Aftermarket Passive Entry/Keyless Entry ideas?

[Ncoughran0]

Hi Everyone;

I am new to the forum, so I apologize is this has been asked. Or if it is posted in the wrong section.

I picked up a Sport S - Gladiator, as the features it was loaded up with were in line with what I was truly looking for. The cost savings too was rather substantial given the differences between what I would have 'gained' vs 'lost' with the Overland.

Here is my question though - the ONE feature I am really missing is the passive entry door handles. That giant monstrosity of a key fob is ridiculous to have to dig in and out of my pocket, and my previous Cherokee had the passive entry (keyless entry, some would call it). It was clutch. I am shocked I miss it so much. I read on here that the handles are not available... yet. However, I did notice some other aftermarket products that could 'mimic' the same thing.

It seems like you could install a product like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0096DLZLK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QdJeDbMGZ2G1B#customerReviews (doesn't have to be the exact one), and sure you'd have to carry around a separate key fob... but you could consider it a key chain.

Has anyone tried this?? Does it work?? Thoughts??

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[ShadowsPapa]

Whatever is done has to integrate with the security. At this time dealers tell me that it's not possible to update the BCM (body control module) to interface with such things.
So I don't know if that would work or not - but you can't add the factory type, I found that out.

 

[e36racer]

One of the reviews says it was easily installed in a 2015 Wrangler by using a DBALL2 harness adapter. I’m going to look into this more.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Well, not saying it can't work - but you have 4 years+ of changed electronics, security, etc. Even a decade ago there were big differences in the electronic systems between models and options.
If this works - and CAN be done, I'll be watching with intense interest!
My fear is that the 2020 JT is enough different from a 2015 Wrangler security, door lock and electronics wise (BCM, for example) but honestly I HOPE it does work and can be done!
There's another post there that says it worked on a Wrangler JK and that's from 2018 so who knows the year they put it on. I assume a person has to run relays because the system I put in my SX4 was more like a low-amperage ground system for relays. It would never in a million directly drive anything. If that is how it works then it would likely be wired very similar to how I did that little car - but in the end the controller stopped working. I bought the kit used so it's not surprising.

 

[Ncoughran0]

Yea! I saw the review that listed they did this on a 2015 Wrangler.. makes me think its possible. But I'm also a novice at learning about these jeeps... the passive entry is great though... kicking myself I didnt just get it .

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Yea! I saw the review that listed they did this on a 2015 Wrangler.. makes me think its possible. But I'm also a novice at learning about these jeeps... the passive entry is great though... kicking myself I didnt just get it .

My wife has it on her GC and when she saw it was available on these she spoke up and said we want it. I even said yeah, we should get that.
The dealer never got that box checked on the order. AND, in his defense, we didn't think of it again when looking things over.

 

[Expedition JT]

Interested in this also..

 

[Austingobi]

Please, please, find a solution. I'll buy it.

Thank you
Mr Spoiled Brat.

 

[mazeppa]

Please, please, find a solution. I'll buy it.

Thank you
Mr Spoiled Brat.

Unfortunately, probably the least expensive solution to get the Passive/Keyless Entry on an existing JT without it is to replace your JT with one that has it.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Unfortunately, probably the least expensive solution to get the Passive/Keyless Entry on an existing JT without it is to replace your JT with one that has it.

At only about 10 to 15 grand........

 

[mazeppa]

At only about 10 to 15 grand........

Yep, that's about the right cost to add Passive/Keyless Entry to the JT or JL.

 

[Ncoughran0]

I am sorry, but it is truly hard to believe that the passive entry system costs that much... I saved $10k by simply NOT having that one, single feature added. As I continue to research, if you have the remote starter, then your jeep is already equipped with the necessary technology. All you need is different handles, a wiring harness for the electric locks (an add on to what is there), or a key fob that sends a signal.... maybe an update to the whole UConnect system - but they do that for Nav anyway... I know that in a year from now, this system will exist and will probably cost a few hundred bucks. So I will do my best to be patient.

Thanks Everyone!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I am sorry, but it is truly hard to believe that the passive entry system costs that much... I saved $10k by simply NOT having that one, single feature added. As I continue to research, if you have the remote starter, then your jeep is already equipped with the necessary technology. All you need is different handles, a wiring harness for the electric locks (an add on to what is there), or a key fob that sends a signal.... maybe an update to the whole UConnect system - but they do that for Nav anyway... I know that in a year from now, this system will exist and will probably cost a few hundred bucks. So I will do my best to be patient.

Thanks Everyone!

I think you missed the inside story.
It cannot be added through Jeep/MOPAR/dealer. It cannot. People have vowed all over the place "well I'll go get the handles and the wiring and I'll add it" and you check back on those other forums week after week - the silence is deafening. No more posts about it.

You have to trade vehicles if you want it.
So you will pay at least 10 grand to get it if yours does not already have it.

All dealers I have talked to say "cannot add it, the body control module can't be modified in that way" and at least two people in the forum asked their technical people and got the same response. Cannot be added after the fact.
That's at least 5 times I and others have been told - cannot be added. My dealer even checked with the tech/electronics expert that handles such things for their corporation - after their shop said it can't be done - same response.

So, the bit is - if you want factory type passive entry, it cannot be added, you have to trade.
Expect you will pay at least 10K to do that.

It's not uconnect, that is simply the interface - it's the BCM, the body control module, handles security, locks, etc.
NAV is different - that's an upgrade in the software. This is security and body control. You can buy all the handles and harnesses you want, yoj can't make the Jeep work with it.

MAYBE in the future, maybe. Some will hang onto that maybe. One can hold their breath - or look for a solution such as a bluetooth solution, whatever. But the Jeep cannot be upgraded to add it.
It's a cliff-hanger - will Jeep ever mod things so it can be added? And if they do, will it be RETROACTIVE, or will they include that possible option with the next model year? Will it be a production change that starts in March 2020 and only vehicles after that date can have it added? That sort of thing does happen.

 

[brancky3]

It's not uconnect, that is simply the interface - it's the BCM, the body control module, handles security, locks, etc.
NAV is different - that's an upgrade in the software. This is security and body control. You can buy all the handles and harnesses you want, yoj can't make the Jeep work with it.

Wait a few months for a Gladiator with proximity to be totaled, then buy the BCM from it and swap it in. It's not that the BCM can't be flashed, it's that the dealer doesn't have the know-how or tools to do it.

 

[TheSolarWizard]

Wait a few months for a Gladiator with proximity to be totaled, then buy the BCM from it and swap it in. It's not that the BCM can't be flashed, it's that the dealer doesn't have the know-how or tools to do it.

I thought the BCM was married to the main computer?

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