'98 Jeep Cherokee key fob battery replacement

[93JC]

Anyone know how? I figured you pry the case open, replace the battery, snap it back together and then program it somehow... ???

[giant_mtb]

You shouldn't have to reprogram it.  At least, I didn't have to do anything to mine when I replaced my battery.

[93JC]

This is for a friend, so I'm a little afraid of prying apart their key fob, replacing the battery and then NOT having it work.

It's a factory Chrysler system, for what it's worth. I figure anyone who has any experience with a Chrysler product of that vintage would be able to tell me.

[Madman]

Don't know about a Chrysler key fob, but on my mother's old 1997 Taurus it was just a matter of replacing the little round watch-type battery.  I think there was a tiny Phillips-head screw holding the unit together?

Cheers,
Madman of the People

[93JC]

There's no screws and there's a thick, deep seam around the edge, about the perfect size for a quarter or loonie to fit in and twist to pry.

[ifcar]

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_to_replace_Jeep_key_fob_battery

[93JC]

Okay, okay, now does it need programming and if so how?

[ifcar]

Okay, okay, now does it need programming and if so how?

Shouldn't.

[93JC]

If it doesn't work I blame you, Koko.

[Madman]

There's no screws and there's a thick, deep seam around the edge, about the perfect size for a quarter or loonie to fit in and twist to pry.

In that case, I suggest a really big hammer! 


Cheers,
Madman of the People

[Tave]

I know the battery in my Dad's Durango has died at least once. I can't imagine him reprogramming the device.

[93JC]

In that case, I suggest a really big hammer! 

I'm sure that's the exact solution my friend was looking for...

"No, no I don't know how what to do amigo, but I bet I could get it open with a hammer." 

[Madman]

I'm sure that's the exact solution my friend was looking for...

"No, no I don't know how what to do amigo, but I bet I could get it open with a hammer." 

He calls you "Amigo"?  Sheesh, you should use the hammer on him!

Cheers,
Madman of the People

[93JC]

Neither one of us calls the other 'amigo', I'm trying my best to not reveal their name without resorting to a pseudonym like 'Bob'.

I don't like lying see, so this way I'm not lying I'm withholding bits of truth. I'm lowering the truthiness of my statements while remaining fundamentally true.

[S204STi]

Keep in mind that the batter may not be their problem, in which case if it still doesn't work check out the circuitry in the fob, and don't feel too bad about it if it ends up borked.

[Raza]

Okay, generally, they don't need to be reprogrammed unless the battery goes completely flat.  I don't know how it works, that's just how it is, usually. 

I've had to replace a few batteries on our Mercedes keys (which are completely electronic, and have no metal key) and they never needed to be reprogrammed. 

[S204STi]

You should never have to reprogram the keyless entry unless you replace a fob.  The transponder always sends a certain signal, and the receiver is always set up to receive just that one (or two or three) signal.

[Raza]

You should never have to reprogram the keyless entry unless you replace a fob.  The transponder always sends a certain signal, and the receiver is always set up to receive just that one (or two or three) signal.

I was just reading that a Jaguar key fob (for a last generation XK8/R) will need to be reprogrammed if the battery dies completely.  So there!

[AutobahnSHO]

I would say that IF you don't press a button while the battery is out, the better your chance of no re-program. No clue whether you really do have to reprogram..
(If you push any button while the battery's out,the power drain would be enough to sap any remaining juice in the memory..)

You can get keyfobs off ebay for $20 or so, but you have to have a working fob to program it
OR pay the dealership to program it..

[heelntoe]

I was just reading that a Jaguar key fob (for a last generation XK8/R) will need to be reprogrammed if the battery dies completely.  So there!

i believe those are called rolling code remotes. the remote will just have to be synced to the transponder in the car again.

[Raza]

i believe those are called rolling code remotes. the remote will just have to be synced to the transponder in the car again.

That's true.  Jags and Benzes both have rolling codes (I'm not sure about BMW).

[Tave]

This discussion is pointless. Just replace the battery. If that doesn't work take it to the dealer.

I'm a little afraid of prying apart their key fob, replacing the battery and then NOT having it work.

On God's green Earth, why? That just means you'll have to take it to the dealer, which as I see it, is the other option you're considering.

Worst case scenario: you buy the battery instead of getting ripped off for it at the service department.

[93JC]

I'll have to ask if he actually took it apart. My feeling is he'll wait until someone does it for him.