How to Replace Jeep Renegade Key Fob Battery – DIY Guide

Do you have a Jeep Renegade key fob that’s no longer unlocking or starting your vehicle? Chances are the battery has died and needs to be replaced. Replacing the small battery inside the key fob is an easy fix that will have your keyless entry remote working again in no time. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about replacing the battery in a Jeep Renegade key fob, including troubleshooting tips and where to buy a new battery. Let’s get started!

Having a key fob that doesn’t work can be frustrating and leave you unable to access your Jeep Renegade. But before shelling out money for a pricey dealer replacement, try changing the battery yourself. This easy repair can be done in about 10 minutes with some basic supplies. Read on to learn why the key fob battery needs replacing, what type of battery to use, how to open the fob, step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, battery lifespan, when to replace, where to buy a new battery, and professional replacement cost options. With this simple DIY tutorial, you can save money and be back on the road with a fully-functional keyless entry remote.

Why Does the Jeep Renegade Key Fob Battery Need Replacing?

Like any small electronic device, the battery inside your Jeep Renegade key fob will eventually drain and need replacing. Some of the signs your key fob battery is low and needs changing include:

• The buttons becoming unresponsive when pressing unlock, lock, or remote start
• Greatly reduced operating range when trying to unlock from a distance
• Intermittent function where buttons only work sometimes
• Warning indicator lights on the dashboard when trying to start the vehicle

This battery drain happens naturally over time as the battery is used to transmit signals and power key fob features. Environmental factors like extreme hot or cold temperatures can also accelerate battery discharge.

While most Jeep Renegade key fob batteries will last 1-2 years or more, frequent use may require changing the battery sooner. If you notice any of the symptoms above, a new CR2032 coin cell battery will have your keyless entry remote working properly again.

What Kind of Battery Does the Jeep Renegade Key Fob Use?

Nearly all modern keyless entry remotes, including the Jeep Renegade’s, use a standard CR2032 3-volt lithium coin cell battery. This little round battery can be found at most drugstores, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and battery specialty shops.

When purchasing a new battery for your Jeep Renegade key fob, make sure to get a high-quality CR2032 from a reputable brand. Lower quality batteries may not last as long. The model number CR2032 should be clearly printed on the battery.

Some older Jeep Renegade key fob remotes may instead use CR1616 or CR1620 batteries, so always check your owner’s manual if you’re not sure. The CR2032 is by far the most common though.

How Do I Open the Jeep Renegade Key Fob to Access the Battery?

Jeep Renegade key fobs are designed to be easily opened when the battery needs replacing. Here are the basic steps to open your fob:

1. Look closely at the seam between the two outer halves of the key fob. You should see a small slot, notch, or groove.
2. Take a small flat head screwdriver and gently insert it into this seam gap. Carefully pry apart the two halves of the fob. Apply even pressure as you work the screwdriver around the seam to pop it open.
3. Once the two halves come apart, you’ll have access to the internal circuit board and battery. The CR2032 battery will be in a circular clip or bracket.
4. Use the screwdriver to gently pry the battery free from its bracket if needed.

Be careful not to damage the circuit board when opening the key fob. Work slowly and only pry enough to release the two outer covers. Opening your Jeep Renegade key fob takes a light touch but gives you access to the user-replaceable battery.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Replacing the Jeep Renegade Key Fob Battery

Once you have the fob open, replacing the battery is fast and easy. Just follow these steps:

1. Remove the old CR2032 battery by prying it out of the bracket.
2. Check for any corrosion or damage on the battery contacts. Clean if needed.
3. Insert the new CR2032 battery with the positive + side facing up in the bracket.
4. Re-align the two halves of the key fob and snap them back together at the seam. Press firmly until they clip in place.
5. Test the key fob buttons to ensure everything is working again. Try locking/unlocking from various distances.
6. If the buttons are still unresponsive, check that the battery is installed correctly and seated firmly in the bracket.

The whole battery swap process should take less than 5 minutes. With a new CR2032 battery installed, your Jeep Renegade key fob will be back to reliably locking, unlocking, and remote starting your vehicle.

What to Do If the New Battery Doesn’t Work in the Jeep Renegade Key Fob

In most cases, a new CR2032 coin cell battery is all that’s needed to fix a Jeep Renegade key fob that’s not working properly. But occasionally issues can occur:

• If none of the buttons operate after installing a new battery, try removing it, inspecting for damage, and re-inserting. Make sure the + side is facing up in the bracket.
• Check that the battery contacts are clean and corrosion-free allowing proper electrical connection.
• Rarely, the printed circuit board inside the fob may fail. If a brand new quality battery doesn’t restore function, internal damage is possible. You may need to replace the entire key fob assembly rather than just the battery.
• For anti-theft reasons, your Jeep may need re-programming by the dealer for a newly replaced key fob battery. Consult your owner’s manual for details.
• Weak batteries with reduced voltage may work intermittently giving frustration. Always buy a top-rated CR2032 from a trusted brand.

With some troubleshooting and battery inspection, you can usually get a non-working Renegade key fob operational again after changing the battery. If issues persist, a trip to the dealership may be required.

