Key fob proximity not working

[Tommy379]

To rule out a battery or fob antenna issue in the remote, I read to place the fob near the door handle sensor to see if it will pick up the signal. It said the proximity sensor for locks and start requires a stronger fob signal than the remote lock/unlock.

Maybe give this a shot?

No, that doesn't work with either fob.

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[Erievon]

The batteries were both replaced last summer when I got a warning on 1 of them. They were 4 years old so I assume theyre still good.

I just grabbed the other key and have same issue. Just realized they both open passenger door but not driver door.

Ran codes in Tazer - found RFH B259A-13. Looks like proximity sensor issue.

Anyone have experience or suggestions on this?

OP I can't help, that one is puzzling since nothing is working.

But for you....I've had both of these problems. Either the door handle goes bad, or the wiring harness in the door goes bad. Lucky for you, the door handles are not side specific. Take the passenger door handle and move it to the drivers side (super easy, youtube it if you don't know). If suddenly your driver door works and your passenger doesn''t, bad handle, order a replacement.

If you switch the handles and the driver door still doesn't work and the passenger still does, the problem is in the wiring harness. First check the pins, if all looks good, then you need a new door harness (or you can go hunting down the broken wire in the harness, that's no fun). The break generally happens in that section of harness between the door and the body. The way it was designed it's constantly bending in half. And since you open your driver door likely far more then the passenger one...it wears out quicker.

 

[aeonixx1001]

Because the Jeep starts when you hold the fob against the START button, this tells us:
The fobs are good (the RFID chip is working)
The vehicle recognizes both keys
The wireless keyless-entry system is not working


So this is not a fob problem.
What’s almost certainly wrong


Failure or glitch in the RF (Radio Frequency) system


On the 2024 Wrangler this is usually one of these:

1. RF Hub module
2. Passive Entry antennas
3. Body Control Module (BCM) software or communication fault
4. Low or unstable 12‑volt battery (still a top culprit)
Since both fobs stopped working at the same time, the RF Hub or its power/communication is the most likely cause.

What you should do next (in the right order)
1. Load‑test the 12‑volt battery (very important)
Even though the Jeep starts.
• A weak battery can:
• Kill keyless entry
• Still allow push‑button start
• Cause RF modules to shut down
Ask specifically for a load test, not just a voltage check.
If the battery fails → replace it → problem often solved immediately.
2. Try a full vehicle power reset
If the battery tests good:
1. Turn vehicle off
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal
3. Wait 15 minutes
4. Reconnect
5. Try the fobs again
This resets the RF Hub and BCM.
3. Dealer visit (very likely warranty)


If neither step fixes it:


• Dealer will scan for:
• RF Hub faults
• Antenna communication errors
• BCM software updates
• Common outcomes:
• RF Hub replacement
• Antenna repair
• Software reflash
This is normally covered under the factory warranty on a 2024.
What this is not
• Not dead fob batteries
• Not bad key programming
• Not user error

Temporary workaround (until fixed)
• Unlock using:
• Physical key inside the fob or
• Jeep app (if equipped)
• Start by holding the fob to the START button (as you’ve been doing)
One last question (helps confirm the exact fix):


After unlocking manually, does the Jeep lock/unlock automatically when you touch the door handle, or is all passive entry dead?


That tells me whether it’s antenna-related or RF Hub-wide.

 

[Tommy379]

Because the Jeep starts when you hold the fob against the START button, this tells us:
The fobs are good (the RFID chip is working)
The vehicle recognizes both keys
The wireless keyless-entry system is not working


So this is not a fob problem.
What’s almost certainly wrong


Failure or glitch in the RF (Radio Frequency) system


On the 2024 Wrangler this is usually one of these:

1. RF Hub module
2. Passive Entry antennas
3. Body Control Module (BCM) software or communication fault
4. Low or unstable 12‑volt battery (still a top culprit)
Since both fobs stopped working at the same time, the RF Hub or its power/communication is the most likely cause.

What you should do next (in the right order)
1. Load‑test the 12‑volt battery (very important)
Even though the Jeep starts.
• A weak battery can:
• Kill keyless entry
• Still allow push‑button start
• Cause RF modules to shut down
Ask specifically for a load test, not just a voltage check.
If the battery fails → replace it → problem often solved immediately.
2. Try a full vehicle power reset
If the battery tests good:
1. Turn vehicle off
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal
3. Wait 15 minutes
4. Reconnect
5. Try the fobs again
This resets the RF Hub and BCM.
3. Dealer visit (very likely warranty)


If neither step fixes it:


• Dealer will scan for:
• RF Hub faults
• Antenna communication errors
• BCM software updates
• Common outcomes:
• RF Hub replacement
• Antenna repair
• Software reflash
This is normally covered under the factory warranty on a 2024.
What this is not
• Not dead fob batteries
• Not bad key programming
• Not user error

Temporary workaround (until fixed)
• Unlock using:
• Physical key inside the fob or
• Jeep app (if equipped)
• Start by holding the fob to the START button (as you’ve been doing)
One last question (helps confirm the exact fix):


After unlocking manually, does the Jeep lock/unlock automatically when you touch the door handle, or is all passive entry dead?


That tells me whether it’s antenna-related or RF Hub-wide.

