Experiencing issues with your Jeep Compass 2018 Key Fob Battery? It’s a common frustration when your key fob stops working, and the first thought is usually a simple battery replacement. However, sometimes, even after installing a brand new battery, your key fob might still refuse to cooperate. This was exactly the situation faced by one Jeep Compass owner, and their unexpected solution could help you too.
Like many others, this Jeep owner replaced their 2018 key fob battery thinking it would solve the problem. Surprisingly, after swapping in not just one, but seven different new and used batteries, none of them seemed to work. Each time, the fob remained unresponsive. Out of frustration, they re-inserted the old, failing battery, and to their astonishment, it worked every time – albeit with its limited power.
The breakthrough came when they tried a less conventional approach. Recalling the procedure for starting the vehicle when the key fob battery is dead, they used the fob-on-start-button method. This involves physically pressing the key fob against the start button. After doing this and starting their Jeep Compass, suddenly, all key fob functions returned to normal. Remote start, locking, and unlocking – everything worked as expected with the new battery that had previously failed to function.
This experience suggests a possible, undocumented feature in the Jeep Compass 2018 key fob or the vehicle’s system itself. It’s speculated that there might be a memory or process that monitors the key fob battery level. When a new battery is installed, the system might not immediately recognize the change in power level. The fob-on-start-button method could potentially reset or recalibrate this system, allowing it to acknowledge the new battery.
Interestingly, even Jeep dealership staff didn’t seem to be officially aware of this potential fix. Instead of offering helpful solutions, the dealer reportedly suggested costly options like selling a new key fob, a new battery at an inflated price, or reprogramming the existing fob – all at the owner’s expense and not covered under warranty. This highlights a growing concern about manufacturers pushing customers towards expensive services even for basic maintenance issues.
This Jeep Compass owner also noted a significant decrease in key fob battery lifespan compared to older Chrysler vehicles. While their 2002 Chrysler key fob battery lasted around 8 years, the Jeep Compass 2018 key fob battery seems to last only 1-2 years. Although the newer Jeep has remote start, which could contribute to battery drain, the owner also mentioned consciously limiting regular locking/unlocking via the fob to conserve battery, unlike their usage with the older vehicle.
In conclusion, if you’re struggling with a seemingly dead Jeep Compass 2018 key fob battery even after replacement, try the fob-on-start-button method. It might be the simple, unexpected solution to get your new battery working and avoid unnecessary dealer visits and expenses. This experience serves as a reminder to explore unconventional fixes and share knowledge within the car owner community.
