Experiencing issues with your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob? It’s a common annoyance when your key fob starts acting up, especially when you get that “Key Battery Low” message popping up on your dashboard. Like many, I thought a quick battery replacement would solve the problem. I swapped out the batteries in both of my fobs, expecting everything to be back to normal. And for a little while, it seemed like it was.
However, the gremlins soon returned. Instead of just the “Key Battery Low” message, I started seeing “Ignition Key Not Detected” intermittently. Frustrating, right? Since my Jeep was due for a routine oil change at the dealership, I figured I’d mention the key fob issue and have them take a look.
Big mistake! The service manager came back with a diagnosis of a “bad fob” and a hefty quote of $279 for a replacement. Seriously? As someone who isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty with car maintenance, I knew there had to be a better, cheaper solution. I decided to investigate the problematic fob myself.
Taking the key fob apart, everything inside looked perfectly fine – no signs of damage or corrosion. Then, on a whim, I decided to try something simple. I noticed the battery contacts seemed a bit flat, likely compressed by the coin battery over time. I carefully bent those little contacts upwards, just enough to ensure they would make solid contact with the battery.
And guess what? Eureka! That simple adjustment did the trick. The key fob started working perfectly again. It turns out, sometimes the fix is much simpler (and cheaper) than you think. I also discovered that if you pop off the push-button cap on the ignition, there’s a hidden keyhole for manual starting – a handy backup to know about.
Hopefully, this little tip helps other 2011 Jeep owners out there struggling with similar key fob battery issues. Sometimes, before shelling out for expensive replacements, a little DIY investigation can save the day (and your wallet).
