How to Program a Key Fob for a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
by Susanne Koenig
Many domestic brands of automobiles come with a "Program" mode, in which you can program your key fobs, and even your transponder, or "Coded" keys, without the use of the dealership or an automotive locksmith. Unfortunately, the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee is not one of these models. The dealership or an automotive locksmith must be consulted to program your key fob. Taking it to the dealership can be rather expensive, so consider a reputable automotive locksmith for programming your 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob.
Step 1
Call your local Jeep dealership. Ask how long it will take to obtain a 1998 key fob for your Jeep Grand Cherokee. Generally, it only takes a couple of hours and can be ready for pickup by the end of the same business day. Ask the dealership how much they charge, and do a price comparison.
Step 2
Locate a reputable automotive locksmith, using a professional locksmith directory, such as the Associated Locksmiths of America Website. Using a professional automotive locksmith can save you time and money when it comes to replacing your key fob. An automotive locksmith can usually beat the dealership price and may offer a discount for any additional key fobs you need programmed.
Step 3
Test your new key fob on your 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Use all the buttons--lock, unlock, panic and trunk--to ensure all of the connectors on your fob are properly functioning, before you leave the dealership or the automotive locksmith.
References
Tips
- If your key fob had been working perfectly until recently, try changing the battery, before you call an automotive locksmith or have the dealership replace it. The battery will only cost you four dollars and can be purchased at any local watch or jewelery counter or at your local drug store.
Warnings
- Some locksmiths and dealerships will not program a key fob or key that was purchased online. This is for safety and proprietary reasons. Check with your dealership or your automotive locksmith, before purchasing online, and specifically ask if they will program a fob that was not purchased through them.
