Is your 2008 Jeep Commander key fob suddenly refusing to cooperate? You’re not alone, and thankfully, it might be a simple fix. While key fob issues aren’t rampant, they do occur. Before you rush to a dealership, let’s explore some common culprits and DIY solutions to get your remote working again.
One of the first and easiest things to check is the battery. Even if your key fob battery is new, don’t rule it out immediately. It’s surprisingly common to install a battery incorrectly, or to get a dud battery that has been sitting on the shelf for too long. Double-check the battery orientation and perhaps try another new battery just to be certain.
If the battery isn’t the issue, consider that your Jeep Commander key fob, despite being reasonably robust, endures daily wear and tear. Think about everything your keys go through – being in pockets, bags, exposed to spills, and handling with dirty fingers. Over time, everyday grime and substances from your hands can seep into the key fob. This contamination can sometimes interfere with the buttons and internal circuitry, leading to malfunction.
It’s important to understand that if your remote was working intermittently and then stopped completely, it’s likely not a programming problem. Key fob programming either works, or it doesn’t. It doesn’t typically lose programming sporadically and then regain it. Intermittent issues often point to a physical problem within the key fob itself.
A potential fix you can try at home involves cleaning the key fob, particularly the rubber button pad. Carefully disassemble the key fob if possible. Most key fobs are designed to be taken apart. Separate the rubber button overlay, and you’ll notice carbon-impregnated pads on the back of the rubber buttons. These pads make contact with the circuit board.
Clean the rubber button pad, especially the back with the carbon pads, using soapy water. Ensure it’s completely dry before reassembly. For the circuit board itself, with the battery removed, you can use Windex or an electrical contact cleaner for a gentle cleaning. If you choose to clean the circuit board with the battery still in, use electrical cleaner only.
Cleaning the button pads and circuit board might just be the solution to revive your 2008 Jeep Commander key fob. It’s a simple, cost-effective step to try before considering more complex or expensive solutions.
