Please help '97 Jeep alarm keeps going off?

Question

Hi everyone my sister left for college and left me her '97 Jeep Grand Cherokee to use while she was away. She left me with the valet key. Now the only problem is when I went to go unlock it with the valet key... I unlocked the driver door and the second I opened it the alarm went off. The only way I can get it to go off is by closing the door and letting the alarm go for 3 minutes. If I try and start the car, it will turn on for a second and then turn off. Even if the door is unlocked, the alarm will still go off the second I open it again. Please help me out, I really dont want to go all the way to boston and beg my sister for the main keys. (or pay $200 for a new set)

Answer 1

The jeep has an engine imobilizer device installed.  You need the actual key for the vehicle as they're microchipped, the valet keys are not and will only start the vehicle if the doors are unlocked prior to using the key.  The valet key isn't meant to be used to unlock and drive the vehicle, it is only meant for a valet to be able to park your vehicle for you, or for dealer maintenance.  The valet key will not unlock the glovebox either.  

As for the failing to start problem, like I said there is an engine imobilizer installed so as soon as the "wrong" key was used the imobilizer sensed it and disabled the fuel system.  You can crank on that engine until the battery dies and it will never start.  To fix this problem, once you get the actual key to the vehicle you will have to unlock the driver's side door only, open the door press the power door lock button to lock the door.  Close the door and then you can open it back up and drive the vehicle.  I know it sounds like a pain in the butt.  The thing is though its great to actually see that the system does work, and that it definitely won't let someone drive off with your vehicle.  

I've had the same problem, but what happened to me was I accidently locked my key in my jeep while the engine was running.  After I got my spare key out and unlocked the door, and turned off the engine, that's when all the trouble started.  I unlocked the door a few hours later to leave and the alarm went off and I couldn't start my jeep.  I actually had to call a 4x4 offroad technician to find out how to fix the problem.  

Oh yeah, by the way the fix for this problem is know where to be found in the owner's manual so don't bother looking for it.  (Found that out the hard way also).  

Just have your sister mail you the main keys.  Its not that expensive to mail a key, probably a 42 cent stamp will pay for it.  

Hope this helps.