The Dodge Journey is a mid-size crossover SUV that offers a spacious interior, a powerful engine, and a smooth ride.
However, some owners may encounter a problem with their key fob not working properly.
This can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially if you are in a hurry or in an unfamiliar place.
The key fob is a remote device that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, open the trunk, and start the engine with a push of a button.
It uses radio waves to communicate with the receiver module inside your vehicle.
When the key fob is not detected by your vehicle, it means that there is an issue with the signal transmission or reception.
There are several possible causes of the key fob not working in Dodge Journey.
Some of them are easy to fix, while others may require professional assistance. In this article, we will discuss the most common causes and how to fix them.
Key Not Detected Dodge Journey: 5 Ways to FIX
1. Dead battery in the key fob
The most common cause of the key fob not working in Dodge Journey is a dead battery.
The key fob uses a small button cell battery to power its functions. Over time, the battery will drain and need to be replaced.
Usually, there are signs of a weakening battery before it stops working completely. You may notice that the range of the key fob decreases, or that you need to press the buttons harder or multiple times to get a response.
You may also see a low battery warning light on your dashboard or instrument cluster.
To fix this problem, you need to replace the battery in your key fob. You can do this yourself by following these steps:
- Locate the small notch on the side of the key fob and insert a flathead screwdriver or a coin into it.
- Gently pry open the key fob case and separate the two halves.
- Remove the old battery and note its type and orientation.
- Insert a new battery of the same type and orientation into the battery holder.
- Snap the two halves of the key fob case back together and test the key fob.
Alternatively, you can take your key fob to a local auto parts store or a dealership and have them replace the battery for you.
2. Worn buttons or poor battery contact
The buttons on the key fob may wear out over time due to frequent use or exposure to dirt and moisture.
This can affect the electrical contact between the buttons and the circuit board inside the key fob.
Similarly, the battery contact may become loose or corroded due to vibration, shock or oxidation. This can prevent the battery from delivering enough power to the key fob.
To fix this problem, you need to clean and repair the buttons and the battery contact in your key fob. You can do this yourself by following these steps:
- Open the key fob case as described in the previous section.
- Remove the circuit board and inspect it for any signs of damage or corrosion.
- Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean the buttons and the battery contact. You can also use fine sandpaper or a pencil eraser to remove any dirt or oxidation.
- Reinstall the circuit board and the battery and close the key fob case.
- Test the key fob and see if it works.
Alternatively, you can take your key fob to a local electronics repair shop or a dealership and have them clean and repair it for you.
3. Water damage or defective key fob
Another possible cause of the key fob not working in Dodge Journey is water damage or a defective key fob.
The key fob is not waterproof and may get damaged if it gets wet or submerged in water. This can short-circuit the components inside the key fob and render it useless.
Similarly, the key fob may have a manufacturing defect or a faulty component that causes it to malfunction. This can happen due to poor quality control, improper handling, or accidental damage.
To fix this problem, you need to replace your key fob with a new one. You can do this yourself by following these steps:
- Purchase a new key fob that is compatible with your vehicle model and year. You can find one online or at a local auto parts store or dealership.
- Program the new key fob to your vehicle using the instructions provided with it. You may need another working key fob or your vehicle’s ignition key to do this.
- Test the new key fob and see if it works.
Alternatively, you can take your key fob and your vehicle to a local locksmith or a dealership and have them replace and program it for you.
4. Receiver module issues or signal interference
Another possible cause of the key fob not working in Dodge Journey is receiver module issues or signal interference. The receiver module is a device that is located inside your vehicle and receives the signals from the key fob.
It then sends the commands to the appropriate systems, such as the door locks, the trunk, and the engine.
The receiver module may have a problem with its wiring, fuse, relay, antenna, or software that prevents it from functioning properly. This can cause the key fob not to be detected by your vehicle or to work intermittently.
Similarly, the signal from the key fob may be blocked or interfered with by other sources of radio waves, such as cell phones, radio stations, power lines, or other vehicles. This can reduce the range or effectiveness of the key fob.
To fix this problem, you need to check and repair the receiver module or avoid signal interference in your key fob. You can do this yourself by following these steps:
- Locate the receiver module in your vehicle. It is usually located under the dashboard, behind the glove box, or in the trunk.
- Check the wiring, fuse, relay, antenna, and software of the receiver module and see if they are in good condition and properly connected. You may need a multimeter, a wiring diagram, and a scan tool to do this.
- Replace or repair any faulty or damaged parts of the receiver module and test the key fob.
- Keep your key fob away from other sources of radio waves and see if it works better.
Alternatively, you can take your key fob and your vehicle to a local auto repair shop or a dealership and have them check and repair the receiver module or avoid signal interference for you.
5. Dead 12-volt battery or unpaired key
Another possible cause of the key fob not working in Dodge Journey is a dead 12-volt battery or an unpaired key. The 12-volt battery is the main battery that powers your vehicle’s electrical systems, such as the lights, the radio, and the ignition.
If the battery is dead or low on charge, it may not be able to provide enough power to the receiver module and other systems that are needed to detect and respond to the key fob.
Similarly, the key fob may not be paired or programmed to your vehicle. This can happen if you have a new key fob if you have replaced the battery or the receiver module, or if you have reset the system.
In this case, the key fob and the vehicle will not recognize each other and will not communicate.
To fix this problem, you need to charge or replace the 12-volt battery or pair or program the key fob to your vehicle. You can do this yourself by following these steps:
- Check the 12-volt battery in your vehicle and see if it is dead or low on charge. You can use a voltmeter, a battery tester or a jump starter to do this.
- Charge or replace the 12-volt battery and test the key fob.
- Pair or program the key fob to your vehicle using the instructions provided with it. You may need another working key fob or your vehicle’s ignition key to do this.
- Test the key fob and see if it works.
Alternatively, you can take your key fob and your vehicle to a local auto repair shop or a dealership and have them charge or replace the 12-volt battery or pair or program the key fob for you.
Conclusion
The key fob is a convenient and useful device that allows you to control your Dodge Journey remotely.
However, it may stop working due to various reasons, such as the dead battery, worn buttons, water damage, defective key fob, receiver module issues, signal interference, dead 12-volt battery, or unpaired key.
To fix these problems, you need to replace the battery, clean and repair the buttons and the battery contact, replace the key fob, check and repair the receiver module, avoid signal interference, charge or replace the 12-volt battery, or pair or program the key fob.
Some of these fixes are easy and can be done by yourself, while others may require professional assistance. In any case, it is important to fix your key fob as soon as possible to avoid any inconvenience or safety issues.
We hope this article has helped you understand why your Dodge Journey key fob is not working and how to fix it. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
