Jeep Grand Cherokee provides a key fob for the remote control keyless entry system. This advanced technology gives the better convenience of security and safety of your car. However, you may be unable to access several fob functions due to a lack of proper programming.
So, how to program the Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob? You can program it manually or by using a third-party programmer. Besides, any automotive locksmith and the Grand Cherokee dealer can also program it for you.
In this article, we will enlighten you about the working method of a key fob, its necessity, and the methods of programming them. So, if you are perplexed about a key fob’s programming procedure, this article is for you. Keep reading!
What Is a Key Fob? How Does It Work?
People use fobs for remote control keyless entry systems. After pressing the right button on the fob, they will be able to hear the clicking sound. Which means the unlocking or locking process is done.
A key fob is a digital device that uses radio frequencies to transmit data between the reader device and a car. If you have a Jeep Grand Cherokee, you must be familiar with them. Such a key fob contains a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna.
Through radio frequency waves, the fobs transmit some particular data to the car, which also has an RFID chip. When the vehicle receives the command data, it acts accordingly. Within a fob of the Jeep Cherokee, there are different buttons for different commands.
Why Do You Need To Program Jeep Grand Cherokee Key Fob?
It is easier and quicker to use for locking and unlocking than any typical key. But you must program a key fob for your Cherokee. Here are some reasons and situations when you ought to program them
- When you buy a key fob, you must connect or program it for your vehicle. First, you have to program for the “start” function.
- Sometimes a key fob stops working for some unforeseen purposes. In this case, programming them again may resolve the problem.
- Whenever you replace the fob’s battery, it removes all previously set programs. Hence, you must program the car’s key fob for your Grand Cherokee again.
- It’s always wise to keep a spare for emergencies. So, you must also program the spare key fob with your vehicle.
How To Program Jeep Grand Cherokee Key Fob?
There are several methods of programming your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s key fobs. Those are
1. Visiting The Locksmith Or Dealer
An automotive locksmith or dealer can program your fob. For this, you must have to provide them with the actual unit, proof of your ownership, and the individual car code.
However, you have to search for them with a Jeep dealer and contact them. Then, they will use a piece of specialized equipment to program your key fob.
2. Program a Key Fob Yourself
Programming a key fob from a dealer or automotive locksmith will cost you a lot of money. Thus, you can try to program it yourself by following these:
Method 1
Step 1: Check The Battery
Check the battery first by programming your key fob. A fob with a dying battery shows signs like being unable to operate from long range, taking multiple presses, and not functioning as before.
If you notice any of these signs, you might have to replace them with a new battery
Step 2: Enter the Car
The next step is to enter the car and then close the door properly. If you don’t close every single door properly, the programming process won’t be successful. So, make sure all of the entries are tightly closed.
Step 3: Inserting Key
In this step, first, ensure that the engine is not working at that moment. Then, you can proceed with inserting the key into your Jeep Cherokee ignition. Also, stay away from starting the car engine during this process.
Related car engine: Jeep 3.8 Engine Problems
Step 4: Pressure The Lock Button
Turn the key on, then click the lock button on your key fob and again turn the ignition key off. You have to repeat this cycle almost three times
Step 5: Checking
After repetition three times, there should be a locking sound. If you can’t hear the sound, that means the programming is not successful.
Method 2
In this method, you have to keep the driver-side door open during the process. Make sure that the switch of that open door is in the locking placement. Then, you have to switch on the key of the ignition, which was in the off position earlier.
Next, you have to keep pressing the lock switch of your key fob for almost 5 seconds. After that, stop pressing the switch and take out the ignition key. Hopefully, the programming process will be successful.
Use DIY Programming Devices
There are numerous DIY Programming Devices for key fobs in the market. This type of device is the easiest to use because it can connect to the Jeep’s computer.
Therefore, you can easily access their programming function from your car’s computer and program it accordingly. You have to take one of these devices and connect that to the jeep’s computer.
FAQs
In this FAQ section, you will get answers to several most-asked questions about such key fob programming for the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Q: Does Jeep Grand Cherokee come with a self-programming feature?
No. Jeep Grand Cherokee doesn’t come with the self-programming capabilities of the fob. Thus, to program them, you must have to visit a dealer or need to program them yourself.
Q: Can I program the start function myself?
You can’t program the newly bought key fob yourself when you want to program for the “start” function. For this, you must take the help of your Cherokee dealer or automotive locksmith.
Q: Should I take a new key fob to the dealer or a locksmith?
Taking the newly bought key fob to the locksmith will be less expensive than dealers. Also, they are capable of providing another key and can also come to you for service.
Conclusion
A key fob is incredibly beneficial for easy and quick access to your car. Not only that, but it also has some additional functions for your better convenience. But, sometimes, there might be some unexpected issues with them not working correctly. Then, it would help if you programmed these again.
In this article, we talked about how to program the Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob. Going to a car dealer or locksmith and using the specialized programming kits might be expensive. In this case, you can also program them yourself without any kits, if you follow those steps as mentioned earlier correctly.
Hello there, this is Thomas Byrd. I am a professional car mechanic who leads a team of junior mechanics in a repair and restoration shop. In the beginning, I used to work for a jeep service center as a basic worker. From there I keep learning, changed my job 2 times and now I am a professional who leads a group of mechanics. Though a have expertise in the jeep, I know very well about all types of cars. To share my knowledge and skills with others I have created this blog website. Whenever I get free time from work I give my time to my blog.