It's a 2018 with a manual. No warranty left. All passive entry is dead. Has new very expensive AGM batteries installed, including the auxiliary.

 

[aeonixx1001]

It's a 2018 with a manual. No warranty left. All passive entry is dead. Has new very expensive AGM batteries installed, including the auxiliary.

Did this occur after the Battery install, I am assuming it happened and then you replaced the battery. I would try disconnecting Neg lead on main for 15 minutes. That will reset BCM. If it does not you may have a bad module or antenna. Im sure a remanufactured is available or my favorite junk yard usually always has what I need. People tend to roll them a lot out here LOL

 

[aeonixx1001]

Did this occur after the Battery install, I am assuming it happened and then you replaced the battery. I would try disconnecting Neg lead on main for 15 minutes. That will reset BCM. If it does not you may have a bad module or antenna. Im sure a remanufactured is available or my favorite junk yard usually always has what I need. People tend to roll them a lot out here LOL

Could even be just a connection came undone

 

[aeonixx1001]

Could even be just a connection came undone

Also check this fuse

 

[Tommy379]

Did this occur after the Battery install, I am assuming it happened and then you replaced the battery. I would try disconnecting Neg lead on main for 15 minutes. That will reset BCM. If it does not you may have a bad module or antenna. Im sure a remanufactured is available or my favorite junk yard usually always has what I need. People tend to roll them a lot out here LOL

The batteries were replaced 3 months ago, this problem has just started in the past week. I did disconnect the batteries, including the auxiliary battery, 3 days ago, left it for the day, reconnected, problem persists.

How would I test this antenna to know it's defective? I do not want to throw parts at it like darts i. The dark.

 

[aeonixx1001]

Below is the complete set of modules, antennas, and wiring involved in the keyless entry and lock control system. You can Google or use You tube to see how to test each module. This will tell you where they are on your Jeep and what each module does.. Hope this helps


1. Body Control Module (BCM) — “Central Brain”
The BCM is the primary controller for:

• Lock/unlock commands
• Fob authentication
• Interior lock switches
• Door ajar sensors
• Horn chirp confirmation
• Lighting flash confirmation

Location:

• Behind the dash, left side (above driver footwell).

Inputs/Outputs:

• Receives RF signal from the RF Hub
• Sends commands to door lock actuators
• Communicates with door modules over CAN bus

2. RF Hub Module (RFM) — Remote Fob Receiver
This is the module that actually receives the key fob RF signal (315 MHz for NA models).

Functions:

• Receives lock/unlock commands from the fob
• Sends authentication data to the BCM
• Stores key fob IDs
• Controls the vehicle immobilizer handshake

Location:

• Under the dash, near the steering column (varies slightly by trim).

3. Passive Entry Antennas (if equipped with Passive Entry)
If your Wrangler has Passive Entry (touch the door handle to unlock), it uses multiple antennas:

Exterior LF Antennas

• Driver door handle antenna
• Passenger door handle antenna
• Rear cargo area antenna

These send a low‑frequency (LF) “wake up” signal to detect the fob near the vehicle.

Interior LF Antennas

• Center console antenna
• Rear seat antenna

These confirm the fob is inside the cabin before allowing push‑button start.


4. Door Modules (Driver & Passenger Door Nodes)
Each front door has its own control module:

Driver Door Node (DDN)

• Controls driver door lock actuator
• Reads door handle sensors (if passive entry)
• Communicates with BCM over CAN

Passenger Door Node (PDN)

• Same functions for passenger side

These modules are why the JL can detect which door you touch for unlocking.


5. Door Lock Actuators
Each door has an actuator controlled by the BCM or door node.

• Driver door actuator
• Passenger door actuator
• Rear door actuators (4‑door models)
• Tailgate actuator

6. Sentry Key Immobilizer (SKIM) / Keyless Ignition Node (KIN)
If equipped with push‑button start:

• Reads the fob’s encrypted immobilizer code
• Communicates with BCM and RF Hub
• Allows engine start only when fob is authenticated

7. Supporting Sensors & Switches

• Door ajar switches (in latch assemblies)
• Lock/unlock switches (on interior door panels)
• Handle capacitive sensors (passive entry models)
• Liftgate ajar switch

 

[Bob Burd]

How would I test this antenna to know it's defective? I do not want to throw parts at it like darts i. The dark.

Alphawolff gave you the answer back on page 2 - you need to scan for codes through the OBDII port.

 

[alphawolff]

Alphawolff gave you the answer back on page 2 - you need to scan for codes through the OBDII port.

Seriously. I'm almost irritated that we're having a chat-GPT conversation that also correctly assumed an antenna issue, and that wasn't enough so we asked chat-GPT some more.

 

[Tommy379]

Seriously. I'm almost irritated that we're having a chat-GPT conversation that also correctly assumed an antenna issue, and that wasn't enough so we asked chat-GPT some more.

I apologize.

 

[Tommy379]

I have noticed, although proximity unlock isn't working, neither is keyless push start, when I grab the door handle, a little red light flashes on the fob. So something os communicating.

 

[Bob Burd]

Your efforts to solve this without pulling codes is certain to be frustrating.

 

[aeonixx1001]

Having the codes are absolutely the quickest way to sort out what module or unit is not responding. You can take it to an auto zone or like and get a free code check, quick to do, I agree with Bob.

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