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Grand Cherokee 2008 Broken Key Fob question

2875 Views 3 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  90grandoneer
I apologize if this is the incorrect place to create this, I have looked all over for an answer and cannot seem to find anything regarding the 2008 WK Jeep Grand Cherokee on this (there are a bunch of older as well as newer broken key fob tips but I cannot find any with this specific key fob),

My 2008 Jeep Grand cherokee's Key Fob broke in my infinite wisdom to replace the key battery (when in fact the cars battery was dead for not starting it in months), and while replacing the battery a part of the circuit board came flying off and I am unable to locate it. Because of this, the key fob is broken leaving me with the integrated/valet key and the fob. Is there a way to start the car with just the valet key?

I have seen lots of videos/tips that you can start the vehicle with a dead key fob by placing it above the start engine button, but in the 2008 jeep it uses a Wireless Ignition Node, and not a button. I have tried finding an answer to this, and cannot, so any advice or answer will greatly be helpful! I have even read through the owners manual key part multiple times now, and idk if I am missing something or it does not say.

I am looking to replace my car battery soon, and would really like to know if I need to get it towed and get a replacement key as well instead of jumped, started with the broken fob, and taken to an autozone for a new battery for me to get a replacement key later (so I at least have a running car, and don't need it towed).
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Welcome to the forum. You can purchase new fobs all over the internet.....just try to find OEM ones. I bought a couple aftermarket ones and, while they're adequate, they don't work as good as the OEM ones. Also, once you get new fobs, you'll have to have them programmed you your vehicle. You'll either have to go to a dealer (my last choice) or find someone with a fairly high end scanner that has the capability to program the fobs to your Wireless Control Module. I have an Autel MS906BT that has this capability. It is easy to do and takes less than 5 minutes to program two keys and erase your bad one(s) from the WCM memory. You can program up to seven keys for the vehicle.

As far as the vehicle battery goes, if you're not aware, these computerized vehicles are very sensitive to battery condition. If it is at all low, it'll cause all kinds of weird problems and Diagnostic Trouble Codes. I would recommend you have the battery checked BEFORE you go out and buy a new one. IMO, the only good test of the battery is one that is done with a high quality digital electronic battery tester....especially one that will give you a print out of its overall condition.....voltage, cold cranking amps available, state of charge and overall battery health. A conductance and load test would be my second choice. I've had battery issues where I went round and round with the place I bought it from.....my tester showed it bad, theirs said it was good. I finally took it to my Son's shop that had a good scanner that showed it was bad. I took the printout to the place I bought the battery and they finally gave me a new one under warranty. I know have one of these testers too, a Solar, Part No. BA227.

Good luck and let us know how this all turns out.
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You're dealing with two separate things at the same time. First things first, have someone help you get the car started by jump starting or charging the dead battery. Ask a neighbor to help. Connect their battery to yours and have them start their car. Leave yours off for about 10 minutes to pick up a surface charge.

Then try starting. See if the key works.

I've successfully started my 2008 with dead fob batteries. I couldn't unlock the doors with the fob but when inserted it into the ignition, the car did start. Maybe the part you broke off didn't impact the proximy function of the fob (used to be called Sentry Key).



It might help to update your location (rough city) in the event a member is near you and has a tool to program keys like 90grandoneer stated. If you're in the Northern VA area could do it with my Autel DS708.
You're dealing with two separate things at the same time. First things first, have someone help you get the car started by jump starting or charging the dead battery. Ask a neighbor to help. Connect their battery to yours and have them start their car. Leave yours off for about 10 minutes to pick up a surface charge.

Then try starting. See if the key works.

I've successfully started my 2008 with dead fob batteries. I couldn't unlock the doors with the fob but when inserted it into the ignition, the car did start. Maybe the part you broke off didn't impact the proximy function of the fob (used to be called Sentry Key).

It might help to update your location (rough city) in the event a member is near you and has a tool to program keys like 90grandoneer stated. If you're in the Northern VA area could do it with my Autel DS708.
Good ideas. The DS708 was my first higher end scanner and it is a good one.....just a bit slower and a few less features than some of the newer ones, but the 708 will do everything you'll ever want it to do. How do you like it?
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