Replacing the key fob battery on your 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee should be a straightforward task. However, many owners are finding themselves frustrated when a brand-new battery doesn’t seem to solve the problem. You swap out the old, weak battery for a fresh one, but the key fob remains unresponsive. You might even try multiple new batteries, wondering if you’ve purchased a bad batch. This was exactly the issue one Jeep owner encountered, and thankfully, they discovered a surprisingly simple solution.
Like many others, this Jeep Grand Cherokee owner replaced their key fob battery, only to find it still wouldn’t work. They tried several different new batteries, even used ones, with no success. Each time, putting the old, failing battery back in would restore functionality, albeit temporary. It was a perplexing situation – the fob clearly wasn’t dead, but it refused to operate with any new battery.
The breakthrough came when they tried a method usually reserved for dead key fob batteries: starting the vehicle using the fob pressed directly against the start button. This fob-on-start-button method, often a backup for when the battery is completely depleted, surprisingly resolved the issue. After starting the Jeep in this way, all key fob functions returned to normal.
This experience suggests a possible quirk in the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s system. It’s speculated that the vehicle or the key fob itself might have a memory system that monitors battery levels. When a new battery is installed, the system might not immediately recognize the change in power. Using the fob-on-start-button method could potentially reset or recalibrate the system to acknowledge the new battery. Interestingly, even dealership staff may not be officially aware of this simple fix, potentially leading them to suggest more costly solutions like a new key fob or reprogramming.
The owner also noted a significant decrease in key fob battery life compared to older Chrysler vehicles. Their 2002 Chrysler fob battery lasted around 8 years, while the Jeep’s battery seems to need replacement every 1-2 years. While acknowledging the difference in features like remote start, which can consume more power, the disparity is still notable.
If you’re experiencing issues with your 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob after a battery replacement, try the fob-on-start-button method. It might just be the undocumented trick to get your new battery working and save you a trip to the dealership and unnecessary expenses. It highlights a growing trend across manufacturers where simple self-maintenance can become unnecessarily complicated, pushing customers towards paid services for even basic tasks.
