Experiencing issues with your Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob? A common culprit is often a dead or dying battery. Fortunately, changing the battery in your key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself, saving you time and a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to change your Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob battery, ensuring you’re back on the road with a functioning remote in no time.
Before we dive into the battery replacement, it’s helpful to understand how your key fob actually works, especially when the battery is low or completely dead. Your Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob is more than just a remote to lock and unlock your doors. It’s a sophisticated piece of technology containing multiple systems. One crucial component is the transponder or RFID chip. This chip is designed to communicate with your car’s ignition system, allowing you to start the engine. Interestingly, this transponder chip doesn’t require battery power from the fob itself. Instead, it’s energized by an antenna located near your car’s ignition switch. This is why, even with a dead key fob battery, you can still start your Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Then there’s the remote functionality we’re all familiar with – locking, unlocking, and remote start. These functions rely on the battery in your key fob to transmit signals to your vehicle. When the battery dies, these remote features will cease to work.
For Jeep Grand Cherokees with proximity enter and go key fobs, the system is slightly more advanced. These fobs need battery power to enable the proximity features, allowing your car to detect the key fob from a greater distance. However, even these proximity fobs retain the battery-less transponder functionality for starting the vehicle when the remote battery is dead.
So, how do you actually start your Jeep Grand Cherokee with a dead key fob battery? For older models, you might need to pop out a push button and insert the key head of your key fob to start the car, similar to using a traditional key. Newer systems often require you to press the bottom of the key fob (opposite end of the key insert) against the push-to-start button on your dashboard. This places the RFID chip close enough to the ignition antenna to energize it and allow communication, starting your vehicle.
Now, let’s get to the main point: replacing the battery in your Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob. Typically, you’ll need a small flathead screwdriver and a replacement battery. The battery type is commonly a CR2032 button cell battery, but it’s always best to confirm the exact type for your specific key fob model in your owner’s manual or by checking the old battery once you open the fob.
Here’s a general step-by-step guide to change your Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob battery:
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Locate the small notch or seam on your key fob. This is usually located along the side or bottom of the fob.
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Use a small flathead screwdriver or a similar tool to gently pry open the key fob casing. Insert the screwdriver into the notch and carefully twist or lever to separate the two halves of the fob. Be gentle to avoid damaging the plastic casing.
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Once open, you’ll see the circuit board and the battery. Take note of the battery’s orientation (positive and negative sides).
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Carefully remove the old battery. You might be able to pry it out with your fingernail or the flathead screwdriver.
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Insert the new CR2032 battery (or the correct type for your fob) into the battery compartment. Ensure you place it in the correct orientation, matching the positive (+) and negative (-) markings in the compartment.
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Carefully snap the key fob casing back together. Make sure it’s securely closed. You should hear a click or feel it snap into place.
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Test your key fob. Try locking and unlocking your doors remotely to ensure the new battery is working.
If you’re still having trouble starting your Jeep Grand Cherokee even after replacing the key fob battery, remember that the car itself also needs sufficient battery power to energize the RFID chip in the key fob. A weak car battery can sometimes cause an “invalid key” message or prevent the car from starting, even with a fresh battery in your fob. In such cases, ensure your car battery is properly charged and in good condition.
Changing your Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob battery is a simple maintenance task that can save you inconvenience and potential costs. By following these steps, you can keep your key fob functioning correctly and ensure you’re never stranded due to a dead remote battery.
