Most car models released since the early 2000s, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, come with a small electronic fob to unlock the car, amongst other functions. Over time, the battery in these fobs will lose its charge and need to be replaced. If you’ve never done this before on your Jeep Grand Cherokee fob, you might be wondering how to go about this process.
To change the battery on a Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob, all you have to do is remove the fob’s internal key, open the fob, and remove the old battery. You can then install the new battery, reassemble the fob, and replace the key for a fully charged fob that you can use instantly.
In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to change the battery in a Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob in case you aren’t sure about what tools to use or have other questions regarding this process. As you read, you’ll also learn about key fob-related issues you might be experiencing if your fob still isn’t working properly after installing a new battery.
How Do I Change the Battery In My Jeep Grand Cherokee Key Fob?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee first debuted in 1993, just three years after the company started using key fobs. While there is a chance your model only features the standard key, most are paired either with a key fob independent of the ignition key, or keyless entry fob remote.
Regardless of your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s generation or production year, you can replace any key fob battery by yourself using this step-by-step guide. For this process, all you’ll need is a flathead screwdriver and a new CR2032, 3-volt battery.
To change the battery in a Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob, follow the steps listed below:
- Slide the small mechanical latch found on the fob’s exterior to release the interior emergency key (skip to step 3 if you have an older key fob from the 90’s that does not feature an interior key)
- Remove the interior emergency key from the fob
- Insert a flathead screwdriver into the emergency key slot
- Pry the fob case pieces apart gently with the screwdriver and separate them
- Remove the old fob battery
- Insert the new battery (make sure the + pole is facing down in the fob)
- Replace and snap the fob case pieces shut
- Replace the interior emergency key
Once you’ve installed a new battery successfully into your Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob, test the fob to ensure it is working properly. If not, you’ll want to repeat the process and confirm that the battery is firmly in place with the positive pole facing down.
Here’s a quick video walk-through of the steps:
It is also best to perform this process using a brand-new battery to mitigate potential issues or a premature replacement.
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Where Can I Buy A New Battery For My Jeep Grand Cherokee Key Fob?
They might not be the battery most commonly used in everyday life, but CR2032, 3V lithium button batteries are easily accessible and can be found in a wide range of locations include:
- Grocery stores
- Home improvement stores
- Automotive shops
- Online retail stores (ex. Amazon)
- Department stores
If you’re Jeep Grand Cherokee needs any repairs or services, you can also ask the mechanic or dealership employee if they would replace your key fob’s battery as well.
How Long Should A Jeep Grand Cherokee Key Fob Battery Last?
Knowing how long your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s key fob battery should last can be helpful in determining if they are running out prematurely, potentially indicating a more serious problem in need of attention.
While the lifespan of a key fob’s battery can vary depending on factors such as brand, frequency of use, and age, to name a few, on average, they should last anywhere between three to four years.
Two years is reasonable if you use the fob frequently and/or purchased a lower quality battery, but if you find yourself replacing it sooner than that, then you might want to have your fob checked out by a professional.
My Jeep Grand Cherokee Key Fob Still Isn’t Working
If you find that your Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob still isn’t working after performing these steps, you might want to consult with a professional or Jeep customer service to determine if your fob is damaged.
Some of the most common issues with car key fobs include, transponder chip failure, misaligned or worn remote buttons, and misaligned or worn terminal contacts.
These issues are usually age-related and, therefore, occur in older car key fobs, but they can also arise if your key fob is frequently dropped or otherwise damaged.
Unless you have specialized tools and circuitry knowledge, your only options for a functional key fob are to:
- contact Jeep or the dealership where you acquired your car for repairs
- contact a specialist locksmith if your key fob is directly attached to your car key
- purchase a replacement
While the final option of purchasing a replacement is not typically ideal, it is oftentimes the easiest, and potentially, most cost-efficient choice.
Cost to Replace a Broke Jeep Grand Cherokee Key Fob
Many people are hesitant to go through the process of replacing their old Jeep Brand Cherokee key fob with a new one out of concern for the overall cost.
The good news is that most key fob replacements relatively affordable, ranging between $50 and $100. However, there are instances where you could potentially pay as high as $400, depending on the generation/production year of your model and labor costs.
Newer Jeep Grand Cherokees feature more advanced technological features that consequently increase the overall cost of their required key fobs.
Dealerships and auto stores might also require you to pay for 30-mintes to an hour of labor to program your new key fob, which will significantly increase the cost, whereas others will only require you to pay for the fob itself and program it for free.
You can potentially program older key fobs with features limited to locking and unlocking your car by yourself, but if you have a newer generation, you’ll need professional help.
Make sure you research your options and compare quotes before deciding who to purchase a replacement from to ensure you aren’t paying more than absolutely necessary.
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Final Thoughts
Replacing the battery in a Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob is something anyone could do in seconds. Hopefully, once the new battery is in place, your key fob will be functioning like new, but if this isn’t the case, you might want to have it checked for damage and consider your options regarding repairs or replacement.