver inside your vehicle. Press and hold the LOCK button (which is typically the right button on a 2-button remote) for approximately 5 seconds. After holding the button, the vehicle’s door locks should cycle – you will likely hear them unlock, indicating that the receiver has successfully accepted the programming for this key fob.
Step 5: Program Additional Key Fobs (If Applicable)
If you have additional key fobs that you wish to program for your 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee, now is the time to program them. It’s important to program all remotes you intend to use during this single programming sequence, as the system will only recognize the remotes programmed in the current session, up to a maximum of four.
To program subsequent key fobs, repeat the process from Step 2 and Step 4 for each additional remote. Specifically, after programming one remote and the doors unlock, manually return the door lock lever to the LOCK position again. Then, take the next key fob, aim it at the receiver, and press and hold the LOCK button for 5 seconds. Again, the door locks should unlock to confirm successful programming of the additional remote. Repeat this step until all desired key fobs are programmed.
Step 6: Finalize the Programming
Once you have programmed all of your key fobs, the final step is to finalize the programming sequence. Turn the ignition key from the RUN position to the OFF position, and then immediately back to the RUN position again within 20 seconds of programming the last key fob. This action saves the programmed remotes into the vehicle’s memory.
After completing these steps, your 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob should be successfully programmed and ready to use. Test each of your programmed remotes to ensure they correctly lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle.
These programming instructions are specifically for 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee models and compatible aftermarket key fobs. By following these steps carefully, you can easily program your key fob yourself and regain the convenience of keyless entry to your vehicle.
