Replacing the battery in your 2012 Jeep Cherokee key fob should be a straightforward task. However, many owners, myself included, have encountered a perplexing issue: installing a brand new battery doesn’t always immediately solve the problem. You might find yourself swapping in fresh batteries, only to have your key fob remain stubbornly unresponsive. Frustratingly, putting the old, weak battery back in might restore partial functionality, leaving you scratching your head.
I recently faced this exact scenario. After trying several new batteries in my 2012 Jeep Cherokee key fob, none seemed to work. Each time, the fob remained dead. Out of desperation, I reinserted the original, dying battery, and to my surprise, it worked – albeit weakly. This led me to believe there was more to the 2012 Jeep Cherokee Key Fob Battery Replacement process than simply swapping out the old for the new.
Through some experimentation, I stumbled upon a solution that might seem counterintuitive, but proved effective for me. The trick is to go to your vehicle and use the “fob-on-start-button” method, the same procedure you’d use if your key fob battery was completely dead. Press the key fob directly against the ignition button and start your Jeep Cherokee.
After performing this step, all the key fob functions, including remote locking/unlocking and remote start, returned to normal operation. It appears that the 2012 Jeep Cherokee, or perhaps the key fob itself, has a system that monitors battery levels. When you replace the battery, it seems this system doesn’t immediately recognize the new power level. It’s almost as if there’s an undocumented memory or process that needs a reset or recalibration when a new battery is installed.
Even dealership staff might not be fully aware of this quirk, or at least, they don’t officially acknowledge it. When I inquired about the issue, the dealer’s solution was to suggest purchasing a new key fob or battery at an inflated price, or to offer key fob reprogramming services – none of which were covered under warranty. This experience, unfortunately, mirrors a growing trend across manufacturers where basic maintenance tasks can become unnecessarily complicated and costly for consumers.
It’s worth noting that battery life in newer Jeep Cherokee key fobs seems significantly shorter compared to older models. For instance, the battery in my 2002 Chrysler key fob lasted around 8 years. In contrast, the 2012 Jeep Cherokee key fob battery needs replacement every 1-2 years. While my older Chrysler did not have remote start, I regularly used its key fob for locking and unlocking. With the Jeep Cherokee, I consciously limit key fob usage to conserve battery, primarily relying on remote start when necessary.
If you’re struggling after a 2012 Jeep Cherokee key fob battery replacement, try the fob-on-start-button method. It might be the simple, undocumented solution you need to get your key fob working again without unnecessary dealer visits or expenses.
