Is your 2016 Chevy Cruze key fob broken, cracked, or simply not working like it used to? Don’t rush to the dealership and spend a fortune on a replacement. You might be surprised to learn that replacing your Chevy Cruze key fob is a straightforward process you can easily handle at home. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can get your key fob back in action quickly and efficiently. Whether your key fob shell is damaged or the internal mechanism is failing, as long as the metal key blade is intact, you can use this tutorial to swap it into a new key fob.
Before you begin, it’s important to note that this procedure assumes you have at least one functioning key fob. If you’ve lost all your keys, you’ll need to consult a professional locksmith or dealership for programming services. However, if you have a working key, follow these simple steps to transfer your existing key blade into a new key fob and program it to your 2016 Chevy Cruze.
Tools You’ll Need
For this repair, you won’t need an extensive toolkit. Here are the essential tools:
- Small Hammer: A standard small hammer will do the job. It’s used to gently tap out the retaining pin.
- 1/16″ Punch: This precise punch is crucial for pushing out the tiny retaining pin without damaging the key fob or the key blade. A gunsmithing punch set is ideal if you have one, but a standalone 1/16″ punch will work just as well. You can easily find one online.
Parts Required
To complete this replacement, you’ll need a new key fob shell compatible with your 2016 Chevy Cruze. Make sure you order an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) key fob to guarantee compatibility and proper function. Aftermarket key fobs might not always work correctly with your vehicle’s system.
You have options depending on your original key fob:
- Replacement 4-Button OEM Cruze Key Fob: If your original key fob has four buttons (Lock, Unlock, Trunk, Panic), this is the correct replacement for you. You can find these easily online retailers.
- Replacement 5-Button OEM Cruze Key Fob: If your Cruze key fob includes a remote start button in addition to the standard four, you’ll need the 5-button version. These are also readily available online.
It’s important to reiterate that you do not need to get the new OEM key blade cut. You will be transferring your existing, already cut key blade into this new fob.
Step-by-Step Key Fob Replacement Procedure
Let’s get started with the replacement process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful key fob replacement.
Step 1: Accessing the Retaining Pin on Your Old Key Fob
First, take your old, broken Chevy Cruze key fob. Locate the small retaining pin that holds the metal key blade to the key fob housing. This pin is usually visible on the side of the key fob, near where the key blade swivels out.
Before proceeding, ensure the swing mechanism of your key blade is in the open position. This will provide better access to the retaining pin.
Step 2: Removing the Key Blade from the Old Fob
Place your old key fob on a firm, stable surface. Using your 1/16″ punch and small hammer, carefully position the punch on the retaining pin. Gently tap the punch with the hammer to drive the pin out. Apply firm, controlled taps. You don’t need excessive force; the pin should move with moderate pressure.
Once the retaining pin is removed, you should be able to easily slide the metal key blade out of the old key fob housing. Set the blade aside carefully.
Step 3: Preparing the New Key Fob
Now, take your new OEM replacement key fob. You’ll need to remove the retaining pin from this new key fob as well. Repeat the process from Step 2. Place the new key fob on a hard surface, position the punch on its retaining pin, and gently tap it out using the hammer.
The retaining pin in the new key fob might be a bit tighter than the one in your old, potentially worn key fob. Be patient and apply firm, steady taps until the pin comes out.
Step 4: Assembling the New Key Fob with the Old Blade
With both retaining pins removed, take the metal key blade from your old Chevy Cruze key fob and insert it into the new key fob housing. Align the holes in the key blade and the new key fob.
Now, take one of the retaining pins (either from the old or new key fob – they are usually interchangeable). Position it over the aligned holes and gently tap it back into place using your hammer. In most cases, you won’t even need the punch for this step; you can usually push the pin back in with your fingers and a few light taps from the hammer. Ensure the pin is fully inserted and flush with the key fob surface to securely hold the key blade.
Step 5: Programming Your New Key Fob
The final step is programming the new key fob to work with your 2016 Chevy Cruze. Fortunately, this is a simple process that doesn’t require any special tools or a trip to the dealer.
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Start Your Car with Your Existing, Working Key: Use your original, working key fob to start your Chevy Cruze. Let the car run for a few seconds.
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Turn Off the Ignition: Turn off your car and remove the working key.
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Immediate Key Fob Insertion: Within five seconds of turning off the ignition, insert your newly assembled key fob into the ignition and start your car again.
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Test Your New Key Fob: Turn off your car and remove the new key fob. Test all the buttons (lock, unlock, trunk, panic, and remote start if applicable) to ensure they are functioning correctly. In most cases, the key fob will be programmed and working on the first try.
Special Note for Single Key Owners
If you only have one key and no spare to start your car with, you can still perform this replacement, but you’ll need to follow a slightly modified procedure:
- Remove the Retaining Pin: As described in Step 2, remove the retaining pin from your old key fob to separate the key blade.
- Insert Key Blade Alone: Carefully remove just the metal key blade from the old key fob and insert it into your car’s ignition.
- Open Swing Mechanism: Hit the “open” or “unlock” button on both the old and new key fobs to ensure their swing mechanisms are in the open position.
- Start Car with Old Fob Body: Use the old key fob body (without the blade) to start your car. The transponder chip is in the fob body, not the blade.
- Turn Off and Swap Fobs Quickly: Turn off the car. Immediately remove the old key fob body from the key blade in the ignition. Quickly attach the new key fob body to the key blade still in the ignition. Start the car again with the new fob body attached to the blade.
- Remove Blade and Reassemble: Remove the key blade from the ignition (pliers might be helpful if it’s tight). Finally, reassemble the original key blade into the new key fob body using the retaining pin as described in Step 4.
By following these steps, even with only one key, you can successfully transfer your key blade to a new 2016 Chevy Cruze key fob and program it to your vehicle, saving yourself time and money compared to dealership replacement costs.
