Is your Jeep Cherokee key fob acting up? Maybe it’s not unlocking your doors from as far away as it used to, or perhaps the keyless start is becoming unreliable. One of the most common culprits for these issues is a low battery in your key fob. Fortunately, changing the battery in a Jeep Cherokee key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself at home. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can get your key fob back in top shape quickly and efficiently.
Before we dive into the steps, it’s worth noting that while a dying key fob battery is a common issue, it’s not the only reason your key fob might be malfunctioning. For example, some Jeep Cherokee owners have reported situations where even after replacing the key fob battery, they experience intermittent starting problems. These situations can sometimes be more complex and might require professional diagnosis. However, replacing the battery is always the first and easiest troubleshooting step to take.
Let’s get started with changing your Jeep Cherokee key fob battery.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Key Fob Battery
Changing the battery in your Jeep Cherokee key fob requires no special tools and only takes a few minutes. Here’s what you’ll need and how to do it:
What You’ll Need:
- A new CR2032 battery. This is the standard battery type for most Jeep Cherokee key fobs. You can find these batteries at most drug stores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
- A small flathead screwdriver or a similar thin tool. A butter knife or even a guitar pick can work in a pinch.
- A soft cloth or paper towel (optional, to protect the key fob from scratches).
Steps:
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Locate the Release Latch: On the back of your Jeep Cherokee key fob, you’ll find a small release latch. This latch is usually a small button or a sliding switch.
Alt text: Close-up of the back of a Jeep Cherokee key fob highlighting the location of the battery compartment release latch.
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Release the Emergency Key: Activate the release latch. Depending on your key fob model, you may need to press and hold a button or slide the switch. Once released, you should be able to pull out the emergency key.
Alt text: Hand removing the metal emergency key from a Jeep Cherokee key fob after pressing the release button.
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Open the Key Fob Casing: With the emergency key removed, you’ll now see a slot or opening where the key was. This is where you’ll insert your flathead screwdriver or thin tool. Carefully insert the tool into the slot and gently twist. This should pry open the key fob casing. If you’re concerned about scratching the plastic, wrap the tip of your tool with a soft cloth.
Alt text: Using a flathead screwdriver to gently pry open the casing of a Jeep Cherokee key fob to access the battery compartment.
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Remove the Old Battery: Once the casing is open, you’ll see the battery. It’s usually held in place by small clips. Gently pry the old CR2032 battery out of its compartment. Take note of the battery’s orientation (+ side up or down) before removing it – this will be important when you install the new battery.
Alt text: Fingers carefully removing the old, round CR2032 battery from inside the open Jeep Cherokee key fob.
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Insert the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the battery compartment, ensuring the correct orientation (usually the positive (+) side facing upwards). Push down gently until the battery is securely in place.
Alt text: Inserting a new CR2032 battery into the Jeep Cherokee key fob, showing correct positive (+) side orientation.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully snap the key fob casing back together. Ensure it’s firmly closed and all the edges are aligned.
Alt text: Snapping the two halves of the Jeep Cherokee key fob casing back together after replacing the battery.
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Reinsert the Emergency Key: Slide the emergency key back into the key fob until it clicks into place.
Alt text: Sliding the metal emergency key back into the fully reassembled Jeep Cherokee key fob.
Test Your Key Fob
Once you’ve reassembled your key fob, test it to ensure it’s working correctly. Try unlocking and locking your doors remotely, and if your Jeep Cherokee has keyless start, try starting the engine.
Troubleshooting and Further Assistance
If you’ve replaced the battery and your key fob is still not working, or if you are experiencing more complex issues like intermittent starting problems even with a new battery and key fob as described by some Jeep Cherokee owners, there might be other underlying issues.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Key Fob Programming: In rare cases, after a battery change, the key fob might need to be reprogrammed to your vehicle. While this is less common with simple battery changes, it’s something to consider if the key fob remains unresponsive.
- Vehicle Battery Issues: Although the original forum post mentioned boosting the Jeep, and that temporarily resolved the issue, a weak car battery can sometimes cause unusual electrical problems, including key fob malfunctions. Have your car battery tested to rule this out.
- Receiver Problems: The problem could lie with the receiver in your Jeep Cherokee that detects the key fob signal. This would require professional diagnosis and repair.
- Seek Professional Help: If you’ve tried replacing the battery and are still facing issues, it’s best to consult a qualified mechanic or your Jeep dealership. They have the diagnostic tools and expertise to identify and resolve more complex key fob and vehicle electrical problems.
Changing your Jeep Cherokee key fob battery is usually a quick fix for common key fob issues. By following these steps, you can often restore your key fob’s functionality and avoid a trip to the dealership. However, remember that for more persistent or unusual problems, professional help may be necessary.
