Is your 2013 Chevy Cruze key fob broken or damaged? Don’t worry, replacing it is a straightforward process you can easily handle yourself. This guide will walk you through each step to replace your 2013 Chevy Cruze key fob, saving you time and money compared to dealership services. As long as the metal blade of your original key is intact, you can use this tutorial to fix most types of key fob damage. Keep in mind that you will need at least one functioning key to follow these steps. If you only have one key, be sure to check the special note at the end of this article for specific instructions.
Tools You’ll Need
For this 2013 Chevy Cruze Key Fob Replacement, you’ll only need a couple of simple tools:
- Small Hammer
- 1/16″ Punch
While a gunsmithing punch set is ideal, any small hammer and a 1/16″ punch will work effectively. You can find a 1/16″ punch readily available online if you don’t already have one in your toolkit.
Parts Required
To complete your 2013 Chevy Cruze key fob replacement, you will need a replacement key fob shell. Make sure to get an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) key to ensure compatibility and proper function. Here are a couple of options based on the number of buttons on your current key:
- Replacement 4-button OEM Cruze Key (Available on Amazon.com)
- Replacement 5-button OEM Cruze Key (Available on Amazon.com)
You do not need to get the key blade on the OEM replacement key cut, as you will be transferring your existing key blade to the new fob.
Step-by-Step Key Fob Replacement Procedure
Whether your 2013 Chevy Cruze key fob is cracked, buttons are broken, or it’s simply worn out, the replacement process is the same. Follow these steps to transfer your key blade to the new fob:
Step 1: Remove the Key Blade Retaining Pin
First, secure your broken Cruze key on a firm surface. Locate the small retaining pin that holds the key blade in place within the fob’s swing mechanism.
Using your 1/16″ punch and hammer, gently tap the retaining pin out. Apply firm, controlled taps until the pin begins to move and is pushed out completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Replacement Key Fob
Take your new OEM replacement key fob and repeat the process from Step 1. Rest the new key fob on a hard surface and use the punch and hammer to remove the retaining pin from the new key fob as well.
You might find that the pin in the new key fob is quite tight. Ensure the edge of the key is firmly supported on the hard surface, and apply consistent taps with the punch until the pin is removed.
Step 3: Assemble the New Key Fob
Now, take the metal blade from your old, broken 2013 Chevy Cruze key fob and carefully place it into the swing mechanism of the new key fob.
Once the blade is in position, take the retaining pin (either from your old or new key fob) and drive it back into place to secure the blade in the new key fob. In most cases, you can simply use the hammer for this step without needing the punch.
Programming Your 2013 Chevy Cruze Key Fob
Programming the new key fob to your 2013 Chevy Cruze is a simple process that can be done in two quick steps:
- Start your Chevy Cruze with your existing, working key and let the engine run for a few seconds.
- Turn off your car and, within 5 seconds, insert the new key fob into the ignition and start the car.
After turning off the engine again, test the buttons on your new key fob to ensure they are working correctly. Your 2013 Chevy Cruze key fob replacement is now complete and programmed!
Special Note for Single Key Owners
If you only have one key for your 2013 Chevy Cruze and don’t have a spare to start your car with for the programming step, you can follow this modified procedure:
- Remove the retaining pin from your old key fob as described in Step 1.
- Carefully remove only the metal blade from the old fob.
- Insert just the blade of the original key into the ignition to start your car using the old key blade only (without the fob casing).
- While the car is running (or just after turning it off within 5 seconds), quickly attach the new key fob to the key blade in the ignition.
- Start the car again with the new key fob attached to the blade.
If the key blade is difficult to remove from the ignition after programming, use a pair of pliers for better grip. Once removed, assemble the original blade to the new key fob with the retaining pin as described in Step 3 of the standard procedure. This method allows you to program the new fob even if you only have a single original key.
