Experiencing trouble with your 2018 Jeep Cherokee key fob after a battery replacement? You’re not alone. Many Jeep owners encounter a frustrating situation where a fresh battery doesn’t immediately solve the problem. You might find yourself scratching your head as the new battery seems to be ignored, while the old, weak battery still manages to operate the key fob, albeit inconsistently.
One Jeep Cherokee owner faced this exact scenario. After trying numerous new batteries, none seemed to work. Each time, the old, failing battery was reinstalled and, surprisingly, the fob would function again. The solution, in this case, was quite unexpected and not commonly documented. The key was to go to the vehicle and start it using the “fob-on-start-button” method – the same procedure used when the key fob battery is completely dead.
After performing this start method, all key fob functions returned to normal. This suggests a possible undocumented feature in the 2018 Jeep Cherokee (or the key fob itself). It seems the system might track battery levels and fail to recognize a newly installed battery until this fob-on-start-button initialization is performed. Even dealership staff might not be fully aware of this quirk, offering costly and unnecessary services instead.
Unfortunately, dealerships may suggest purchasing a new key fob, a new battery at an inflated price, or reprogramming services – none of which might be covered under warranty and potentially unnecessary. This experience echoes a growing trend across manufacturers, where basic maintenance becomes a costly and frustrating experience for customers.
It’s worth noting that older Chrysler key fobs, like those from 2002, could have significantly longer battery life, lasting around 8 years. In contrast, this Jeep Cherokee key fob battery might only last 1-2 years. While features like remote start, which this owner uses frequently, can contribute to battery drain, the disparity in battery life is still significant. If you’re facing key fob issues after a battery change on your 2018 Jeep Cherokee, try the fob-on-start-button method before seeking professional and potentially expensive help. It might just be the simple, undocumented fix you need.
