Replacing the key fob battery in your 2014 Jeep Cherokee should be a straightforward task. However, you might encounter a peculiar problem where your newly installed battery doesn’t seem to work. You’ve swapped out the old, weak battery, but the key fob remains unresponsive, leaving you scratching your head. Frustratingly, putting the old, almost dead battery back in might restore partial functionality, further adding to the confusion. If you’ve experienced this exact scenario, you’re not alone, and there might be a simple, albeit undocumented, solution.
Many Jeep Cherokee owners have reported instances where simply replacing the key fob battery isn’t enough to get things working again immediately. They’ve tried multiple new batteries, only to find the fob stubbornly refusing to operate. In a perplexing turn, the original, weak battery often seems to function better than the fresh replacements. This situation can lead to unnecessary worry and potential trips to the dealership, costing you time and money.
But before you consider expensive solutions like a new key fob or reprogramming, there’s a surprisingly easy trick you can try. The solution, discovered by some resourceful Jeep owners, involves utilizing the key fob’s emergency start function. Even with a seemingly dead or newly replaced battery that isn’t immediately recognized, the “fob-on-start-button” method can often reset or recalibrate the system.
To try this, enter your 2014 Jeep Cherokee and attempt to start the vehicle by pressing the start button with the key fob itself. This is the same procedure you’d use if your key fob battery was completely dead. By doing this, you might be initiating a process that allows the vehicle to recognize the new battery’s power level. It’s speculated that there might be a memory or sensor within the Jeep Cherokee or the key fob that monitors battery levels. When a new battery is installed, this system might not instantly register the change, leading to the initial unresponsiveness. Using the fob directly on the start button could be the key to resetting this recognition process.
Alt text: Close-up of a Jeep Cherokee key fob, highlighting its buttons and design, relevant to battery replacement discussion.
This undocumented fix can save you from unnecessary expenses and dealership visits. Interestingly, even dealership staff might not be fully aware of this simple workaround, potentially leading them to suggest more costly services. Some owners have reported dealerships offering new key fobs, battery replacements at inflated prices, or reprogramming services when faced with this issue – none of which might be necessary.
It’s also worth noting that battery life in newer Jeep Cherokee key fobs seems to be shorter compared to older Chrysler models. While a key fob battery in a 2002 Chrysler could last for around 8 years, some 2014 Jeep Cherokee owners find themselves replacing batteries every 1-2 years. Factors like remote start usage can contribute to battery drain, but even with limited use of features like remote start, the lifespan seems reduced.
In conclusion, if you’re facing issues with a new battery in your 2014 Jeep Cherokee key fob not working, try the “fob-on-start-button” method. This simple step might be the key to resolving the problem and getting your key fob functioning normally again, saving you time and money. It’s an effective first step before seeking more complex or expensive solutions.
