2012 KK door chime/key FOB problem

VA_Camper · **Joined:** Sun Nov 20, 2016 11:05 am **Posts:** 5

2012 KK Sport, everything stock no after market mods.

I've been looking allover the internet and I have seen posts (on other forums) where other people have experienced the same problems in other Jeep models. There never seems to be any followup to what an actual solution was, so I thought I'd come here and see if anyone can point me in the right direction.

Symptoms:
*Remote key doesn't work. I only got one when I purchased it used. Tried a new battery in remote, still not working.
*Door chime sounds every time the driver door is open to indicate that key is still in ignition except that the key is NOT in the ignition.
*Unable to use auto-lock button on the driver or passenger door to lock all vehicle doors unless the engine is on and all doors are closed. I believe this is to prevent from locking the key inside the vehicle, but without a functioning remote, I have to manually lock all doors or wait until passengers get out, restart and lock everything, then exit my door by manually unlocking and manually lock before closing the door.

Thoughts:
What I think is happening, some system thinks the key is always in the ignition so it disables the FOB receiver and causes the chime to sound whenever the driver door is open.

Is this a ignition lock cylinder problem, a body control module, or a wireless control module problem? Or some combo of all those? Something else I haven't thought of?

If there's an answer already here in the forum that I missed, please give me a link. And thanks in advance for any response/help you can offer.

VA_Camper · **Joined:** Sun Nov 20, 2016 11:05 am **Posts:** 5

Well I'm really happy I figured out what is causing the symptoms I listed in my original post. I thought I was having module problems. Turns out it's a much simpler issue. As I said, I saw several other references to the same problem on other forums, but no follow up for an actual solution, hopefully this will help other Jeep owners in the same situation.

What I figured out is when the key is inserted in the ignition and the lock cylinder is pushed in the edge slips under the steering column cover. After taking the key out, the lock cylinder stays depressed, stuck under the steering column cover. So body control module thinks key is still in ignition, door chimes persist and it stops responding to remote key commands. Push on the column cover a bit and the lock cylinder pops back out and everything works as it should.

Next step will be to take apart the steering wheel column to see if the column is loose or if the lock cylinder is loose. I missed having a Jeep, I really like trouble shooting!

lfhoward · **Posted:** Sun Nov 20, 2016 8:57 pm

Nice work figuring that out. Nothing like a happy ending that is also free! That's why these forums are so valuable. Now the :2cents:

you would have spent at the dealer can be spent on MODS!!! :frankie:

VA_Camper · **Joined:** Sun Nov 20, 2016 11:05 am **Posts:** 5

I've only had this (new to me) Libey home for 6 days and I'm onto another problem. I think it's related so I'm keeping to this thread.

After I figured out the ignition lock cylinder was getting stuck in the steering column case, I had no other issues for three days, everything worked as it should tho I did have to ensure the lock cylinder popped back out every time I took the key out. I didn't drive the KK for a whole day, then went out this afternoon and it wouldn't start.

Lights came up, radio works, clock still on correct time, I can hear what I think is the fuel pump come on, I hear what I think are relays clicking on and off but the KK won't start. (I say 'I think' because I really know very, very little about car mechanics)

I did see 'No Fuse' flash on and off the odometer display a few times. I checked the Ignition Off Draw fuse, it was a little high in the seat, checked all the other fuses and relays as well. Some of those relays are really, really loose even at their tightest. The No Fuse error doesn't flash any longer.

The TPMS light blinks, the check engine light stays on, and the ETC light stays on. I tried to turn her on a few hours later, same results except this time the clock is off time.

Do Libeys not come standard with a security alarm? When I lock with the remote key and open a door from the inside, every other vehicle I've ever owned would sound an alarm. That's not the case with the Libey. Immobilizer problem? Or does this Jeep not have a factory security alarm?

Need some help on what to look for and what to check... First thing tomorrow I'm going to pull the battery and go have it tested under load, one battery port cover was open so I'll check electrolyte levels in the daylight. Should I also take my alternator in to have it tested as well? I'm going to borrow an OBD tool from a friend to read the codes.

What else should I check into? Is this a ignition lock cylinder going bad due to it being jammed up under the steering column cover over and over? Could it be a broken ignition actuator pin? Would that throw a ETC code?

I do have a warranty but I'm not real confident in the mechanics at the dealer I just bought it from. They told me there was a door lock actuator problem causing the remote lock to not work, tho it was working when I took delivery. Clearly they aren't used to diagnosing this sort of stuff if they didn't figure out the ignition lock cylinder was causing the intermittent problems. I feel like I need to narrow it down/pin point the problem before turning it over to them or they're going to be needlessly replacing parts that won't fix the issue.

lfhoward · **Posted:** Sat Nov 26, 2016 9:29 am

I don't know if this will fix the issues you list, but the ignition lock cylinder not popping back out sounded familiar. It happened on mine after I installed an aftermarket remote start under the steering column, and I didn't get the plastic trim lined up right when I put it back on. You could try unscrewing the trim under the steering column, making sure it is seated properly (or that nothing is in the way), and reinstall. This will take the sideways pressure off the lock cylinder, allowing it to move in and out smoothly. Maybe the previous owner had installed a remote starter, and removed it prior to selling. While you're in there you can make sure all the wiring pigtails to/from the ignition cylinder are tight.

2012 KK door chime/key FOB problem

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