Jeep Key Fob Dead? How to Get In and Get Going

Find the hidden key, get in and start your Jeep

You walk up to your Jeep, press unlock, and nothing happens. No flash, no beep. Most of the time the problem is simple: the battery inside the key fob is worn out. The good news is that most Jeep keys have a backup built in, so you can usually get in and get going without a new key.

Here's what to try, in order.

1. Make sure it's the fob, not the Jeep

Before you blame the fob, look at the Jeep itself.

• Do the dome light or dash lights come on when you open a door with the key? If nothing lights up at all, the car battery may be the problem, not the fob.
• If you have a second fob at home, try it. If the spare works, the first fob's battery is the likely cause.
• Stand close to the driver door and try again. A weak fob battery often still works from a foot or two away.

2. Find the hidden key

Most Jeep fobs carry a metal emergency key.

• Flip keys: press the button on the side and the metal blade swings out. That blade works in the door lock.
• Fobik and smart fobs: look for a small release button or slide on the back or side. Push it and pull out the metal key.

If you can't find a release, check the owner's manual for your model and year. Every fob is a little different.

3. Find the keyhole

Older Jeeps have a keyhole you can see on the driver door. On many newer models, the keyhole is hidden under a small plastic cap at the end of the door handle. There is usually a little slot on the underside of the cap. Slide the metal key into the slot and gently lift the cap off. Take your time so you don't scratch the paint.

Turn the key in the lock and the door should open. The alarm may go off when you open the door. That's normal. It should stop once the Jeep starts or when you lock and unlock it with the key.

4. Start the Jeep

How you start the Jeep depends on what kind of key you have.

• Flip key or regular key: put it in the ignition and turn it like always. The chip in the key talks to the Jeep even if the fob battery is dead, so it should start.
• Fobik: push the Fobik into the slot in the dash and turn it. The chip still works without a good battery.
• Smart key with a start button: many models have a backup way to start with a weak fob. On a lot of them, you hold the fob right up against the start button and press the button with the fob. Your owner's manual will show the exact spot for your model.

If the Jeep still won't start, the problem may not be the battery. The fob itself may be damaged or no longer paired to the Jeep.

5. Change the fob battery

Once you're home, replace the battery so it doesn't happen again.

• Open the fob carefully. Most have a small notch where you can use a coin or a small flat screwdriver.
• Look at the old battery. The size is printed right on it. Most fobs use a flat, coin-shaped battery.
• Put the new battery in the same way, with the same side facing up.
• Snap the fob back together and test the lock and unlock buttons.

Most of the time the fob works right away with a new battery. If the buttons still do nothing, it may need pairing with the Jeep again.

When to call a locksmith

Call us if:

• you can't find the hidden key or can't get the door open
• the Jeep won't start with any of your keys
• the fob is cracked, wet, or the buttons are worn through
• you lost your only key

We work on Jeep flip keys, Fobiks and smart keys. We can open your Jeep, make a new key or fob and pair it with your Jeep. See our Jeep Key Replacement page for the key types we handle. If you're locked out right now, see Car Lockouts. If your fob only needs pairing, see Key Fob Programming.

Stuck with a dead Jeep fob? Call Authority Locksmith Inc at (443) 527-1442. Free estimates, any hour.