Experiencing issues with your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob? It’s a common frustration when your key fob suddenly stops working, leaving you locked out or unable to start your vehicle remotely. If you’re facing problems with your key fob, especially if you suspect it needs a reset, this guide will walk you through potential issues and solutions.
It’s unusual for both key fobs to fail simultaneously unless there’s a common factor. If you’re noticing that neither of your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fobs are functioning correctly, and you even hear loose components rattling inside, the key fobs themselves are likely the primary culprits. Often, the silver solder points within these fobs can break, leading to malfunction.
While diagnostic codes might not definitively pinpoint whether the problem lies within the vehicle’s system or the key fobs, the physical symptoms you describe strongly suggest the fobs are at fault. Keep in mind that your Jeep has multiple systems for key detection: one for remote functions like locking, unlocking, and remote start, and another for keyless entry and ignition (push-button start). These systems utilize different antennas, and theoretically, an antenna issue could cause problems. However, given the physical damage to your key fobs, addressing them first is the most logical step.
Remote start functionality adds another layer of complexity. It’s important to understand that remote start isn’t solely dependent on the key fob. The button on your fob is merely an activator for a separate remote start system installed in your vehicle. Therefore, simply getting a new key fob with a remote start button won’t magically grant you remote start if your Jeep wasn’t originally equipped with it or if the system is faulty.
If your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee already has remote start that has stopped working, it’s likely related to the key fob issue or potentially a problem within the vehicle’s remote start module. Mopar offers remote start kits that include new keys, which could be a viable option if you’re looking to restore both key fob functionality and remote start.
When it comes to replacing your key fobs, understanding key programming is crucial. Once a Jeep key fob (FOBIK) is programmed to a specific vehicle, it cannot be reprogrammed for another vehicle. These keys contain an RFID chip with a unique identifier that the vehicle’s computer recognizes. This security measure prevents key cloning and theft. While dealerships can reprogram the vehicle to accept new keys and reject old ones (useful if a key is lost), they traditionally couldn’t “reset” a used key fob to be blank again.
However, there are now specialized tools that can indeed flash FOBIK keys back to their original, unprogrammed state. These tools are not typically available at dealerships or locksmiths. This is how refurbished key fobs become available on the market, often online or through eBay. These refurbished keys are essentially used keys that have been electronically reset and often repackaged with new casings.
Be extremely cautious when buying used keys online, especially on platforms like eBay. Many sellers falsely claim that a used key can be easily reprogrammed by a dealer or locksmith. This is generally not true, and you could end up with an unusable key. If you consider a refurbished key, ensure the seller explicitly states it has been professionally refurbished and reset to a programmable “like new” state.
To ensure compatibility, always purchase replacement key fobs based on the correct part number for your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, not just by visual similarity. Different FOBIKs can look identical but be electronically incompatible with your vehicle.
Troubleshooting Steps and Recommendations:
- Confirm Key Fob Damage: As you’ve already noted solder pieces in your current fobs, this strongly points to key fob failure.
- Consider Refurbished Keys (with caution): If budget is a concern, explore reputable sellers of professionally refurbished and reset key fobs, verifying the correct part number.
- Mopar Remote Start Kit: If you want to ensure remote start functionality and get new keys, the Mopar kit is a reliable, albeit potentially more expensive, option.
- Professional Help: Due to the complexities of key programming and potential vehicle-side issues (like the WIN module or antennas), consulting a qualified locksmith specializing in automotive keys or your Jeep dealership is highly recommended. They have the diagnostic tools and expertise to accurately diagnose the problem and program new keys correctly.
Dealing with key fob issues can be complex. By understanding the potential problems and your options, you can take informed steps to restore full functionality to your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee key system.
