Failure of automobile parts is a common incident, and if it is about starting off, then it is indeed a serious issue. Your Jeep Cherokee might face problems while starting, and that is where you need proper techniques to start it without a key.
It is actually hard for anyone unfamiliar with automobile parts; but yet, there is no harm in trying some efficient techniques. If you know how to start a Jeep Cherokee without a key, things get a lot easier. Because you wouldn’t need a professional charging around a hundred bucks for this task.
This article could be your go-to guide with a bunch of tricks and techniques for starting your Jeep without a key.
When Is It Necessary?
If your Jeep Cherokee does not have a push-button start, things can get a little hard without a key. In these situations mentioned below, you might need to start your Jeep Cherokee without a key.
1. Faulty Mechanism of the Key Fob
Failure of the key fob is the most experienced situation by the vehicle owners.
Without the push button, the only option you have is to start your Jeep by using the key fob.
So, if there is any glitch in the mechanism of the key fob, it will not transfer the necessary signal to the vehicle for starting. In such a situation, you have to start your Jeep without the key.
2. Having a Failed Starter
Mainly, a starter is responsible for turning over a vehicle’s engine. So, your Jeep Cherokee might not start with a key if you have a failed starter or a damaged solenoid of that starter.
If your starter is not turning over the engine because of any disruption, you will have no other way than to start your Jeep without a key.
What Should You Do?
In case you are having issues starting your Jeep Cherokee with a key, there are some alternative methods of starting that can help.
1. Fixing the Key Fob
If your key fob is not working while you are pushing the buttons, the most probable reason is a dead battery. In this case, replace the old battery with a new one. But if the battery is well-off and still not working, it might be because of the poor electromagnetic signal from the key fob.
In this case, you need to find the ignite button of your Jeep Cherokee. Then, hit the brake of the Jeep while pushing that ignite button with your key fob. Now, you will find the Jeep starting over within seconds.
2. Replacing the Fuse
As we have mentioned before, a failure of the starter could create issues while starting a Jeep Cherokee. In such a situation, your key might not work even if the key fob is well-off.
If you can detect any fault in the solenoid of the starter, you might need to replace the fuse to solve this issue.
3. Using a Screwdriver or a Steel Hanger
You can use a screwdriver or a steel hanger to pop up the tumblers after you remove the key cylinder. Then, you can start the Jeep by turning on the ignition.
4. Removing Faulty Ignition Cylinder
Now it is a bit difficult technique because you need to remove the faulty cylinder and replace it with a new one 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder. If you are familiar with automobile technical issues and have solved them earlier, this might be easier for you. For those who are doing it for the first time — no worries, just be careful while removing the parts.
First, remove the lock plate under the steering wheel and take off the horn ring. As the ring is plastic-made, you can easily take it off and access the signal switch. The cylinder remains under the signal switch, which you can remove by pressing a pin at the bottom. Now remove it and put in a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to remove the cylinder under the signal switch?
There is a pin lock near the cylinder, which keeps the cylinder attached to the signal switch. You need to press the pin while removing the cylinder.
Can you start your Jeep Cherokee without a key fob?
If your Jeep Cherokee has a push-button start, you do not need a key fob for starting. Other than that, you can use scissors or a thin and flat screwdriver to start the vehicle instead of the key fob.
Final Words
You can surely start your Jeep Cherokee without a key, but it becomes a hassle for you if you are not that experienced with this. Hopefully, these methods mentioned above were helpful to know about how to start a Jeep Cherokee without a key.