🚪 2018–2024 Jeep Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT Passive Entry Keyless Go – Troubleshooting Guide

🧠 System Overview

The Passive Entry Keyless Go (PEKG) system uses sensors in the door handles and swing gate to detect the presence of a valid key fob and automatically unlocks the doors. Locking must still be done manually via the button on the smart handles.

Your kit includes:

• Smart Door Handles (Driver, Passenger, Swing Gate)

• PEKG Wiring Harness

• Security Gateway Module Bypass

• OBD Genie C-GXD Programmer

🔧 Important: Vehicle must have power locks from the factory for this upgrade to work.

✅ Troubleshooting Checklist

1. 🔌 System Not Responding At All

• Verify white molex connectors (driver, passenger, swing gate) are securely connected.

• Check main harness connections at the large gray connector in the driver's footwell:

  🧷 Pin Locations for Posi-Taps (verify exact wire color and pin number):

  • Driver Side Harness:

    • Sense Wire → Green/Yellow → Pin 25

    • Return Wire → Green/White → Pin 26

  • Passenger Side Harness:

    • Sense Wire → Green/Orange → Pin 21

    • Return Wire → Green/Violet → Pin 20

🔍 Inspect each posi-tap connection to ensure the wire was not cut or only partially pierced.

• Confirm the large gray connector is fully seated after connections are made.

2. 💡 Handles Not Detecting Touch

• Ensure OBD Genie C-GXD completed programming:

  • Solid green light = success

  • Blinking blue = retry required

• Confirm vehicle was in RUN position (not ACC or OFF) before plugging in the Genie.

• Wait at least 5–10 minutes after programming for the vehicle to go into a sleep cycle before testing.

3. 🔑 Key Fob Not Recognized

• Ensure OEM key fob is used — aftermarket fobs may not work.

• Replace the fob battery if weak.

• Key fob must be outside the vehicle and in proximity to the handle being activated.

• Make sure RF-Hub is not obstructed or damaged.

4. 🚪 Doors Unlock, But Will Not Lock via Button

• This is by design — locking is manual via button, unlocking is passive.

• Test both front door handle lock buttons.

• Check the handle button’s connector is fully seated.

• Test while fob is within 2 feet of the door.

5. ♰️ Swing Gate Not Unlocking

• Confirm the Y-harness at the swing gate is connected as follows:

  • Vehicle Harness → Y-Harness → Lock & Smart Handle

• Be sure the T25 screw is reinstalled and the end cap is snapped on correctly.

• Check for a click when pressing the swing gate handle button.

6. 🛠️ Genie Programmer Doesn’t Work

• Ensure the vehicle is in RUN mode.

• Wait 60 seconds before plugging in the Genie.

• If using a bypass device, confirm it's seated correctly.

• Unplug Genie, turn off vehicle, wait 5 mins, then retry.

🧠 Additional Gladiator-Specific Install Notes

Door Harness and Trim Panel Access

• Remove trim panel from the left of the driver's foot well (retainer clips only).

• Unlock the orange tab and lift white lever to disconnect.

• Detach fabric hook to free up harness.

• Make a small incision in the door harness to route the new PEKG harness (seal with Tesa tape).

Door Panel Reassembly

• Reconnect one main connector and two pull cables.

• Start reassembly with the top window trim, then align and snap all clips.

• Reinstall:

  • T30 screw behind door handle

  • Two T30 screws under armrest

  • Two T20 screws at bottom of door panel

Finalizing Posi-Tap Connections

• Remove additional trim and 10mm nut to fully expose large gray connector.

• Pull gray locking tab, access connector, and attach posi-taps:

  • Driver: Green/Yellow (Sense) - Pin 25 | Green/White (Return) - Pin 26

  • Passenger: Green/Orange (Sense) - Pin 21 | Green/Violet (Return) - Pin 20

• Route passenger harness under carpet and dash to driver's footwell.

• Reconnect body harness and reassemble footwell trim.

🛠️ General Installation Tips

• Zip-tie white molex connectors in accessible locations behind trim panels.

• Avoid pinching or sharply bending wires.

• Let the vehicle sleep after programming to complete sync.

🔄 Common Issues & Fixes

Issue	Likely Cause	Fix
Nothing works	Loose molex / incorrect posi-tap	Recheck PIN 20/21/25/26 wiring
Handles don’t respond	Genie failed or vehicle not slept	Retry Genie and let vehicle sleep
Fob not detected	Wrong fob or RF interference	Use OEM fob; move away from interference
Swing gate doesn't unlock	Y-harness misrouted	Double-check all three swing gate connectors

---

🧷 Reference PIN Location Chart (Driver Footwell Large Gray Connector)

Function	Wire Color	Pin
Driver Sense	Green/Yellow	25
Driver Return	Green/White	26
Passenger Sense	Green/Orange	21
Passenger Return	Green/Violet	20

Gladiator:

🎥 Video Reference:

Pin Installation 

Wrangler:

🎥 Video Reference:

Pin Installation 

✅ Make sure you tap into these exact wire colors and pins, and that connections are secure.

🔗 Resources

📹 Installation Video Walkthrough Wrangler

📘 Installation PDF Walkthrough Wrangler

📹 Installation Video Walkthrough Gladiator

📘 Installation PDF Walkthrough Gladiator

🔧 Security Gateway Bypass Help