Experiencing problems with your 2020 Jeep Renegade key fob? It can be frustrating when your key fob becomes unreliable, and one of the most common culprits is a low or dead battery. While a seemingly simple issue, understanding the nuances of your key fob and its battery can save you time and money. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps, battery replacement information, and when it might be more than just the battery causing your key fob woes.
One of the first things to consider, especially if you purchased your Jeep Renegade pre-owned, is the history of your key fobs. It’s not uncommon for used vehicles to come with aftermarket or replacement key fobs that may not be OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). These aftermarket fobs, while sometimes functional, can be less reliable than genuine Jeep key fobs and may contribute to battery drain or other operational issues. Even if your key fob looks identical to the factory version, it’s worth considering its origin, particularly if you’re encountering persistent problems.
If you have a second key fob, have you noticed if it’s also exhibiting similar issues? Testing both key fobs can help you isolate whether the problem is specific to one fob or a more general vehicle-related issue. However, even with two fobs, it’s still difficult to definitively determine if they are both original to the vehicle unless you have the original purchase documentation.
For peace of mind and to eliminate any doubts about the key fob itself, consider obtaining a brand new OEM key fob directly from a Jeep dealership. While this option is typically the most expensive, it ensures you are getting a genuine part that is designed to work seamlessly with your 2020 Jeep Renegade’s system. Dealerships also offer professional programming services, which is crucial for the key fob to communicate correctly with your vehicle’s immobilizer and remote functions. While locksmiths and online retailers may offer key fobs and programming services at lower prices, opting for a dealer eliminates potential variables related to part quality and programming compatibility.
There are anecdotal accounts of Jeep owners successfully using aftermarket key fobs purchased online. However, experiences can vary significantly, with some users reporting perfect functionality and others encountering numerous problems. The inconsistency highlights the potential risks associated with non-OEM parts.
Before assuming it’s solely a key fob issue, remember a crucial safety feature in modern vehicles: the brake pedal interlock. Your 2020 Jeep Renegade, like many vehicles, requires the brake pedal to be depressed before the engine will start using the key fob’s push-button start. If the system fails to detect the brake pedal being pressed, the vehicle will not start. Interestingly, remote start functionality often bypasses this interlock, which can be a helpful diagnostic clue. If your remote start works but the push-button start in the car doesn’t, a brake pedal sensor issue could be at play, rather than just a key fob battery.
If you are the original owner of your 2020 Jeep Renegade, then the likelihood of aftermarket key fobs is significantly reduced. In this case, focusing on the key fob battery as the primary suspect is a reasonable first step in troubleshooting. Refer to your owner’s manual for the specific type of battery your key fob requires (often a CR2032 button cell battery) and instructions on how to access the battery compartment. Replacing the battery is a straightforward process for most Jeep Renegade key fobs and can often resolve intermittent or range issues.
In conclusion, when facing key fob problems with your 2020 Jeep Renegade, especially battery-related concerns, consider these steps:
- Battery Replacement: Start with the simplest solution – replace the key fob battery with the correct type.
- OEM vs. Aftermarket: Be aware of the potential issues with aftermarket key fobs, particularly if you bought your Renegade used.
- Dealer OEM Key Fob: For guaranteed compatibility and peace of mind, consider purchasing and programming an OEM key fob from a Jeep dealership.
- Brake Pedal Interlock: Rule out a brake pedal sensor issue, especially if remote start works but push-button start doesn’t.
By systematically addressing these points, you can effectively diagnose and resolve many 2020 Jeep Renegade key fob issues and ensure you’re back on the road with a reliable key fob.
