Jeep Cherokee XJ - Proline REC43T+ Keyless Entry Install

11/23/20

My 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport (XJ) came with a factory-installed keyless entry module. When I first bought it, the previous owner didn't have the remote. So, I went online and bought one, then took it to the dealer to get it set up. The dealer charged me $60.

For some reason, the remote stopped working. So, I replaced the batteries in it and had to take it to the dealer a second time to reset it. It cost another $60 to get it working again.

Recently, my keyless entry stopped working again. Rather than spend another $60 at the dealership to get the stock module working again, I decided to replace it altogether with an aftermarket keyless entry module. After a little online research, I settled on the REC43T+ by Proline as recommended by The Bearded Jeeper on YouTube.

 

The Proline REC43T+ Keyless Entry

At the time of writing, the Proline REC43T+ is available on Amazon for $35. It comes with everything needed to replace the factory keyless entry module on the Jeep Cherokee.



Remove the Dome Console

The factory module is on the ceiling in the dome console. The whole console can be removed by popping off the center light cover and loosening the two screws on each side of the bulb.

Then, the whole thing slides forward and out.

There are two wire harnesses holding the attached to the dome console. One is for the dome lights and the other goes into the factory keyless entry module. Both need to be disconnected.

With wire harnesses disconnected, the whole dome console can come completely off.


Splice the Factory Wires

The Proline REC43T+ requires splicing four specific wires attached to the factory wiring harness:

  • Blue Solid
  • Pink Solid
  • Light Blue w/ Red Stripe
  • Black Solid (there are two of these, either one works)

There are different ways to splice and connect wires, but I kept it simple with a wire cutter and crimp-connectors.

 

Connect the New Wire Harnesses to the Factory Wires

There are two different wire harnesses that come with the Proline REC43T+. Both will need to connected to the four factory wires specified above.

Connect the White (4-Wire) Harness


  

Only two wires will be required from the white, 4-wire harness: red and black. The others can be ignored.

Connect the wires accordingly (new factory):

  • RedPink Solid
  • Black → Black Solid


Connect the Red (2-Wire) Harness

 

The remaining wires connect to the red, 2-wire harness.

Connect the wires accordingly (new factory):

  • GreenLight Blue w/ Red Stripe
  • BlueBlue Solid


Remove the Factory Module

The factory module is the green circuit board attached to the dome console. It is held down by two small screws near each corner of the board.


With the screws removed, the factory module should pop right out.


 

Attach the New Module to the Dome Console

The Proline REC43T+ can be attached to the dome console with double-sided tape or glue. I used some Velcro fastener I had lying around.


The antenna can be looped around the outer edge of the dome console. I tucked it into the plastic where I could.


Connect the Wire Harnesses to the Module

With the dome console put together, it's just a matter of plugging the wire harnesses to the module.


 

Program the REC43T+ Remote

The steps for programming the remote transmitters are as follows:

  1. Press the reset switch on the module (small black hole near the pins) until it beeps 5 times.
  2. Press the lock button on the remote, it will beep once.
  3. Press the unlock button on the remote, it will beep twice.
  4. Wait a couple of seconds until the module beeps 5 times.

After the last set of beeps, the remote should be programmed to lock and unlock the Jeep!


Conclusion

So far, the Proline REC43T+ has been a fine replacement for the factory keyless entry on my XJ. It's cheap, easy to install, and saves a trip to the dealership to reset the remotes!


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting this aftermarket fix. I've been trying to find a used OEM for about a year and came across your post. The used ones were going for $100 - $120. Purchased the REC43T+ for $38 on Amazon. It took me about 60 minutes to install. The hardest part was crimping wires together with my bad eyesight and awkward angle of the factory wiring harness. I'm a happy camper with keyless entry. Thanks again!

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