For owners of the iconic C4 Corvette (1984-1996), maintaining the originality and functionality of their vehicles is paramount. One often overlooked, yet essential, component is the key fob. If you’re in the market for a replacement or simply want to understand more about your C4 Corvette Key Fob, here’s what you need to know.
It’s important to clear up some misconceptions right away. Despite some online listings suggesting otherwise, there aren’t distinct “refurbished” 2-button and “new” 1-button versions in terms of internal design. In reality, there have only ever been two internal designs for C4 Corvette key fobs. These internal designs were then housed in two different external cases, primarily differentiated by the number of buttons and tailored to either coupe or convertible models.
While the exterior appearance of a coupe and convertible key fob might differ significantly, internally they are virtually identical. This means if you happen to acquire a key fob intended for the opposite body style of your Corvette, you can easily resolve this. A cost-effective solution is to purchase a replacement case, readily available online from retailers like Amazon, that matches your Corvette’s body style and simply swap the internal components.
Delving deeper into the evolution of these key fobs, “older” versions can be identified by a genuine GM FCC label on the back. Internally, these older fobs feature a battery holder utilizing two small metal prongs to contact the battery’s edge. This design was initially intended for a specific Sanyo battery that is no longer manufactured. Consequently, these older units can sometimes suffer from issues with newer batteries becoming loose over time, leading to intermittent operation.
The “newer” key fob design is recognizable by the “PNZ0202T” marking on the back. This updated design was engineered for GM by an individual who previously specialized in refurbishing the older fobs. A key improvement in this newer version is the battery holder, redesigned to securely accommodate the Renata CR2450N battery, addressing the looseness issue found in earlier models.
It’s crucial to be aware that production of these key fobs ceased when Zylor Inc., the last manufacturer, stopped producing them. Therefore, claims of “Chinese knockoffs” circulating online are unfounded. In fact, many Corvette enthusiasts wish these knockoffs existed, as it would provide a more affordable alternative to the increasingly expensive genuine fobs. Unfortunately, the scarcity and desirability of original C4 Corvette key fobs mean that they often command a high price on the market, sometimes reaching upwards of $500.
While finding a c4 corvette key fob can be challenging and expensive, understanding the different types and internal designs can help you make an informed decision when searching for a replacement for your classic Corvette. Keep an eye out for both “old” and “new” designs, and remember the interchangeable nature of the internal components between coupe and convertible versions to broaden your search and potentially save costs.
