Went out last week and the key fob remote did not work on the 99 Jeep Cherokee. After investigating when pushing the unlock / lock buttons their was clicking under dash meaning the remote was working. I started the Jeep for a few seconds and tried again, Nothing! A couple of days later I went back out and the keyless entry still wasn’t working. The power lock switch on the driver’s side did the same thing, click but no movement on the lock switches. I went around to the passenger’s side to listen for the clicking and track down the relays and the switch on the passenger’s door worked. I then tested the remote entry and it worked along with the driver’s side switch. Figured I would start it and let a run and test again. Well it started but the fan belt was really screaming not turning at all, Bummer! I spent a while trying to find which pulley was the one to loosen to get the belt off with no luck. Checkin out the web I found some info and a diagram for the serpentine belt. The diagram did not match my engine so I drew my own. I got the belt loose enough to determine the alternator was seized up. I guess that is better than the AC compressor, power steering pump, or the water pump. It took lookin for a lot tools, (who the hell has and uses a 15mm wrench, Jeep owners obviously), a lot of cussin, and one busted knuckle and I had the bad one out.
Shoppin around I found a rebuilt alternator for $125 with core exchange.
With all this goin on my 05 Cadillac SRX’s battery needed replacing. Callin around all batteries for that are $169 plus tax. Damnit Jim! That’s a lot o money for a car battery.
Anywho after a trip to Cedar Park and spending $320 plus I had a new Caddy battery and Cherokee alternator. The alternator is a tight fit to get into place but I got it in, the belt put back on, and it running again. Yeah!!
I also have done a ton o research on the web about the ‘airbag’ light being on. After hours of reading I determined it was probably the clock spring. I purchased a used clock spring on ebay and printed out steps with images from cherokeeforum. I spent about an hour, there again a lot of time lookin for tools, I had the old one out and the new one. Started her up and the airbag light went off, Yeah!!, but then it came back on. SOB!!
Now I have another few hours reading forums and internet info and nothing definite on diagnosis and repair. I sure don’t want to pay the dealer.
Well I’m the one that wanted a Jeep Cherokee!
