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1997 Wrangler going no where

10K views 50 replies 10 participants last post by  Digger84 
#1 ·
I always wanted to own a Wrangler and I bought a 1997 2.5 at the beginning of November from a used car dealer. I drove it from Colchester to Devon without problems and all seemed well. I have 2 sets of keys and two key fobs although only one worked (thought the second one would be the battery). I have left the Jeep for a few weeks and now I cant get that @?:><: red light to go out! I turn on the ignition and press the unlock tab but all that happens is the red light flashes and the Jeep refuses the do anything. I have charged the battery and replaced the batteries in the key fob. I have spoken to two auto electricians who have both said there is nothing they can do. So any ideas would be appreciated. Cheers Steve:pullinghair:
 
#4 ·
I've messed with several vehicles with aftermarket sentry systems. They are pretty easy to uninstall. Under the dash, after removing the covers and kick plates, you will see where the sentry system has been wired into the jeep system. Usually there are wire taps on the factory wires,and sometimes 1-3 factory wires have been cut, but just remove the alarm system and butt connector the original wires back together. I figure any vehicle that's 15 years old doesn't need an alarm anyway. It's pretty pointless. Just did this very thing on a 1992 Ford F-150 about a month ago...
 
#11 ·
Well your fobs have lock and unlock on it so if it does not have power locks then most likely it was rigged using some form of OEM equipment from some other Chrysler vehicle and it would have a Jeep logo not Chrysler.
 
#9 ·
What do they lock/unlock? Does anything click or make noise when you press the buttons? I would run a jumper wire from battery to starter to see if it engages starter. Make sure it is out of gear while doing this! If it engages starter, I would check actuator pin in ignition switch! Good luck!
 
#13 ·
Thank you for your comments you guys clearly know what you are talking about - sorry I'm a bit green when it comes to my Wrangler. It would seem then that I have some after market alarm with Chrysler key fobs. I removed the dash and steering column covers and attached some images which I hope might reveal a bit more. The wire circled is the wire to the red light this runs behind a steel plate behind the dash. Do you think there is a way I can remove the immobilizer?
 

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#14 · (Edited)
I'm not clearly seeing where a potential immobilizer is tied in. First, is there a light that is flashing on or in the dash, or steering column? If so, trace that lights wire back under the dash until you see where it is coming out of. Usually is a black plastic box of some sort. Then, there will be another set of wires heading back toward the steering column. That's where things will tapped into the original wiring harness. Maybe a take a picture lower down the column, or more under the dash? I'm also realizing you have right hand drive, so am looking at things backwards (or maybe correctly since I'm a product of the rebel colony ;) )

Also, the immobilizer box is usually evident by not being quite the same as stock looking. Wires might be zip tied, and seems somewhat out of place in comparison to the original clean factory wiring. On left hand jeeps they are usually zip tied up to the left side of the steering column, maybe just above knee level. Varies from installation tho.

I'll check back on this tomorrow after work.
 
#16 ·
Do you have any car alarm dealers in your area, typically they are good at disabling systems that have mafunctioned. I had a company car with the same issue and they charged me $75 to disable the system
 
#17 ·
Thank you guys I think I am making progress. I found a loose connector under the dash and traced a wire that had been spliced back to the other half of the connector. Reconnected and took out the splice and now the Jeep fires up but just runs for a couple of seconds. I am guessing this is because the fuel pump is immobile but so far I have not been able to locate where and I have not found the alarm control unit. I suspect its behind a metal plate at the back of the instrument pod but I can't see how to get at it. Any more ideas would be a big help. Cheers
 

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#18 ·
A bit further. I have removed the control box its a May and Scofield CIS4010 SN0150. Now I am left with a block female connector which I guess I have to sort out. Does anyone know if there is an equivalent male connector hidden away somewhere or is this an after market set up as a collection of wire just for the alarm? pictures to follow.
 
#21 ·
Not 100% sure, but on all that I've messed with, there will be a splice in 1 or more wires that come from the ignition switch. Find this and reconnect the original wires, eliminating the splice. This will put it back to factory specs and do away with the alarm system.

I would use the pigtail from that security box and trace it back to where it's connected.
 
#20 ·
Sub'd for later.

I have an aftermarket alarm on my rig as well and its been a pain to deal with. Id like to get it all removed when I can find the time.
 
#22 ·
Well it looks like I'm stuffed! Had auto electrician in today who tells me that even though I have removed the offending box and reconnected the ignition circuit the immobilizer is tied in to the ECU and the ECU is not getting its code from the immobilizer. It seems the immobilizer unit itself has gone down. Not really sure where I go from here as I guess I need a new unit tied into the ECU or perhaps a new ECU that does away with the immobilizer or is it time to admit defeat and just sell off the parts! Does anyone know of a jeep specialist in Devon who would have the right kit to sort this out?
 
#24 ·
Skim not available until late 98

What is part number on your PCM?

If any 98 or newer PCM is subjected to three starts while a chip reader (the skim module on the column with the ring around the key switch)
Is connected to the wiring harness the dormant skim function is activated and only reprogramming can inactivate that feature and Chrysler will refuse to reprogram to inactivate it as it compromises their anti theft system

Once activated PCM married to that skim module and requires connection to that skim module and a key with a chip code memorized by that skim module

So just trying your PCM in your buddies skim module equipped TJ can brick your PCM
 
#25 ·
So, what you're saying is if he's got the older PCM, it A) won't have immobilizer (skim) and B) can't be bricked by plugging into a buddies computer. So he needs to keep looking on how to disable the system, and that should be a wiring issue, not anything to do with computer. Btw, since he's in UK, is there any chance that they had SKIM 1.5 years earlier than us?
 
#26 ·
US ecu ?

I have been searching the web for a jeep specialists in the uk with no luck. There are a couple of 1997 wrangler ecu listed on ebay from the U.S. I will try and find out if these would do the trick but it's a £300 gamble. I can't be the first wrangler owner this has happened too has anyone bought an cu from the state's? Is there a recommended supplier? Cheers Steve
 
#29 ·
Should have a longer number that that

If you go to the jeep knowledge base page on Morris 4x4 web site you can view the factor part list for 1997 TJ and see all the part numbers used for PCMs

The part numbers are different
4 cyl vs 6 cyl
Auto vs manual
Federal vs California vs export vs leaded fuel

And of course they also change every year
 
#30 · (Edited)
Group 008 page 148 on the jeep tj parts diagram manual has listing of serial numbers for those PCM, ECU, or whatever we want to call them. Also, there is a cool site where you can put your vin in and see the build sheet for your jeep. It may reveal the SKIM or lack of, but since mine doesn't have it I can't tell if it would show or not...

http://www.fiatusa.com/webselfservice/BuildSheetServlet?vin=XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Put your vin in where the xxx are then paste into browser. Works really great.
 
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