1996 Jeep Cherokee door locks

first check window and lock fuse if not above
might the main switch which is driver door not functioning

Try using your door key to lock-unlock the rear hatch lock. That should disarm the factory security system and allow the jeep to start.

Your old lock is very easy to remove. disconnect the control arm from it and slide the clip retainer out. Reverse process to install.

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Sometimes the wiring breaks where the door swings open and close. You can remove the the boot and check the wires you will probally find some broken. Check good and feel the wires.

Its the kids in the back seat, haha sorry. It sounds like a bad switch.
You can either see if this can be removed with out removing panel
or you would have to remove the door panel and take each switch
and unpower it and see which one stops this from happening.
Maybe there is a mechanic around that someone has said there honest and you can have them check it, which is a lot cheaper
than the dealer. Hoped this helps a little, but maybe someone that has worked on your model will come along and be a bit more helpful.

check and lube the latch mechanism...If linkage is bent, why not straighten it ? can't be bent too much unless someone tried to get in there and really pulled on it! If necessary you can get parts at any junkyard or dealer.

front - 6.5" by 6.5" depth- 3"

in dash - 3.5" depth- 2"

back- 6.5" by 6.5" depth- 3"

The Module in the Drivers Door is notorius for this problem. I would start by changing that first. Good luck to you. Thanks for using fixya!

-JC

try to get yourself haynes repair manual book no: 50010

covers the jeep cherokee in great detail