Experiencing a “Key Fob Not Detected” message in your 2012 Dodge Journey can be frustrating and prevent you from starting your vehicle. This issue, where your car fails to recognize your key fob despite a new battery, is a common problem for Dodge Journey owners. Let’s explore the potential causes and troubleshooting steps to get you back on the road.
One of the first and simplest things to check is the key fob battery itself. Even though you’ve replaced it, ensure it’s correctly installed and is a fresh, compatible battery. Sometimes, a slightly misaligned battery or a low-quality replacement can cause detection problems. Also, consider testing with a spare key fob if you have one. If the spare works, the original fob may indeed be faulty.
Beyond the fob battery, the issue might stem from your Dodge Journey’s car battery. A weak or dying car battery can lead to various electrical issues, including key fob detection failure. While you mentioned replacing the car battery, it’s worth verifying its voltage and connections to rule out any problems there. Loose battery terminals or a battery that isn’t holding a charge can mimic key fob issues.
Another potential area to investigate is the key fob receiver in your Dodge Journey. This receiver is responsible for communicating with your key fob. If the receiver is malfunctioning, it won’t be able to detect the signal from your key fob, even if the fob and its battery are perfectly fine. Problems with the receiver might require professional diagnosis and potentially replacement.
In some cases, the key fob itself might need reprogramming. While less frequent, key fobs can lose their programming over time or due to electrical fluctuations. While dealership reprogramming is often required, check your owner’s manual for any DIY key fob programming procedures specific to your 2012 Dodge Journey.
If you’ve checked the batteries in both your fob and car, and the problem persists, it’s advisable to seek professional help. A qualified mechanic or Dodge dealership technician can diagnose the root cause, whether it’s a faulty key fob, receiver issue, or a more complex electrical problem within your 2012 Dodge Journey’s system. Attempting to force start or further troubleshoot without proper knowledge could potentially cause additional issues.
