2020 Jeep Cherokee Keys and Smart Key Operations

The innovative key and smart key alternatives included in the 2020 Jeep Cherokee’s introduction of a range of cutting-edge features and technologies considerably improved the comfort and security of owning and driving this well-liked SUV. The keys and smart key systems of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee will be discussed in this introduction, with an emphasis on how they changed the driving experience for owners. The traditional key option, which offered a dependable and simple way to access and start the vehicle, was available on the 2020 Jeep Cherokee. This traditional key design supplied a physical key that could be manually used to unlock the doors or put into the ignition. Although it may appear conventional in the age of advanced technology, this choice was dependable and functioned as a good backup. One of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee’s most notable features was its smart key technology, which completely changed how a driver interacts with their car. Owners benefited from a smooth and intelligent process for starting and entering their Cherokee with a smart key.

With the help of the smart key, drivers are now able to unlock their automobile doors by simply walking up to it while holding the key fob. This hands-free convenience was especially helpful when you had a full hand, and it improved security by lowering the possibility that you would forget to lock your car. The smart key also enabled a push-button start system, making it simple to start the engine once inside the vehicle by just pressing a button. The smart key also made it feasible to use the remote start capability. Before getting inside, owners could warm up or chill down the interior of their Cherokee by remote starting it. Extreme weather made good use of this characteristic in particular. The 2020 Jeep Cherokee’s smart key technology incorporated cutting-edge security measures such keyless entry detection and immobilizer systems, which gave car owners piece of mind. In conclusion, the keys and smart key systems for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee represented a considerable improvement in terms of comfort, security, and user experience. The 2020 Cherokee was created to improve every element of car ownership, whether you choose the conventional key or adopt smart key technology. These significant advancements demonstrated Jeep’s dedication to fusing traditional design elements with cutting-edge technology in their automobiles.

KEYS

KEY FOB
The key fob operates the ignition switch. Insert the square end of the key fob into the ignition switch located on the instrument panel and rotate to the desired position. The key fob also contains an emergency key, which is stored in the rear of the key fob.

Key Fob For Standard Ignition

1. PANIC Button
2. Unlock Button
3. Lock Button
4. Remote Start Button
5. Emergency Key Location

Your vehicle may be equipped with a keyless ignition system. The ignition system consists of a key fob with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) and a START/STOP ignition button system. The Remote Keyless Entry system consists of a key fob and Keyless Enter-N-Go feature if equipped.

NOTE:
The key fob may not be found if it is located next to a mobile phone, laptop or other electronic device; these devices may block the key fob’s wireless signal.
The key fob allows you to lock or unlock the doors and liftgate from distances up to approximately 66 ft (20 m). The key fob does not need to be pointed at the vehicle to activate the system.
This feature allows the driver to operate the ignition switch with the push of a button as long as the key fob is in the passenger compartment.

Key Fob For Keyless Ignition

1. Liftgate Button
2. Unlock Button
3. Lock Button
4. Remote Start Button
5. PANIC Button
6. Emergency Key

Key Fob With Emergency Key

1. Emergency Key
2. Key Fob

In case the ignition switch does not change with the push of a button, the key fob may have a low or fully depleted battery. A low key fob battery can be verified by referring to the instrument cluster, which will display directions to follow. In this situation, a backup method can be used to operate the ignition switch. Put the nose side (side opposite of the emergency key) of the key fob against the START/STOP ignition button and push to operate the ignition switch.

NOTE:
Improper disposal of key fob batteries may be harmful to the environment. Please see an authorized dealer for proper battery disposal.

To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate

Push the interior door unlock button on the door panel. Push and release the unlock button on the key fob once to unlock the driver’s door or twice within five seconds to unlock all doors and the liftgate.
All doors can be programmed to unlock on the first push of the unlock button. Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for further information.

NOTE:
If the vehicle is unlocked using the interior door panel, and no door is opened within 60 seconds, the vehicle will re-lock and if equipped, the security alarm will arm. To change the current setting, refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for further information. The turn signal lights will flash to acknowledge the unlock signal. The illuminated entry system will be activated.

1st Push Of Key Fob Unlock Button
This feature lets you program the system to unlock either the driver’s door or all doors on the first push of the unlock button on the key fob. To change the current setting, refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for further information.

