Replace Your Key Fob Shell

Broken car key fob? You can fix it yourself for a fraction of the cost. Dealers can charge hundreds, but all you really need is a cheap replacement shell and a few minutes. I’ll show you how to open your old fob, swap the internals, and get it working again with just a few tools.

My key fob buttons fell out, I fixed it myself for under $20. And in the end you’ll have a working key fob, a clean new shell, and save you money.

Materials:

1. New replacement key fob shell (make sure it matches your car’s make and model)

Tools:

1. Phillips screwdriver
2. Flathead screwdriver
3. Pair of pliers
4. Small hammer
5. Pin punch

Before you start taking apart the key fob, remove any accessories that might get in the way.

Example

1. keys
2. rings
3. lanyards.

Use a small Flathead screwdriver to gently pry the two halves of the key fob apart. Look for a seam around the edge.

Twist slowly and work your way around until it pops open. Take note of the key tension if your fob is spring-loaded — you’ll need to match that later when reassembling.

Once open, carefully remove:

1. The battery
2. The circuit board
3. The metal key blade

Keep all parts together so nothing gets lost or damaged.

Take out the circuit board and key blade from the old fob and set them aside somewhere safe.

Keep them away from the old shell pieces so you don’t mix them up or lose anything small.

You may need to use a small punch and hammer to remove the old key, like shown in the photo.

These are the main parts you’ll reuse in the new shell, so handle them carefully. Keep pin safe!

Move the circuit board, battery, and key blade from the old fob into the new shell.

Make sure everything sits flat and lines up with the button holes.

If the key is spring-loaded, wind the spring so the key flick works properly (for example, this fob required 2 full rotations).

Snap the two halves of the new shell together or screw them closed.

Make sure there are no gaps around the edges.

Press each button to test buttons should all work.

If a button doesn’t respond, reopen the shell and check the board alignment and battery placement.