Experiencing trouble with your 2020 Jeep Compass key fob after a battery replacement? You’re not alone. Many owners have encountered a perplexing situation where simply swapping out the old battery for a new one doesn’t immediately restore full functionality. This article delves into a user-reported solution that goes beyond the typical battery replacement procedure, potentially saving you a trip to the dealership.
One Jeep Compass owner faced frustration when attempting to replace their key fob battery. Despite trying several new batteries, the fob remained unresponsive. Interestingly, the old, weak battery would still operate the key fob, albeit intermittently. This user discovered a workaround: after inserting the new battery, they went to their 2020 Jeep Compass and started the vehicle using the key fob pressed directly against the start button – the same method used when the key fob battery is completely dead.
Following this “fob-on-start-button” method, the key fob miraculously returned to normal operation, with all functions working as expected. This suggests that there might be an undocumented process within the 2020 Jeep Compass or its key fob that tracks battery levels. When a new battery is installed, the system might not immediately recognize the change in power. This could explain why a simple battery swap sometimes fails to reactivate the key fob.
Even dealership staff may not be fully aware of this subtle quirk. In the user’s experience, the dealer’s initial response was to suggest purchasing a new key fob, a new battery at an inflated price, or reprogramming services – none of which were covered under warranty. This highlights a potential gap in official knowledge regarding this specific issue and a tendency towards costly solutions for what should be a simple maintenance task.
Compared to older vehicles, like a 2002 Chrysler where a key fob battery lasted for approximately 8 years, the 2020 Jeep Compass key fob seems to have a significantly shorter battery life of just 1-2 years. While features like remote start, which were absent in older models, might contribute to battery drain, the discrepancy is still notable. Furthermore, to conserve battery, some owners of newer Jeep models intentionally minimize their use of the fob for locking and unlocking doors, relying more on remote start when necessary.
If you are struggling with your 2020 Jeep Compass key fob after a battery change, try the “fob-on-start-button” method. It could be the undocumented trick to reset the system and get your new battery working correctly, potentially avoiding unnecessary dealership expenses and frustration.