NOTE:
If the vehicle is equipped with Passive Entry, refer to “Keyless Enter-N-Go — Passive Entry” located in “Doors” in “Getting To Know Your Vehicle” for further information.

To Lock The Doors And Liftgate

Push and release the lock button on the key fob to lock all doors and liftgate. The turn signal lights will flash and the horn will chirp to acknowledge the signal. Refer to “Uconnect Settings” located in “Multimedia” for further programmable information. If the vehicle is equipped with Passive Entry, refer to “Keyless Enter-N-Go — Passive Entry” located in “Doors” in “Getting To Know Your Vehicle” for further information.

Vehicles Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go — Passive Entry
If one or more doors are open, or the liftgate is open, the doors will lock. The doors will unlock again automatically if the key is left inside the passenger compartment, otherwise the doors will stay locked.

Replacing The Battery In The Key Fob With Remote Control
The replacement battery is one CR2032 battery.

NOTE:
Perchlorate Material — special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate for further information.
Do not touch the battery terminals that are on the back housing or the printed circuit board.

1. Remove the emergency key by sliding the mechanical latch on the back of the key fob sideways with your thumb and then pulling the key out with your other hand.
2. Separating key fob halves requires screw removal (if equipped), and gently prying the two halves of the key fob apart. Make sure not to damage the seal during removal.
3. Remove the battery by turning the back cover over (battery facing downward) and tapping it lightly on a solid surface such as a table or similar, then replace the battery. When replacing the battery, match the + sign on the battery to the + sign on the inside of the battery clip, located on the back cover. Avoid touching the new battery with your fingers. Skin oils may cause battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with rubbing alcohol.
4. To assemble the key fob case, snap the two halves together, reposition and secure the screw.

WARNING

1. The integrated key fob contains a coin cell battery. Do not ingest the battery; there is a chemical burn hazard. If the coin cell battery is swallowed, it can cause severe internal burns in just two hours and can lead to death.
2. If you think a battery may have been swallowed or placed inside any part of the body, seek immediate medical attention.
3. Keep new and used batteries away from children. If the battery compartment does not close securely, stop using the product and keep it away from children.

Programming Additional Key Fobs
Programming the key fob may be performed by an authorized dealer.

NOTE:
Once a key fob is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be repurposed and reprogrammed to another vehicle.

Request For Additional Key Fobs

NOTE:
Only key fobs that are programmed to the vehicle elec-tronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle. Once a key fob is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.

WARNING

1. Always remove the key fobs from the vehicle and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
2. For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition, always remember to place the ignition in the OFF position.

Duplication of key fobs may be performed at an authorized dealer. This procedure consists of programming a blank key fob to the vehicle electronics. A blank key fob is one that has never been programmed.

NOTE:
When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an authorized dealer.

General Information
The following regulatory statement applies to all Radio Frequency (RF) devices equipped in this vehicle:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

IGNITION SWITCH

IGNITION NODE MODULE (IGNM) — IF EQUIPPED
The Ignition Node Module (IGNM) operates similar to an ignition switch. It has four operating positions, three with detents and one that is spring-loaded. The detent positions are OFF, ACC, and ON/RUN. The START position is a spring-loaded momentary contact position. When released from the START position, the switch automatically returns to the ON/RUN position.

Ignition Switch

1. OFF
2. ACC (Accessory)
3. ON/RUN
4. START

KEYLESS ENTER-N-GO IGNITION — IF EQUIPPED
This feature allows the driver to operate the ignition switch with the push of a button as long as the key fob is in the passenger compartment.
The push button ignition operating modes are OFF, ACC, ON/RUN, and START.

START/STOP Ignition Button

1. OFF
2. ACC
3. ON/RUN

The push button ignition can be placed in the following modes:

OFF

1. The engine is stopped.
2. Some electrical devices (e.g. power locks, alarm, etc.) are still available.

ACC

1. Engine is not started.
2. Some electrical devices are available.

ON/RUN

1. Driving position.
2. All the electrical devices are available.

START

1. Start the engine.

WARNING

1. When exiting the vehicle, always remove the key fob from the vehicle and lock your vehicle.
2. Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
3. Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector.
4. Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in a location accessible to children, and do not leave the ignition of a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ON/RUN position. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
5. Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehi-cles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may cause serious injury or death.

