Replacing the battery in your 2021 Jeep key fob should be a straightforward task, but sometimes it doesn’t go as smoothly as expected. You might find yourself facing a situation where your Jeep key fob refuses to work even after installing a brand new battery. This can be frustrating, especially when you rely on your key fob for everyday vehicle access and remote start functionality. Let’s delve into a peculiar issue some 2021 Jeep owners have encountered and explore a potential solution.
One Jeep owner experienced a perplexing problem: after replacing their key fob battery with several different new batteries, none seemed to work. Each time, reverting to the old, failing battery miraculously brought the fob back to life. The solution, surprisingly, wasn’t a new battery or reprogramming. The key was to use the key fob to start the vehicle directly by pressing the fob against the start button – the same method used when the fob battery is completely dead. After performing this “fob-on-start-button” start, all key fob functions returned to normal.
This suggests a possible undocumented feature or process within the Jeep or the key fob itself. It’s conceivable that the system monitors battery levels and, upon battery replacement, doesn’t immediately recognize the new power level. This could be due to a memory function that needs a reset or recalibration. Interestingly, even dealership staff might not be fully aware of this specific quirk, often suggesting more costly solutions like a new key fob or reprogramming services.
While various online suggestions might not address this particular scenario, understanding this “fob-on-start-button” trick can save you time and money. Dealerships might recommend purchasing a new fob, a new battery at inflated prices, or expensive reprogramming, none of which might be necessary. This issue highlights a growing trend across manufacturers where basic self-maintenance can become unnecessarily complicated and costly for consumers. It’s a far cry from older vehicles, like a 2002 Chrysler, where key fob batteries could last for many years without such complexities.
It’s worth noting that battery life in modern Jeep key fobs might be shorter, perhaps lasting only 1-2 years, compared to older models. While features like remote start add convenience, they might also contribute to quicker battery drain. Even with less frequent use of the lock/unlock buttons on newer fobs (due to battery conservation efforts), battery life can still be limited.
If you’re facing a non-working key fob after a battery replacement on your 2021 Jeep, try the “fob-on-start-button” method. It could be the simple, undocumented solution to get your key fob functioning correctly again and avoid unnecessary dealership visits and expenses.
