Signs of a low Cherokee key fob battery

According to the manual, a low key fob battery may be shown by a message in the instrument cluster display or by the LED light on the key fob. If the LED on the fob no longer lights up after you push a fob button, the key fob battery needs to be replaced.

The manual also says that if the power button does not change positions, the key fob may have a low or fully depleted battery, and that the instrument cluster will display directions to follow. It adds that you should not replace the coin battery if the LED above the top row of buttons blinks when a button is pressed.

From the 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual (Key Fob; Replacing The Battery In The Key Fob), read November 8, 2026.

Replacing the Cherokee key fob battery

The manual lists these steps for replacing the CR2450 battery:

1. Remove the emergency key by pushing the emergency key release button on the side of the key fob and pulling the emergency key out with your other hand.
2. Hold the key fob with the button side facing down and find the small rectangular gap on the left side between the housing and the back cover. Use a small flat-bladed tool to pry open the left side of the fob cover while applying pressure until the cover snaps open.
3. Find the bottom left of the key fob and pry off the battery cover by lifting upward.
4. Remove the battery by using your thumb to slide it downward and back toward the key ring.
5. Put in the new battery by using your thumb to push it down and slide it under the small lip on the top edge of the opening, with the (+) sign facing upward.
6. Line up the top edge of the back cover with the top of the fob and press the edges into the interlocking hinges until all edges snap together with no large visual gaps.
7. Reinsert the emergency key until it locks into place.

From the 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual (Replacing The Battery In The Key Fob), read November 8, 2026.

What the manual says to watch for

The manual recommends a battery obtained from Mopar, because aftermarket coin battery dimensions may not meet the original OEM coin battery dimensions. It also says not to touch the battery terminals on the back housing or the printed circuit board, and to avoid touching the new battery with your fingers, because skin oils may cause the battery to deteriorate; if you do touch it, clean it with rubbing alcohol.

The manual warns that the fob contains a coin cell battery that must not be swallowed: a swallowed coin cell can cause severe internal burns in just two hours and can lead to death. Keep new and used batteries away from children, and seek immediate medical attention if you think a battery may have been swallowed or placed inside any part of the body.

The manual also notes that the key fob battery should only be replaced by qualified technicians, and that if the battery requires replacement you can see an authorized dealer.

From the 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual (Replacing The Battery In The Key Fob), read November 8, 2026.

Starting a Cherokee with a low fob battery

If the ignition position does not change when you push the ignition button and the instrument cluster shows a message such as "Key Fob Not Detected", the manual says the key fob may have a low or depleted battery. As a backup, put the nose side of the key fob (the side opposite the emergency key) against the START/STOP ignition button and push to operate the ignition switch. The manual recommends replacing the key fob battery after that.

See our Cherokee remote start guide and Cherokee warning lights guide for more.

From the 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual (Keyless Enter 'n Go Ignition), read November 8, 2026.

Cherokee service at Elgin CDJR

Want us to handle it? Bring your fob to our Jeep service center, or see the new Jeep Cherokee. Schedule service or see our service specials.

Our service department is open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood. Get directions.