Troubleshooting Tips for a Jeep Renegade Key Fob with Battery Issues

Besides changing the battery, here are some handy troubleshooting tips for a Jeep Renegade key fob that’s acting up:

• Check the user manuals for battery replacement info specific to your model year. There may be helpful troubleshooting guidance provided.
• Try holding the key fob closer to the vehicle when pressing the buttons. Weak batteries may only work at short distances.
• Change the battery yearly as a preventive measure if your key fob sees heavy daily use. Don’t wait for complete failure.
• Keep the key fob away from heat and water which accelerate battery discharge. Store on a key ring away from electronics that could activate it.
• Moving farther away from competing signals like WiFi routers can improve remote operation if experiencing interference.
• Pressing key fob buttons multiple times in different sequences may help revive a intermittently working battery.

With some basic troubleshooting, you can pinpoint the cause of most Jeep Renegade key fob issues and get them working reliably again.

How Long Does a Jeep Renegade Key Fob Battery Typically Last?

On average, the small CR2032 coin cell battery that powers a Jeep Renegade key fob remote will last 1-2 years with normal use before needing replacement. However, there are several variables that can shorten or extend battery lifespan:

• Frequency of Use – Key fobs used multiple times a day will run down faster than those rarely used. Infrequent use may allow 3+ years of battery life.
• Extreme Temperatures – Exposure to hot or cold weather accelerates battery discharge. Keeping your key fob at moderate temperatures will help maximize battery life.
• Driving Distance – Key fobs for vehicles driven longer distances daily have shorter battery life than those used for shorter commutes. More driving means more remote usage.
• Original Equipment vs Aftermarket – OEM key fob batteries supplied by Jeep tend to outlast generic replacements which may only last 6-12 months. Stick with quality batteries from reputable brands.
• Model Year – Older Jeep Renegade models may have remotes that consume battery power faster than newer generations. Check your owner’s manual for expected lifespan.

While results will vary, following the usage and storage recommendations above can help you achieve 18-24 months of battery life in a Jeep Renegade key fob between changes.

Signs Your Jeep Renegade Key Fob Battery Needs Replacement

Don’t wait until your key fob completely stops working before changing the battery. Look for these signs that a new CR2032 is needed:

• Greatly reduced range – Unlocking/locking only works when very close to the vehicle.
• Intermittent operation – Button presses only work sometimes. May temporarily work if pressed multiple times.
• Warning lights – Battery or key fob warning indicator illuminates on the dashboard when pressing remote start.
• Unresponsive buttons – Pressing the key fob buttons has no effect on the vehicle.
• Odd behaviors – Vehicle locks/unlocks itself randomly. Headlights or horn honking for no reason.

Any of these issues can indicate low key fob battery voltage. A new CR2032 coin cell battery restores proper function and reliable operation. Don’t get stranded with a dead key fob!

Where to Buy a Replacement Jeep Renegade Key Fob Battery?

Fortunately, the common CR2032 battery used in Jeep Renegade key fobs is inexpensive and widely available:

• Drug stores and pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid
• Grocery stores and supermarkets
• Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s
• Battery specialty stores like Batteries Plus
• Big box stores like Walmart and Target
• Online at Amazon, eBay, etc.

When purchasing a replacement CR2032, go with a top name brand battery like Energizer or Duracell for longest life. Generic batteries may need to be replaced more frequently. Expect to pay $2-6 for one battery. Buying multipacks brings the per battery cost down.

Be sure to properly dispose of your old key fob battery at a recycling center. Never throw lithium coin cell batteries in the trash.

Professional Jeep Renegade Key Fob Battery Replacement Cost

While replacing the battery yourself takes just minutes, you can also have it done professionally at a dealership or auto repair shop. Typical prices are:

• Jeep Dealer – $50 – $120+
• Independent Mechanic – $40 – $90
• Locksmith – $35 – $65

Labor prices can vary greatly by location. Dealer pricing is often highest while a local locksmith may offer the lowest rates. There is also the convenience factor of having someone else change the battery for you.

But doing it yourself with an inexpensive CR2032 coin cell battery is usually the cheapest option, plus you’ll have the satisfaction of tackling an easy fix and saving money. Just follow the step-by-step directions in this guide.

Conclusion and Summary of Replacing Jeep Renegade Key Fob Battery

Having an unresponsive Jeep Renegade keyless entry remote can be a hassle and safety issue. But in nearly all cases, replacing the small internal battery will have it working like new again. With a basic CR2032 coin cell battery costing $2-6 and 10 minutes of your time, you can handle this repair yourself and be back on the road.

To recap, learn to recognize when your key fob battery needs changing based on reduced range, unresponsive buttons, and warning lights. Open the fob by prying at the seam, swap in a new battery oriented correctly, and re-assemble the two halves. Test operation and you should be all set.

Knowing how to change the battery yourself avoids expensive dealer replacement fees. And you’ll minimize inconvenience by fixing key fob issues promptly instead of waiting for complete failure. With the battery change basics covered in this DIY guide, your Jeep Renegade keyless entry remote will work reliably for years to come.