Similar to other cars, your Jeep Wrangler comes with a key fob that will serve as your key when unlocking the Jeep door. It is powered by a battery and will work fine for a long time and last for so many years. But there will come a time that your attempt to unlock your car will fail. The reason behind it is that the battery of your key fob is getting weaker and needs replacement.
But how to change the battery in a Jeep key fob? What are the things you need when replacing the battery of your key fob? What are the signs when the battery of the key fob is getting weak? Our team will try to answer these questions as we discussed a simple topic that many Jeep owners do not know about: changing the battery of their Jeep’s key fob.
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How Long Does a Battery Last in a Key Fob?
When purchasing a brand new Jeep Wrangler, you will get a pair of key fob with brand new batteries. There is no definite time for the battery to last, but my rough estimate is around 3 to 4 years. It all depends on how many times you use the key fob every day, contributing to battery usage.
However, since the key fob usually comes in pair, I suggest that you use the two alternately to save battery power for a while. But if worse comes to worst, then changing the key fob’s battery will be needed once the battery will be finish. I tell you, it is an easy thing to do that I can say that even teenagers can do it.
Signs that the Battery of the Key Fob is Low
By the time the battery of the key fob is low, there are signs and symptoms which will begin to show in the performance of your key fob. Please check on the common things you will experience once the key fob is with a low battery:
Inconsistency in Operation
If your key fob starts working inconsistently, then it should be a sign that the tiny device is low on battery. Also, a key fob that is working correctly will activate every time you press the button. But if it fails to unlock the first time, then unlock the second time you press the button, it is a clear sign of inconsistency, and the device should be working on a low battery. If you encounter similar situations the following day, it’s high time to replace the key fob’s battery.
Reduce Signal Strength
In case you are not aware, the key fob was designed to work with an operating range of around 50 feet. If you feel that the device is working under the said distance, there is an excellent chance that the battery is low. When the light indicator displays green flashes for an estimated time of about 30 seconds when turning off the engine, it should indicate a reduced signal.
Multiple Clicks When Unlocking/Locking the Door
If you are having a hard time unlocking the door where you need to find the proper position to open it, it should be a good indicator that your key fob is low in battery. A key fob without any problem can unlock the Jeep’s door in just one click.
How to Change the Battery in a Jeep Key Fob
I find it ironic that many Jeep owners do not know how to replace a battery in the key fob. I am surprised because replacing the battery is manageable and does not need many steps to do it. All you need is to open the key fob since it is made with two pieces of plastic snap together. Once it is open, I will encourage you not to be overwhelmed with all the circuitry you will see and just focus on the task at hand, replacing the battery.
Tools Needed in Replacing Jeep Key Fob Battery
When replacing your key fob’s battery, you do not need many tools to do it successfully. You will only be required to bring two: a flathead screwdriver and the new battery. Usually, the battery of the Jeep key fob is CR2032, and you must buy a new one for the replacement. The flathead screwdriver will be for opening the key fob and retrieving the old battery.
Steps to Replace the Battery of your Key Fob
As I’ve said earlier, replacing the key fob’s battery is an easy thing to do. It is not a complicated process, and even teenagers can do it. Follow our guide below to properly replace a new battery for your Jeep Wrangler’s key fob.
- The first step is to open the key fob to be able to get access to the battery. Since the device is composed of two plastics snaps into each other, use the flathead screw to unsnap it. Insert the screw into the seam of the device, which is near the keyring mount.
- The next step is to press down the head of the screwdriver to unsnap the two fob parts apart from each other slowly. I would suggest doing it slowly to prevent any damage to the plastic. Unnecessary motion such as twisting may bring harm to the plastic and may destroy the key fob.
- Once the two fob segments are apart, slowly remove the old battery from its original position, then set it aside. Get the new CR2032 battery and insert it to the same place where the old battery was position. Make sure that the negative side of the battery is facing downwards.
- The next step is to take the circuit board and place it into the keypad. Once you place the keypad, take it to the fob and position it carefully.
- After that, take the two segments of the fob and snap them together. Doing this action should be done slowly to snap it and not damage the two segments properly.
- If you own a key fob containing a metal emergency key, replace it right after closing the compartment.
Once you complete the battery replacement process, the next thing to do is test if the new batteries are working with your key fob. You can do this by pressing the “lock” and “unlock” buttons of your key fob. If you find that it works without any problem, then the installation should be successful.
The key fob should be back in its original ways of locking or unlocking the door with only one press. You can also test the distance and see if it is working even from afar. If it is, then the battery replacement process was successful.
However, if there is still no signal with the device, it might indicate that the new battery is not working. The worst thing that can happen is that there is a problem with the circuitry, and the key fob needs repair. My recommendation is to seek assistance from experts coming from your dealership if you happen to encounter this. You can call or visit the service center and ask for professional help.
Bottom line
The key fob is a vital device and is part of your driving experience in riding the Jeep Wrangler. It gives you comfort when locking or unlocking the vehicle’s door quickly. But if you have been using the device for a while, there is a good chance that the battery is already drained or low. If it happens, the Jeep owner needs to know how to change the battery in a Jeep key fob. It is an easy thing to do, and the replacement process is suitable for anyone.
Meanwhile, this article has shown different signs to show if the Jeep’s key fob is low in battery. Once you notice it, I suggest replacing the battery immediately using the process that we have shown earlier in the article. It is easy and does need a lot of tools to do the replacement process.
The most important thing is to be confident in doing the replacement process by yourself. If you are not sure enough, bring the key fob to the service center and ask for professional help.