CAUTION
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation for thieves. Always remove key fob from the vehicle and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.

NOTE:
If the ignition switch does not change with the push of a button, the key fob may have a low or depleted battery. In this situation, a backup method can be used to operate the ignition switch. Put the nose side (side opposite of the emergency key) of the key fob against the START/STOP ignition button and push to operate the ignition switch.

Backup Starting Method

NOTE:
For further information, refer to “Starting The Engine” in “Starting And Operating.”

VEHICLE ON MESSAGE

When opening the driver’s door and the ignition is in ON/RUN (engine not running) position, a chime will sound to remind you to place the ignition in the OFF position. In addition to the chime, the message “Ignition or Accessory ON” will display in the cluster.

NOTE:
The power window switches and power sunroof (if equipped) will remain active for three minutes after the ignition is cycled to the OFF position. Opening either front door will cancel this feature. The timing for this feature is programmable.

WARNING

1. Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a complete stop, then shift the automatic transmission into PARK, apply the parking brake, place the engine in the OFF position, remove the key fob from the vehicle and lock your vehicle. If equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go, always make sure the keyless ignition is in OFF position, remove the key fob from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
2. Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
3. Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector.
4. Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in a location accessible to children, and do not leave the ignition of a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ON/RUN position. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
5. Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehi-cles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may cause serious injury or death.

CAUTION
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation for thieves. Always remove key fob from the vehicle and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.

REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

Push the Remote Start button on the key fob twice within five seconds. Pushing the Remote Start button a third time shuts the engine off. This system uses the key fob to start the engine conveniently from outside the vehicle while still maintaining security. The system has a range of approximately 328 ft (100 m).

NOTE:

1. The vehicle must be equipped with an automatic trans-mission to be equipped with Remote Start.
2. Obstructions between the vehicle and key fob may reduce this range.

HOW TO USE REMOTE START
Push the Remote Start button on the key fob twice within five seconds. Pushing the Remote Start button a third time shuts the engine off.
To drive the vehicle, push the unlock button, insert the key in the ignition and turn to the ON/RUN position.

NOTE:

1. With Remote Start, the engine will only run for 15 minutes (timeout) unless the ignition key is placed in the ON/RUN position.
2. The vehicle must be started with the key after two consecutive timeouts.

All of the following conditions must be met before the engine will remote start:

1. Gear selector in PARK
2. Doors closed
3. Hood closed
4. Liftgate closed
5. Hazard switch off
6. Brake switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed)
7. Battery at an acceptable charge level
8. Check engine light shall not be present
9. Panic button not pushed
10. System not disabled from previous Remote Start event
11. Vehicle Security Alarm indicator is flashing
12. Ignition in OFF position
13. Fuel level meets minimum requirement
14. Vehicle Security Alarm is not signaling an intrusion

WARNING

1. Do not start or run an engine in a closed garage or confined area. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide (CO) which is odorless and colorless. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can cause serious injury or death when inhaled.
2. Keep key fobs away from children. Operation of the Remote Start system, windows, door locks or other controls could cause serious injury or death.

REMOTE START CANCEL MESSAGE ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
One of the following messages will display in the instrument cluster display if the vehicle fails to remote start, or exits Remote Start prematurely:

1. Remote Start Canceled — Door Open
2. Remote Start Canceled — Hood Open
3. Remote Start Canceled — Fuel Low
4. Remote Start Canceled — Liftgate Open
5. Remote Start Disabled — Start Vehicle To Reset
6. Remote Start Canceled — Too Cold
7. Remote Start Canceled — Time Expired

The message will stay active until the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position.

TO ENTER REMOTE START MODE
Push and release the Remote Start button on the key fob twice within five seconds. The vehicle doors will lock, the parking lights will flash, and the horn will chirp twice (if programmed). Then, the engine will start, and the vehicle will remain in the Remote Start mode for a 15 minute cycle.

