Experiencing issues with your 2017 Jeep Compass Key Fob Battery can be frustrating. You might assume a simple battery replacement will solve the problem, but sometimes it’s not that straightforward. Many 2017 Jeep Compass owners have encountered situations where simply swapping out the old battery for a new one doesn’t immediately restore the key fob’s functionality. This article delves into a peculiar issue and its potential solution when dealing with your 2017 Jeep Compass key fob battery.
Common Key Fob Battery Problems
Key fobs, like any electronic device powered by batteries, are prone to battery depletion. Over time, the battery in your 2017 Jeep Compass key fob will naturally lose its charge, leading to weakened signal strength and eventually a non-functional remote.
Symptoms of a Low Key Fob Battery
Before your key fob completely dies, you might notice some tell-tale signs indicating a low battery:
- Reduced Range: You need to be closer to your Jeep Compass for the remote to work.
- Intermittent Functionality: The buttons might work sometimes but not others.
- Dashboard Warning Light: Some Jeep Compass models may display a warning message on the dashboard indicating a low key fob battery.
Replacing the 2017 Jeep Compass Key Fob Battery
Typically, replacing the battery in your 2017 Jeep Compass key fob is a straightforward process. You can usually open the fob, remove the old battery (usually a CR2032), and insert a new one. However, some users have found that even after a battery replacement, their key fob still doesn’t work correctly.
The Unexpected Solution: Re-Syncing After Battery Change
Here’s where a less documented, but potentially effective solution comes into play. In some cases, after replacing the battery in your 2017 Jeep Compass key fob, the fob might not immediately communicate with your vehicle. The key fob might require a re-syncing process to recognize the new battery.
Starting Your Jeep Compass with Fob-on-Start-Button
The solution reported by some Jeep Compass owners involves using the “fob-on-start-button” method, which is commonly used when the key fob battery is completely dead. This method involves:
- Entering your 2017 Jeep Compass.
- Pressing the brake pedal.
- Touching the Jeep Compass start button with the key fob itself (the side of the fob with the buttons).
- Starting the engine.
After performing this procedure, many users have found that their key fob functions returned to normal. All remote functions, such as locking, unlocking, and remote start, started working again as expected.
Why This Might Happen (Suspected Memory/Process)
The exact reason behind this phenomenon is not officially documented by Jeep. However, it’s suspected that the 2017 Jeep Compass (and possibly other models) might have a system that tracks key fob battery levels. When a new battery is inserted, the system may not immediately recognize the change in power level. Using the fob-on-start-button method could potentially trigger a re-synchronization process, allowing the vehicle to recognize the new battery and restore full key fob functionality.
Dealer Experience and DIY Maintenance
It’s concerning to note that even dealership staff may not always be aware of this re-syncing procedure. Some owners have reported being offered costly solutions like new key fobs or reprogramming services when a simple re-sync might be all that’s needed. This highlights the importance of sharing DIY knowledge and troubleshooting tips within the car owner community. Basic maintenance tasks like key fob battery replacement should ideally be simple and user-friendly.
Conclusion
If you’re facing issues with your 2017 Jeep Compass key fob after a battery replacement, don’t immediately assume there’s a major problem. Try the “fob-on-start-button” re-sync method. This simple trick might save you time and money and get your key fob working again. While the exact technical reason remains somewhat unclear, this practical solution has proven effective for many 2017 Jeep Compass owners experiencing key fob battery issues.
