Experiencing issues with your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo key fob? It’s a common frustration when your key fob starts acting up, especially with messages like “Key Battery Low” or “Ignition Key Not Detected” popping up on your dashboard. Like many Jeep owners, you might immediately think of replacing the battery. While that’s a good first step, it might not always be the only solution.
Initially, encountering a “Key Battery Low” message on my 2011 Grand Cherokee Laredo, I, being someone who enjoys tinkering with cars, naturally replaced the batteries in both key fobs. For a short period, everything seemed fine. However, the problem returned with more persistent “Ignition Key Not Detected” alerts, sometimes accompanied again by the “Key Battery Low” message.
Thinking it might be a more serious issue, I mentioned it to the dealership during a routine oil change. The service manager quickly diagnosed a “bad fob” and quoted a hefty price of around $279 for a replacement. As someone familiar with car repairs, this seemed excessive, prompting me to investigate further myself before considering such an expensive option.
Instead of rushing to replace the entire key fob, I decided to take a closer look inside. Everything appeared to be in good condition – no signs of damage or moisture. Then, on a whim, I focused on the battery contacts. These contacts, designed to connect with the flat coin battery, seemed a bit flattened. Using a small tool, I carefully bent the four battery contacts upwards, ensuring a tighter connection to the battery.
And just like that – problem solved! Bending the battery contacts provided a more secure connection, resolving the intermittent issues I was experiencing. It turns out that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. This experience also led me to discover that removing the push-button cap on the ignition reveals a keyhole, offering a manual way to start the vehicle if needed.
Before spending a significant amount on a new key fob for your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, consider this simple DIY fix. Bending the battery contacts might be all it takes to restore reliable function to your key fob and save you from unnecessary expenses.
