Experiencing issues with your Dodge Journey key fob can be frustrating, especially when you rely on it daily for vehicle access and operation. One of the most common problems is a low battery, and knowing how to replace it is a valuable skill for any Dodge Journey owner. While changing the battery in your key fob is usually a straightforward process, sometimes issues can arise even after a battery replacement. This guide will walk you through the steps of changing your Dodge Journey key fob battery and offer troubleshooting tips for common problems you might encounter, like the dreaded “Key Fob Not Detected” message.
Step-by-Step Guide to Change the Battery in Your Dodge Journey Key Fob
Before diving into troubleshooting, let’s ensure you know how to correctly replace the battery. This process is generally simple and requires minimal tools.
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Gather Your Tools and Battery: You will need a small flathead screwdriver or a similar tool to open the key fob case. You’ll also need a new CR2032 battery, which is the standard battery for most Dodge Journey key fobs.
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Locate the Notch to Open the Fob: Examine your Dodge Journey key fob closely. You should find a small notch or slot on the side or bottom of the fob. This is where you will insert your flathead screwdriver.
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Carefully Pry Open the Fob: Gently insert the tip of your screwdriver into the notch. Twist the screwdriver carefully to pry the two halves of the key fob case apart. Avoid using excessive force, as you could damage the plastic casing.
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Remove the Old Battery: Once the case is open, you’ll see the battery. Note the orientation of the battery (positive side up or down) before removing it. You can usually pry the old battery out with your fingertip or the edge of the screwdriver.
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Insert the New Battery: Install the new CR2032 battery, ensuring it is placed in the correct orientation as the old one. The positive (+) side of the battery typically faces upwards, but double-check the markings inside the fob case if you are unsure.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully snap the two halves of the key fob case back together. Ensure they are securely closed and that there are no gaps.
Troubleshooting “Key Fob Not Detected” After Battery Change
After successfully changing your Dodge Journey key fob battery, you might expect everything to work seamlessly. However, some owners, like the one in the original post, encounter a “Key Fob Not Detected” message even after replacing the battery. Here’s a breakdown of potential causes and troubleshooting steps:
Common Reasons for “Key Fob Not Detected”
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Car Battery Issues: While it might seem counterintuitive, a weak car battery is a frequent culprit for key fob detection problems. Modern car systems are sensitive to voltage fluctuations. If your car battery is old or not providing sufficient power, it can interfere with the key fob signal reception. The original poster mentioned replacing their car battery, but it’s worth ensuring it’s properly installed and charged.
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Key Fob Battery Installation Problems: Double-check that you installed the new CR2032 battery correctly in the key fob. Ensure the polarity is right and the battery is making good contact within the fob. Sometimes, even a brand-new battery could be faulty, although this is less common.
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Key Fob Malfunction or Damage: While less likely after just a battery change, it’s possible the key fob itself has an internal issue or has been damaged. If you have a spare key fob, try using it to see if the problem persists. If the spare key works, then the original key fob might be faulty.
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Receiver Issues in the Vehicle: The Dodge Journey has a receiver that detects the signal from your key fob. If this receiver malfunctions, it won’t be able to recognize your key fob, even with a new battery. This is a more complex issue that might require professional diagnosis.
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RF Interference: In rare cases, strong radio frequency (RF) interference in your environment could potentially disrupt the key fob signal. While less common, it’s something to consider if you are in an area with significant electronic equipment or broadcasting towers.
Troubleshooting Steps
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Verify Car Battery Voltage: Even if you recently replaced your car battery, check its voltage with a multimeter to ensure it’s healthy (around 12.6 volts when the engine is off). A low car battery can cause a wide range of electrical issues, including key fob problems.
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Try Your Spare Key Fob: If you have a spare key fob, try using it. If the spare works, this indicates the issue is likely with the original key fob, not the car’s receiver.
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Check Key Fob Battery Contacts: Open the key fob again and examine the metal contacts that touch the battery. Ensure they are clean and making good contact with the battery. You can gently clean them with a cotton swab and a bit of rubbing alcohol if needed.
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Reseat the Battery: Remove and reinsert the new battery in the key fob, ensuring it’s firmly in place.
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Attempt Key Fob Programming/Reset (If Applicable): Some Dodge models might have a specific procedure to re-sync or reprogram the key fob. Consult your Dodge Journey owner’s manual to see if there’s a key fob programming procedure you can try. However, for simple battery changes, reprogramming is usually not required.
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Seek Professional Diagnosis: If you’ve tried these steps and are still experiencing the “Key Fob Not Detected” message, it’s time to seek professional help. A qualified mechanic or your Dodge dealership can diagnose more complex issues with the key fob, the car’s receiver, or other electrical problems. Using diagnostic tools, they can pinpoint the exact cause and recommend the necessary repairs.
Conclusion
Changing your Dodge Journey key fob battery is a simple maintenance task that can often resolve key fob issues. However, if you encounter problems like the “Key Fob Not Detected” message after a battery change, don’t panic. Systematically troubleshoot the common causes, starting with the car battery and key fob battery installation. If the problem persists, seeking professional help will ensure a proper diagnosis and resolution, getting you back on the road with a functioning key fob.
