Experiencing a “Key Fob Not Detected” message in your 2018 Dodge Journey can be frustrating, especially when you rely on your vehicle daily. It’s a common concern for Dodge Journey owners, and while a low key fob battery might be the first culprit that comes to mind, the issue can sometimes be more complex. Let’s delve into the potential causes and troubleshooting steps when your 2018 Dodge Journey Key Fob Battery seems to be causing problems.
One of the initial steps many Dodge Journey owners take when facing this issue is replacing the key fob battery. Often, a simple battery swap can resolve the problem, especially if you’ve received a “low key fob battery” warning recently. However, if you’ve already replaced the battery in your 2018 Dodge Journey key fob and are still seeing the “Key Fob Not Detected” message, or experiencing issues like the vehicle not starting or keyless entry malfunction, then further investigation is needed.
There could be several reasons why your Dodge Journey is not recognizing the key fob even after a battery replacement. It’s possible that the new battery isn’t making proper contact within the key fob, or perhaps the battery you installed is faulty. Always ensure you are using the correct type of battery for your 2018 Dodge Journey key fob, typically a CR2032 button cell battery, and that it is installed with the correct polarity.
Beyond the key fob battery itself, the issue might stem from the car’s battery. A weak or failing car battery can sometimes cause electronic systems to malfunction, including the key fob detection system. While you might have enough power to illuminate the dashboard lights, it might not be sufficient for the car to properly communicate with the key fob. If you’ve noticed other electrical issues, such as slow cranking or dimming headlights, your car battery could be the problem.
Another potential cause could be related to the key fob’s programming or synchronization with the vehicle. Sometimes, the key fob can lose its programming, especially if there have been electrical system disruptions or battery changes. In such cases, the key fob might need to be reprogrammed to your 2018 Dodge Journey. This often requires a trip to a dealership or a qualified locksmith who has the necessary equipment to reprogram car keys.
Less commonly, the issue could lie within the vehicle’s receiver system, which is responsible for detecting the key fob signal. Components like the Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) module or Radio Frequency (RF) Hub could be malfunctioning, preventing your Dodge Journey from recognizing the key fob signal. Diagnosing these issues typically requires professional equipment and expertise.
Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take if you are experiencing a “Key Fob Not Detected” message in your 2018 Dodge Journey after replacing the key fob battery:
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Double-check the Key Fob Battery: Ensure you installed the correct battery type (CR2032) and that it’s inserted with the positive (+) side facing upwards. Try cleaning the battery contacts inside the key fob to ensure a good connection.
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Test with Spare Key Fob: If you have a spare key fob, try using it. If the spare key fob works, then the issue might be with your primary key fob itself, potentially beyond just the battery.
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Check Car Battery Voltage: Use a multimeter to check the voltage of your car battery. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts. If it’s significantly lower, your car battery might be weak and need replacement or charging.
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Try Key Fob Re-synchronization: Refer to your 2018 Dodge Journey owner’s manual for any key fob re-synchronization procedures. Some vehicles have a specific sequence of steps that can help re-establish communication between the key fob and the car.
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Inspect Fuses: Check the fuses related to the keyless entry system and the WIN module or RF Hub in your Dodge Journey’s fuse box. A blown fuse could be interrupting the power supply to these systems.
If none of these steps resolve the “Key Fob Not Detected” issue in your 2018 Dodge Journey, it’s advisable to seek professional help. A qualified mechanic or your local Dodge dealership can diagnose the problem accurately using specialized tools and provide the necessary repairs, whether it’s key fob reprogramming, car battery replacement, or addressing issues with the vehicle’s receiver system. Don’t let key fob issues leave you stranded – getting a proper diagnosis is crucial to getting back on the road.
