Is your Jeep key fob not working as reliably as it used to? A common culprit is a low or dead battery. Fortunately, changing the battery in your Jeep key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself, saving you time and money compared to dealership service. This guide will walk you through the steps to replace your Jeep key fob battery and offer troubleshooting tips if you encounter issues.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Jeep Key Fob Battery
Replacing the battery in your Jeep key fob is usually a quick fix. Here’s what you need to do:
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools:
- A new battery: Most Jeep key fobs use a CR2032 battery. Double-check your owner’s manual or the old battery for the exact type.
- A small flathead screwdriver or a similar tool: This will help you open the key fob case.
Opening the Key Fob
- Locate the notch: Look for a small notch or seam on the side of your Jeep key fob. This is usually near the key ring attachment.
- Insert and twist: Gently insert the flathead screwdriver into the notch. Carefully twist or pry to separate the two halves of the key fob casing. Take your time to avoid damaging the plastic.
Replacing the Battery
- Identify battery location: Once open, you’ll see the battery. Note its orientation (+ side up or down) before removing it.
- Remove the old battery: You can usually pry the old battery out with your fingertip or the flathead screwdriver.
- Insert the new battery: Place the new CR2032 battery into the compartment, ensuring it’s in the correct orientation as the old one. You should feel it snap into place.
Closing the Key Fob
- Align the halves: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing.
- Press together: Press the two halves firmly together until they snap securely closed. Ensure there are no gaps.
What If Your Jeep Key Fob Still Doesn’t Work?
In most cases, replacing the battery will solve the problem. However, you might occasionally encounter a situation where your Jeep key fob still doesn’t function correctly after a battery change. One user experienced this issue and found an interesting solution:
“I recently had same issue with putting a new battery in. SEVEN different new and used batteries, none worked. Each time I put back in the old failing battery and it worked every time. What I discovered, at least for me was that the fob did not work until I went to the vehicle and started it using the fob-on-start-button method (same as when fob battery is dead). Then all functions worked normal again.”
This suggests that sometimes, after replacing the battery, your Jeep might not immediately recognize the new power level in the key fob. Trying the “fob-on-start-button” method can potentially reset or re-sync the key fob with your vehicle.
How to use the fob-on-start-button method:
- Enter your Jeep and ensure it is in Park (P).
- Press the brake pedal.
- Instead of using your finger, press the Jeep start button with the end of your key fob.
- Hold it there for a few seconds until the engine starts.
If this method works, your key fob should now function normally. If you continue to experience issues, it might be worth consulting your Jeep dealership. While dealerships can be helpful, remember that, as the original user noted, they might suggest costly solutions like a new key fob or reprogramming, even for a simple battery issue.
Conclusion
Changing your Jeep key fob battery is usually a simple and cost-effective DIY task. By following these steps, you can likely restore your key fob’s functionality quickly. And if you face unexpected issues, the “fob-on-start-button” reset method might just be the trick to get everything working again. This simple maintenance can save you from unnecessary dealership visits and keep your Jeep key fob working reliably.
