Electrical Problem?

Tiny
JARED.PENTECOST
  • MEMBER
  • 2021 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 21,000 MILES
The following behaviors have been occurringg for the past 4 weeks now.

• A "Key fob not detected" message sporadically appears in message console while driving even though the key fob is laying on the dash.
• Any action which uses the horn. The sound suddenly changed one day, it's not nearly as loud and sounds muffled.I estimate the volume has dropped by more than half.
• There are sporadic key fob failures to.
o lock/unlock doors
o open lift gate
o remote start
• Will occasionally get a check engine light. DTC code is "Engine running too lean"
• Ultimately, the battery died last week and car was completely unresponsive. Had to get a jump to get it started
• The strangest thing that has started occurring is an electronic "sizzling sound" coming from the top side of the engine when switching the ignition to "On" or "Run" but not starting the engine (does not occur when in accessory mode. At least not audible)

Bottom-line.I took it to a Jeep dealership, and they diagnosed it had a defective battery and replaced it. Said this should solve all the other issues but it hasn't. The issues above are continuing to occur.
Monday, January 20th, 2025 AT 7:05 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,007 POSTS
The key fob related items could be a simple weak battery in the fob or a failing fob. I would try replacing the battery and using a spare fob to see if it is only the fob itself. The low horn could be a failed horn sounder, it has 2 on it with each being a different frequency, if the higher tone unit went out it could seem quieter. However the sizzling sound with the key on is different, I have heard bad connections cause a sound like bacon frying before. Not really common but as this is a Jeep and Chrysler is a brand well known for bad ground connections, I would try to isolate where the noise is coming from. I suspect your phone can record video so try this. Have someone turn on the key while you listen under the hood. Try to locate the area, then record a video of the sound and slowly pan the camera around that area and post the video on here. It could be something normal but without seeing and hearing it I'm hesitant to say.
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Monday, January 20th, 2025 AT 8:25 AM

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