Replacing the key fob battery in your 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee should be a straightforward task. However, many owners encounter a perplexing issue: a brand new battery doesn’t seem to solve the problem. You might find yourself swapping in fresh batteries, only to have your key fob remain stubbornly unresponsive. This situation can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you rely on your key fob daily for vehicle access and remote functions.
It’s a common scenario: you diligently replace the old battery with a new one, perhaps even trying several new batteries to be sure. Yet, your 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob still refuses to work. You might instinctively try your old, seemingly dead battery again, and to your surprise, it might just work! This confusing situation leads to the question: why aren’t new batteries working in your Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob?
The solution, surprisingly, might not be another new battery, but a simple reset procedure. The key to getting your 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob to recognize the new battery could be the “fob-on-start-button” method. This technique, typically used when your key fob battery is completely dead, can also serve as a reset mechanism after a battery replacement. To perform this, enter your vehicle and attempt to start it by pressing the key fob directly against the ignition start button. This action often re-establishes the connection and allows the key fob to recognize the newly installed battery.
This unexpected fix suggests a possible explanation: the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, or its key fob, might possess a memory system that monitors battery levels. When you replace the battery, this system may not immediately register the change in power. It’s as if the system is still expecting the old battery’s power level, and the new battery’s voltage isn’t being properly recognized. The “fob-on-start-button” method could be triggering a reset or recalibration, allowing the system to acknowledge the new power source.
Interestingly, even dealership staff might not be fully aware of this undocumented quirk. Facing a non-functional key fob after battery replacement, you might be advised to purchase a new key fob, a new battery (at an inflated price), or undergo key fob reprogramming – all at your expense and potentially not covered under warranty. This can lead to a frustrating and costly experience, especially for a seemingly simple issue like a key fob battery replacement. It highlights a growing trend across manufacturers where basic self-maintenance can become unnecessarily complicated and expensive for consumers.
Comparing battery life, older Chrysler key fobs, like those from 2002, could last for as long as 8 years. In contrast, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob batteries might only last 1 to 2 years. While features like remote start, which were absent in older models, could contribute to faster battery drain, usage habits also play a role. If you frequently use remote start or rely heavily on the key fob for locking and unlocking, you might experience shorter battery life. However, even with moderate usage, the discrepancy in battery longevity between older and newer models is noticeable.
In conclusion, if you encounter issues with your 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob after a battery replacement, don’t immediately assume the new battery is faulty or that you need expensive dealer services. Try the “fob-on-start-button” method as a potential reset. This simple trick might be all it takes to get your key fob working again and save you unnecessary time and expense. Understanding this potential quirk can empower 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners to troubleshoot key fob battery issues effectively and avoid potentially misleading and costly dealer interventions.
