Experiencing trouble with your key fob battery in your 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee after replacement? You’re not alone. Like many Jeep owners, I recently faced the frustrating situation where brand new batteries seemed to have no effect on my key fob’s functionality. Despite swapping in several fresh batteries, my key fob remained stubbornly unresponsive, leading me down a rabbit hole of potential solutions.
The Frustration of a Seemingly Dead Fob with a New Battery
Initially, the problem seemed straightforward: a dead key fob battery. However, replacing the battery with a new one didn’t solve the issue. In fact, I tried seven different batteries, both new and used, hoping for a quick fix. Each time, the result was the same – the key fob remained lifeless. Strangely, when I re-inserted the old, supposedly dead battery, the fob sprang back to life, albeit with limited range and reliability. This perplexing behavior suggested something more complex than a simple battery drain was at play in my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob.
The Unexpected Solution: Using the Fob to Start the Vehicle
After exhausting conventional troubleshooting steps, I stumbled upon an unconventional solution. Remembering the emergency procedure for starting the vehicle when the key fob battery is completely dead, I decided to try it. This method involves using the key fob itself to press the start button. To my surprise, after using the fob in this manner to start my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, all key fob functions returned to normal. Suddenly, remote start, door locking/unlocking, and panic button were all working perfectly with the new battery that had previously been ignored.
A Hidden Memory or Process?
This experience leads me to suspect that there’s an undocumented system at play within the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee or its key fob. It seems plausible that the system tracks battery levels and might not immediately recognize a new battery upon simple replacement. Perhaps there’s a memory or process that needs a reset or recalibration when a new battery is installed. Using the fob directly on the start button might trigger this recognition or reset, allowing the system to acknowledge the new power source.
Even more surprisingly, when I inquired at a Jeep dealership, the staff seemed unaware of this potential quirk. The dealer’s solution? An offer to sell me a new key fob, a new battery at an inflated price, or a costly fob reprogramming service – none of which were covered under warranty. This experience unfortunately reflects a growing trend across manufacturers, where basic maintenance issues can be unnecessarily escalated into expensive service appointments.
Battery Life and Modern Key Fob Technology
It’s also worth noting the significantly shorter battery life in modern key fobs compared to older models. My previous 2002 Chrysler key fob battery lasted approximately 8 years. In contrast, the key fob battery in my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee needs replacement every 1-2 years. While my older Chrysler lacked remote start, I regularly used its fob for locking and unlocking. With the Jeep, I consciously limit fob usage to primarily remote start, aiming to conserve battery life, yet the drain remains considerably faster.
If you’re struggling with a new key fob battery not working in your 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, try the start button method. It might just be the undocumented trick to get your new battery recognized and your key fob functioning correctly again.
