Experiencing issues after replacing your 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob battery? You’re not alone. Many owners encounter a frustrating situation where a brand new battery doesn’t seem to power up their key fob. You might insert a fresh battery, expecting everything to work smoothly, only to find your remote features unresponsive. It can be perplexing when the old, weak battery still operates the fob, but the new one doesn’t.
The Unexpected Solution: Key Fob Start Method
Before you assume you’ve bought a dead battery or a faulty fob, there’s a simple trick worth trying. One Jeep Grand Cherokee owner discovered that after replacing the battery, the key fob might not immediately function until you use the “fob-on-start-button” method to start the vehicle. This is the same procedure you’d typically use when your key fob battery is completely dead.
To do this, simply press the start/stop button with the key fob itself. In many cases, performing this action seems to reset or recalibrate something within the Jeep’s system or the key fob itself, allowing it to recognize the new battery’s power level. After starting the car this way, owners have reported that all key fob functions returned to normal.
Why Does This Happen? Potential Battery Memory Issue
The exact reason for this behavior isn’t officially documented or widely known, even among dealership staff. However, one plausible theory is that the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee (and possibly other similar models) has a system that monitors key fob battery levels. This system might store or track battery information, and when you simply swap in a new battery, it may not immediately register the change in power.
It’s speculated that the “fob-on-start-button” method could trigger a reset process, prompting the vehicle to re-evaluate the key fob’s battery status and recognize the new, fully charged battery. This is just a theory, but it aligns with the observed experience of users who have found this method to be effective.
Dealer Frustration and DIY Fixes
Dealing with key fob issues at dealerships can sometimes be an expensive and unsatisfactory experience. As the original author noted, dealerships may quickly suggest purchasing a new key fob or expensive reprogramming services, rather than offering simple troubleshooting steps. This can be particularly frustrating for owners capable of basic DIY maintenance like key fob battery replacement.
Fortunately, understanding this potential “reset” trick can save you time, money, and unnecessary dealer visits. Before resorting to more drastic measures, trying the key fob start method is a quick and easy first step when you encounter problems after a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Key Fob Battery Replacement.
