Jeep Cherokee Infrared Keyless replacemen

I have a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee and my infrared Keyless entry transmitter is failing. I'd like to purchase a replacement keyless entry remote.  I can purchase a replacement for $70 form http://www.thejeep.com/piland.html . While this is the easiest solution, I can upgrade to a better keyless system at this price or less. The infrared keyless entry requires you to aim the transmitter directly at the IR receiver dome in the ceiling and you have to be right at the window.  A new radio keyless entry system would give me much more range and maybe more bells and whistles. However, I'm looking for the easiest installation possible.

I've read in these forums that a "databus interface" will allow one to connect directly to a vehicles wiring without the need to cut wires, etc. I have not been able to find one for a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee and I'd like to know if anyone here knows if one is available. I have also read here about using  "JDL" in a Jeep Cherokee, but I don't know what this is.  What is a "JDL"?

I'm considering purchacing this keyless entry system: http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/crimcs845rke.html . Does anyone have a better solution. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Steve Smith

Is the aftermarket keyless entry at http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/crimcs845rke.html a good one to get for this vehicle? Or, would you recommend something else?

Thanks,

Steve Smith

Yes, it's the panel by the driver's foot rest inside the car. There will be a BLACK connector behind the kick panel and there you will find the wires:

POWER LOCK|ORANGE / purple       |+  |blk conn. drivers kick or red conn. pass kick     

I'm not familiar with Crimestopper equipment but it's just a keyless entry system so you realy can't go wrong with this. Personally I would spend a little more to get a remote starter and keyless unit. The wires you have to tap into are in the same spot for both systems, the only difference is that the remote starter has about 3-4 more wires to connect. The range would be better as well for the remote starter.

Thanks again for the help. I would prefer to have a remote starter. Do you have a personal favorite you would recommend?

Steve Smith

Thanks for the excellent suggestion. This is a problem I'm familiar with and I did have that problem a couple of years ago and I fixed it with the soldering iron. However, since then, my remote transmitter got stepped on and the plastic casing broke. I had already lost the plastic buttons that tend to fall out. I tried gluing it back together and now it only works intemitently and it's rare when it does work. I know it's the remote tranmitter because I've programmed a Palm Pilot to "learn" the IR code and this works everyttime. But, my Palm Pilot is too bulky. I wish I could find a low cost key chain sized IR remote that can learn IR codes. I've seen these, but they only take code for TVs.  I suspect my 10 year old transmitter isn't making a good connection with the battery because sometimes I can press extra hard over area where the battery is to get to work. I've checked the buttons solder connections and these are good. I've worked on it with no success. The bottom line is that this old transmitter is litterally just falling apart and even if I do manage to fix it, don't think it will be reliable. It's litteraly in pieces right now.  

I've been watching Ebay and these used remotes sell for $35 to $50. Many of these remotes look pretty beat up and with the track record of problems they've had, I'm reluctant to spend this much money on an old remote that might soon have problems of its own. I think I'd be better off putting that money toward a new remote or new system.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good online merchant where I can purchase a Viper keyless entry with remote starter? I'll also be buying one for my wife's 1994 Mustang.

Thanks,

Steve Smith

Here's one that looks like a good deal for the money: http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/crimrs900erp.html

Does anyone see any problems with this? Or, can a Viper be purchased for the same price range?

Steve Smith