Experiencing issues with your 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob? A common culprit is a dead or dying battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself, saving time and money compared to dealership service. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a smooth and successful battery replacement.
Before we begin, it’s important to understand the type of battery your key fob requires. For the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob, you’ll need a CR2032 3V lithium coin battery. These batteries are widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers. It’s always a good idea to have a spare CR2032 battery on hand for future replacements.
Here’s how to replace the battery in your 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob:
Step-by-Step Battery Replacement Guide:
-
Locate the Release Latch: On the back of your key fob, you’ll find a small release latch. This latch is usually a small button or switch that needs to be moved to open the key fob casing.
-
Release the Emergency Key (If Applicable): Some 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fobs have a physical emergency key that slides out. If your fob has this key, remove it by sliding the release latch and pulling the key out. This might reveal screws or further release points depending on your specific fob model.
-
Open the Key Fob Casing: Once the release latch is activated, you should be able to gently pry open the key fob casing. You might need a small flathead screwdriver or a similar thin tool to insert into the seam and carefully separate the two halves of the fob. Be gentle to avoid damaging the plastic casing.
-
Identify the Old Battery: Carefully open the fob to expose the internal components. You’ll see the CR2032 battery nestled in a small compartment. Take note of the battery’s orientation (+ side up or down) before removing it.
-
Remove the Old Battery: Using your fingertip or a small non-metallic tool, gently pry out the old CR2032 battery.
-
Insert the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the compartment, ensuring the correct orientation (the positive (+) side should usually face upwards, but double-check the markings in the battery compartment).
-
Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and snap them back together until they are securely closed. If you removed an emergency key, slide it back into its slot until it clicks into place.
Troubleshooting Tips if Your New Battery Doesn’t Work:
In rare cases, you might encounter issues even after replacing the battery. Here are a few troubleshooting steps:
- Battery Orientation: Double-check that you inserted the new battery with the correct polarity (+ and – sides).
- Battery Quality: Ensure you are using a fresh, high-quality CR2032 battery from a reputable brand. Sometimes, older or low-quality batteries can be faulty.
- Contact Points: Inspect the metal contact points inside the key fob. Make sure they are clean and making good contact with the battery. You can gently clean them with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol if needed.
- Synchronization Issue: As some users have reported, sometimes the key fob might need to resynchronize with the vehicle after a battery change. Try the method mentioned in the original post: go to your 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee and attempt to start it using the “fob-on-start-button” method. This involves pressing the start button with the key fob itself. This action can sometimes reset or re-sync the key fob with your vehicle’s system.
If you’ve tried these steps and your key fob still isn’t working, there might be a more complex issue. While rare for a simple battery replacement, it’s possible there’s a problem with the key fob itself or your vehicle’s receiver. In such cases, contacting a qualified automotive locksmith or your Jeep dealership for further diagnosis and potential reprogramming might be necessary. However, for most 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, a simple battery replacement will resolve key fob issues.
