Are you getting the “stink-eye” from fellow motorists because your Wrangler alarm keeps going off while stuck in traffic? Getting strange looks from your neighbors because your wrangler’s alarm wakes them up at strange hours? Have you ever walked back to your Wrangler at a shopping mall only to notice the lights flashing? Or perhaps you simply tried to unlock your Jeep with the key fob when it set off the alarm. If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then this article might give you some insight into the possible causes.
Your Jeep Wrangler alarm can go off intermittently due to multiple reasons, some of which are a weak battery, bad BCM (Body Control Module), or a bad sensor.
Whatever the reason is, you want to get to the bottom of this issue ASAP. The next part of this article will discuss which components could possibly be the cause.
Jeep Wrangler Alarm Keep Going off – CAUSES
Any of the below bad components can result in triggering your alarm randomly.
- Key Fob requires reprogramming
- Dead Main Battery
- Bad BCM (Bodytrain Control Module)
- Buttons on the remote getting stuck
- Bad sensor
- Bad wire/connection
Let’s now look at each possible cause in a bit more detail.
Why Does My Jeep Wrangler Alarm Keep Going Off – SOLUTIONS
Something as simple as a loose electrical connection or a bad battery can cause all sorts of electrical gremlins. So before you run off to your dealership, do as many of the below DIY checks. This could save you a trip and possibly some cash.
Let’s get into it.
Key Remote Reprogramming
Your Jeep Wrangler key fob can malfunction after a few years. This could be caused by signal loss, old age, or a dead battery. They also tend to stop working, caused by signal loss, which will require reprogramming. They have tiny batteries which, like any electrical device, also have a limited lifespan. In the event of signal loss, it could result in your alarm being triggered when you press the unlock button.
Fortunately, it’s a simple process to reset the key fob and is a fix that requires no tools or expertise at all. You simply need to know the reprogramming technique and off you go, no pun intended there. This DIY technique will save you some money, which would otherwise have gone to your mechanic or your dealership.
| Step 1 | 1st replace the battery on your key fob |
| Step 2 | Sit inside the Jeep and close all the doors properly |
| Step 3 | Put your foot on the brake pedal |
| Step 4 | Insert the key into the ignition |
| Step 5 | Turn to the ON position |
| Step 6 | Wait 8-15 seconds |
| Step 7 | The security light will go ON for roughly 3 seconds |
| Step 8 | Once the light goes ON it indicates the key has been reprogrammed |
| Step 9 | Exit the vehicle |
| Step 10 | Lock and unlock the vehicle |
Next, let’s look at a dead battery as a possibility
Dead Main Battery
Car alarms have become increasingly sophisticated over the years and now have the ability to be proactive by warning us if there is a potential problem on your vehicle. For example, if your Jeep has a dying battery, the alarm system could detect that and be triggered as a warning that something is amiss and you need to take action.
If you start your vehicle with a faulty or dying battery, your alarm may be triggered as a warning signal. Inspect your battery age and water levels. If it’s older than 3 years, you might need a replacement main battery.
BCM (Body train Control Module)
The BCM unit or module is responsible for monitoring and controlling multiple parts of the vehicle’s electronics related to the body of the Jeep itself. Your Body Control Module manages components like:
- Automatic Headlights
- Door locks
- Windows
- Alarm System
A faulty BCM can result in incorrect signals and could cause your alarm to go off intermittently.
Stuck Buttons on the Key Fob
If your Key fob is faulty for whatever reason, it will result in incorrect signals being sent to the alarm system. Key fobs often get damaged from any of the following:
- Getting dropped regularly
- Prolonged exposure to moisture (Water Damage)
- Weak key fob battery
- Buttons getting Jammed
A button that is jammed on the key fob will result in scrambled signals and can trigger your alarm. It will also drain your key fob battery down quickly. When this happens, your vehicle’s alarm may inadvertently end up going off without you wanting it to.
Bad Sensor
Jeep owners love the outdoors and enjoy taking their vehicles off-road. When your jeep is exposed to regular dirt, mud, and water exposure, it could result in a sensor going bad. For example, when the hood latch sensor collects dirt from off-road it does not function properly. This can send a bad signal and trigger a false alarm. A hood sensor is designed to detect the unintended hood openings and is an anti-theft device.
Bad Wire
A bad wire or corroded connections can send incorrect signals resulting in short circuits and results in wreaking havoc on the alarm system in your car. It’s hard to recreate any of these electrical gremlins so you’ll have to systematically check all door pins and connections or send it to a mechanic or auto electrician to detect where the problem lays.
Door Connections Door Pins
If you are in the habit of removing your Jeep doors, then you want to thoroughly inspect all the connections and make sure none of them are faulty. Check all your door pins for proper connections. One way of isolating the doors is by disconnecting the door’s electrical systems. If the issue stops occurring, then you know you have a wiring problem on one of your doors.
Jeep Wrangler Anti-Theft Reset
There are two methods you can try to reset your alarm.
- Get inside your Jeep and close all doors
- Insert the key into the ignition
- Turn the key into the start position
- Locate the little black button below the flashing LED
- Push the button while holding the key in the ON position
How to Turn Reset the Alarm on a Jeep Wrangler
- Open the dash panel cover located underneath your dashboard (Driver Side)
- Turn on the Car
- Press and hold the red toggle switch
- Allow the alarm to turn off
- Listen out for a chirping sound
- The LED light will shine indicating the alarm has been successfully reset.
- The system is again an active state
Accidentally pressed RED PANIC BUTTON!!!
If you accidentally press the red panic button on the key fob, it triggers the alarm immediately. This is an anti-hijack feature. This has happened to me many times. I’m sure my neighbors are not amused.
Just a couple of days ago, I was on my way out when my JL started honking like crazy. I pulled on the driver door handle and the door unlocks and opens as designed with my keyless entry. Even with the door opening and closing, the alarm continued blasting away. I remembered to put my foot on the brake pedal while I push the START button. I was convinced that this would stop the honking noise. To my surprise it didn’t, even after I started up the engine.
At this stage, you just want the noise to stop!!!! After pressing all the buttons on the fob in an attempt to reset the system, it just continued blasting away. My kids started panicking because the noise was unbearable in my closed garage. With the horn going crazy, I eventually pressed the RED PANIC button on the key fob. This finally stopped the noise.
The moral of the story, remember the RED PANIC BUTTON.
Resources
Blank Uncut Replacement Key Fob
Keyless entry remote start system
Replacement Red Top Main Battery
Conclusion
Whatever your situation, it could be any of the above-mentioned components to cause your alarm to go bonkers. In most cases, it’s a flat battery or a key fob that requires reprogramming. Do the suggested DIY checks before you head off to your dealership, it could save you time and money.