Replacing the key fob battery in your 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee should be a simple task. However, like many Jeep owners, you might find yourself facing a frustrating issue: a brand new battery doesn’t seem to solve the problem. You swap out the old, presumably dead battery for a fresh one, only to find your key fob still isn’t working as expected. You might even try multiple new batteries, becoming increasingly perplexed as the issue persists. Strangely, putting the old, weak battery back in might even temporarily restore some function, adding to the confusion.
One Jeep Grand Cherokee owner experienced this exact scenario, cycling through seven different batteries, both new and used, without success. Each time, the seemingly dead original battery would work, while the new ones wouldn’t fully activate the key fob’s functions. The surprising solution? It turns out the key fob needed to be physically used to start the vehicle using the “fob-on-start-button” method – the same procedure you’d use when the key fob battery is completely dead.
After performing this fob-on-start-button start, all key fob functions miraculously returned to normal. This suggests a possible undocumented feature in the Jeep Grand Cherokee (and perhaps other vehicles). It’s speculated that there might be a memory or process within the key fob or the vehicle itself that monitors battery levels. When a new battery is installed, this system might not immediately recognize the voltage change, leading to continued malfunction until this reset procedure is performed.
Even dealership staff may not be fully aware of this quirk. Instead of offering this simple fix, dealerships might suggest purchasing a new, expensive key fob, replacing the battery at an inflated price, or even reprogramming the existing fob – none of which may be necessary and are often not covered under warranty. This can lead to a frustrating and costly experience for owners attempting basic maintenance.
It’s also worth noting that battery life in newer Jeep key fobs can be significantly shorter compared to older models. While a 2002 Chrysler key fob battery might last for eight years, the battery in a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob might only last one to two years. While features like remote start can be convenient, they may also contribute to quicker battery drain. If you’re experiencing issues after a key fob battery replacement on your 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, try the fob-on-start-button method. It could be the simple, undocumented solution you need.
