Experiencing a “key fob not detected” message in your 2016 Jeep Renegade can be frustrating, especially when you’re on the go. Imagine being at a store, ready to head home, only to find your car won’t recognize your key. One Jeep Renegade owner reported this exact issue, even suspecting something at Walmart might be interfering with their key fob signal. While the cause isn’t always clear, let’s explore potential reasons and troubleshooting steps to get you back on the road.
One of the most common culprits is a simple issue: a low battery in your key fob. Like any battery-operated device, your key fob’s battery will eventually weaken and need replacing. If you’ve been using your 2016 Renegade for a few years, especially since buying it new around early 2017 as the original poster mentioned, it’s quite possible that a low battery is the reason your key fob is acting up. Symptoms of a low battery can include intermittent detection, requiring you to be very close to the car, or even needing to use the emergency start procedure by physically touching the key fob to the start/stop button.
However, battery issues aren’t the only potential cause. Interference from external sources can also play a role. The user’s experience of the problem seeming to occur specifically at Walmart raises an interesting point. While it might sound unusual, strong electromagnetic fields or radio frequency interference in certain locations could potentially disrupt the signal between your key fob and your Jeep. This kind of interference is less common but not impossible, and could explain why the issue seems location-specific.
Beyond batteries and interference, there are other possibilities to consider:
- Key Fob Malfunction: While less frequent, the key fob itself could be faulty. Internal components can sometimes fail over time due to wear and tear, or even damage from drops or moisture.
- Vehicle Receiver Issues: The receiver in your Jeep Renegade that detects the key fob signal could also be malfunctioning. This is a more complex issue and would likely require professional diagnosis.
- Vehicle Battery Problems: In rare cases, a weak vehicle battery can sometimes cause unusual electronic issues, including problems with key fob detection.
If you’re facing the “key fob not detected” message, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:
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Replace the Key Fob Battery: This is the easiest and most common fix. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to replace the battery in your 2016 Jeep Renegade key fob. Use a high-quality replacement battery of the correct type.
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Try Your Spare Key Fob: If you have a spare key fob, try using it. If the spare works without issue, this could indicate a problem with the battery or the original key fob itself.
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Check for Interference: If the issue seems to occur in specific locations, try starting your Jeep away from those areas to see if interference is the cause.
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Inspect the Key Fob for Damage: Visually inspect your key fob for any signs of physical damage.
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Check Your Vehicle’s Battery Voltage: If you have a voltmeter, check the voltage of your Jeep’s battery to rule out a weak vehicle battery.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it’s recommended to take your 2016 Jeep Renegade to a qualified mechanic or Jeep dealership. They can perform a more thorough diagnosis to pinpoint the exact cause of the “key fob not detected” problem, whether it’s a faulty key fob, a receiver issue within the vehicle, or another underlying electrical problem. Don’t let key fob issues leave you stranded – addressing the problem promptly will ensure your Jeep Renegade remains reliable.
