It’s a familiar scenario for many car owners: you’re heading out, reach for your key fob, and nothing happens. The doors won’t unlock remotely, and panic starts to set in. If you drive a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, you might be wondering what to do when your key fob battery dies. The good news is, Jeep has designed these fobs with a backup plan, so you won’t be stranded. Let’s dive into how your key fob works, and what to do when the battery inevitably needs replacing.
Understanding Your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Key Fob
Your Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob is more sophisticated than you might think. It actually operates on two main systems. The first is the remote system you’re familiar with – this is what allows you to lock and unlock doors, activate the panic alarm, or remotely start your vehicle. This system relies on battery power to transmit signals to your car.
However, there’s a second, crucial system: the transponder or RFID chip. This chip is designed to communicate with your vehicle’s ignition system and authorize the engine to start. Interestingly, this RFID chip doesn’t need battery power from the key fob itself to work. Your Jeep has an antenna built into the ignition column that emits a radio frequency (RF) field. When you insert the key fob near the ignition (or push the start button with the fob nearby in newer models), this RF energy powers up the RFID chip wirelessly, allowing it to communicate with the car and confirm that you have the correct key to start the engine. This is why even with a completely dead key fob battery, you can still start your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Alt text: Close-up of a Jeep key fob highlighting its buttons and key insert, relevant to understanding key fob functionality for a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Starting Your Grand Cherokee with a Dead Key Fob Battery
So, how do you actually start your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee if your key fob battery is dead? Jeep has incorporated a couple of methods depending on the exact ignition system in your model.
For older style push-button starts, you might need to remove the push-button start cover. Behind it, you’ll find a key cylinder. Your key fob includes a physical key insert. Simply remove this insert from your key fob and use it to manually unlock the driver’s side door. Then, insert the physical key into the ignition cylinder and start your Jeep just like you would with a traditional key.
For newer push-to-start systems commonly found in the 2019 Grand Cherokee, the process is slightly different and even simpler. When your key fob battery is dead, you again use the physical key insert to unlock the door. Once inside, to start the engine, take your key fob and press the bottom end of the fob (the opposite end from where the key insert is located) directly against the engine start-stop button. Then, while holding it in place, press the start button as you normally would. This places the RFID chip in the key fob close enough to the ignition antenna to be energized and allow the car to start.
Alt text: Detail of a key insert being removed from a Jeep key fob, illustrating the manual access option for a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee when the key fob battery is dead.
Proximity Key Fobs and Battery Drain
Some 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee models come with proximity key fobs. These are even more convenient as they allow for passive entry and start – meaning you don’t even need to press a button on the fob to unlock the doors or start the car, as long as the fob is nearby. These proximity fobs are a bit more complex internally. They often include an additional RF chip that extends the range at which the car can detect the key. This proximity function does rely on battery power. While the RFID chip for starting remains battery-independent, the proximity features will stop working when the key fob battery dies.
Key Fob Battery vs. Car Battery Issues
It’s important to distinguish between a dead key fob battery and a dead car battery. While a dead key fob battery will prevent remote functions from working, and might initially cause concern when starting, it usually won’t prevent you from starting the car using the methods described above, thanks to the RFID chip.
However, if your car battery is weak or dead, you might encounter a situation where even the RFID system struggles to work. The car’s battery needs to have enough voltage to energize the ignition antenna that powers the RFID chip in your key fob. In extreme cases of a very low car battery, you might even get an “invalid key” message on your dashboard, even if your key fob battery is good. This is usually a sign of a more serious car battery issue, not a key fob problem. If this happens, jump-starting or replacing your car battery is necessary.
Replacing Your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Key Fob Battery
Replacing the battery in your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob is a straightforward process you can typically do yourself, saving a trip to the dealership. You’ll need a small flathead screwdriver and the correct replacement battery, usually a CR2032 type.
- Locate the notch: On the back of your key fob, you’ll find a small notch.
- Open the fob: Use the flathead screwdriver to gently pry open the fob case at the notch. The case should split open relatively easily.
- Remove the old battery: Carefully remove the old, dead battery. Note the orientation (+ and – sides).
- Insert the new battery: Install the new CR2032 battery, ensuring it’s placed in the correct orientation.
- Close the fob: Snap the key fob case back together until it clicks securely.
After replacing the battery, your remote functions should be restored, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your key fob is powered up and ready to go. Keeping a spare CR2032 battery on hand can be a good idea to avoid being caught off guard by a dead key fob battery in the future.
In conclusion, a dead key fob battery in your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Understanding the dual systems of your key fob and knowing how to start your car with a dead battery ensures you can always get on the road. And replacing the battery is a simple DIY task, keeping your key fob functioning optimally.
