Experiencing trouble with your 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob after replacing the battery? You’re not alone. Many owners encounter a frustrating situation where a brand new battery fails to make their key fob functional. You might swap in battery after battery, only to find the old, weak battery still inexplicably works while the new ones don’t. This common problem can leave you scratching your head, especially when all you wanted was a simple fix.
One Jeep owner discovered a peculiar yet effective solution that goes beyond simply replacing the battery. After struggling with multiple new batteries that refused to work, they found that the key fob would only function correctly after performing a specific reset procedure. This involved going to their 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and starting the vehicle using the “fob-on-start-button” method – the same technique used when your key fob battery is completely dead.
Alt text: Close-up of a Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob with the battery compartment open, highlighting the battery replacement process for SEO optimization.
After starting the vehicle this way, all key fob functions miraculously returned to normal. This suggests that there might be an undocumented system in the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, either in the fob itself or the vehicle’s computer, that monitors battery levels. When a new battery is installed, this system may not immediately recognize the change in power, causing the fob to remain unresponsive. Even dealership staff may not be fully aware of this quirk or fail to mention it as a potential fix.
The typical solutions offered by dealerships, such as selling a new key fob, replacing the battery at an inflated price, or reprogramming the fob (often at the owner’s expense), can be frustrating and costly, especially for what should be basic maintenance. It’s a common sentiment among car owners that manufacturers, not just in the automotive industry, are increasingly pushing customers towards expensive services for simple issues. While older Chrysler models might have had key fob batteries lasting for many years, newer vehicles like the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee seem to have significantly shorter battery life, sometimes just one to two years. While features like remote start are convenient, they might contribute to faster battery drain compared to older fobs with fewer features.
If you’re facing a similar issue with your 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob after a battery replacement, try the “fob-on-start-button” reset method. It’s a simple, no-cost solution that could save you time and money, and get your key fob working again without unnecessary dealership visits or expenses.