NOTE:

1. If an engine fault is present or fuel level is low, the vehicle will start and then shut down in 10 seconds.
2. The parking lights will turn on and remain on during Remote Start mode.
3. For security, power window and power sunroof opera-tion (if equipped) are disabled when the vehicle is in the Remote Start mode.
4. The engine can be started two consecutive times with the key fob. However, the ignition must be cycled by pushing the START/STOP ignition button twice (or the ignition switch must be cycled to the ON/RUN position) before you can repeat the start sequence for a third cycle.

TO EXIT REMOTE START MODE WITHOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Push and release the Remote Start button one time or allow the engine to run for the entire 15 minute cycle.

NOTE:
To avoid unintentional shutdowns, the system will disable with a one time push of the Remote Start button for two seconds after receiving a valid Remote Start request.

TO EXIT REMOTE START MODE AND DRIVE THE VEHICLE
Before the end of 15 minute cycle, push and release the unlock button on the key fob to unlock the doors and disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm (if equipped). Then, prior to the end of the 15 minute cycle, push and release the START/STOP ignition button. If the START/STOP ignition button is not present, insert the key fob into the ignition switch and turn the switch to the ON/RUN position.

NOTE:
For vehicles equipped with the Keyless Enter-N-Go — Passive Entry feature, the message “Remote Start Active — Push Start Button” will show in the instrument cluster display until you push the START/STOP ignition button.

REMOTE START COMFORT SYSTEMS — IF EQUIPPED
When Remote Start is activated, the heated steering wheel and driver heated seat feature will automatically turn on in cold weather. In warm weather, the driver vented seat feature will automatically turn on when Remote Start is activated. These features will stay on through the duration of Remote Start or until the ignition switch is placed in the ON/RUN position.

REMOTE START WINDSHIELD WIPER DE-ICER ACTIVATION — IF EQUIPPED
When Remote Start is active and the outside ambient temperature is less than 33°F (0.6°C), the Windshield Wiper De-Icer will be enabled. Exiting Remote Start will resume previous operation, except if the Windshield Wiper De-Icer is active. The Windshield Wiper De-Icer timer and operation will continue. Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for further information.

GENERAL INFORMATION
The following regulatory statement applies to all Radio Frequency (RF) devices equipped in this vehicle:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

SENTRY KEY

The Sentry Key Immobilizer system prevents unauthorized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked. The system uses a key fob, keyless push button ignition and a Radio Frequency (RF) receiver to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation. Therefore, only key fobs that are programmed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate the vehicle. The system cannot reprogram a key fob obtained from another vehicle.
After turning the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that someone attempted to start the engine with an invalid key fob. In the event that a valid key fob is used to start the engine but there is an issue with the vehicle electronics, the engine will start and shut off after two seconds. If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than ten seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible by an authorized dealer.

CAUTION
The Sentry Key Immobilizer system is not compatible with some aftermarket Remote Start systems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of security protection.

All of the key fobs provided with your new vehicle have been programmed to the vehicle electronics.

KEY PROGRAMMING
Programming key fobs may be performed at an authorized dealer.

REPLACEMENT KEYS

NOTE:
Only key fobs that are programmed to the vehicle electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle. Once a key fob is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.

CAUTION

1. Always remove the key fobs from the vehicle and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
2. For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition, always remember to place the ignition in the OFF position.

NOTE:
Duplication of key fobs may be performed at an authorized dealer. This procedure consists of programming a blank key fob to the vehicle electronics. A blank key fob is one that has never been programmed.
When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an authorized dealer.

IRREGULAR OPERATION
The system uses a key fob, an Ignition Node Module, Keyless Push Button Ignition and a Radio Frequency (RF) receiver to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation. Therefore, only key fobs that are programmed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate the vehicle. The system will not allow the engine to crank if an invalid key fob is used to start and operate the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two seconds if an invalid key fob is used to start the engine.

NOTE:
A key fob that has not been programmed is also considered an invalid key.
During normal operation, after placing the keyless ignition in the ON/RUN mode, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that someone used an invalid key fob to try to start the engine. Either of these conditions will result in the engine being shut off after two seconds. If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible by an authorized dealer.

GENERAL INFORMATION
The following regulatory statement applies to all Radio Frequency (RF) devices equipped in this vehicle:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

FAQs

Useful Links

View Full pdf: 2020 Jeep Cherokee Owner’s Manual
2020 Jeep Cherokee Alarm System Guide