Is your Chevy Cruze key fob cracked, broken, or simply worn out? Don’t worry, you don’t need to rush to a dealership and spend a fortune on a replacement. If the blade of your key is still in good condition, you can easily replace the key fob casing yourself. This guide will show you how to open your Chevy Cruze key fob and transfer your existing key blade into a new, OEM replacement, saving you time and money. This process is straightforward and requires only a few basic tools.
Tools You’ll Need for Key Fob Replacement
Before you begin, gather these simple tools:
- Small Hammer: Used to gently tap out the retaining pin.
- 1/16″ Punch: Essential for pushing out the small retaining pin that secures the key blade. A gunsmithing punch set works perfectly, but any 1/16″ punch will do.
You can find a suitable punch online if you don’t have one already:
Parts You’ll Need for Chevy Cruze Key Fob Replacement
You will need a replacement key fob casing. Make sure to get an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) key fob to ensure compatibility and proper function. Here are a couple of options depending on the number of buttons on your current key:
- Replacement 4-Button OEM Cruze Key Fob: Available on Amazon.com
- Replacement 5-Button OEM Cruze Key Fob: Available on Amazon.com
Step-by-Step Chevy Cruze Key Fob Replacement Procedure
Let’s get started on replacing your key fob. The process is the same regardless of the type of damage to your old fob, as long as the key blade is intact.
Step 1: Accessing the Key Blade
First, examine your broken Cruze key. You’ll notice a small retaining pin located where the metal key blade connects to the plastic fob body. This pin is what we need to remove to separate the blade.
Step 2: Removing the Retaining Pin
Place your old key fob on a hard, stable surface. Using your 1/16″ punch and small hammer, gently tap the retaining pin out. Apply firm, controlled taps. The pin should start to move and eventually come out completely.
Repeat this process for your new replacement key fob to remove its retaining pin as well. You might find the pin in the new fob to be tighter, requiring a few more firm taps.
Step 3: Transferring the Blade
Carefully remove your original key blade from the old, damaged fob. Now, take your new key fob casing and insert your original key blade into the designated slot.
Step 4: Reassembling the Key Fob
With the original blade in the new fob, align the holes and re-insert the retaining pin. You can usually push the pin back in using just the hammer, without needing the punch for this step. Gently tap the pin until it is flush with the surface of the key fob.
Step 5: Programming Your New Key
Programming the new key fob to your Chevy Cruze is surprisingly simple and usually automatic:
- Start your Chevy Cruze with your existing, working key (spare key). Let the car run for a few seconds.
- Turn off the ignition and remove the working key.
- Within 5 seconds of turning the car off, insert your newly assembled key fob (with the transferred blade) into the ignition and start the car.
Turn off your car and test the buttons on your new key fob to ensure they are working correctly. In most cases, the key fob will program on the first try.
Special Note for Owners with Only One Key
If you only have one key and no spare to start your car initially, you can still perform this replacement. Here’s how:
- Remove the retaining pin from both the old and new key fobs as described earlier.
- Detach just the blade of your original key.
- Insert only the original key blade into your car’s ignition to start the engine.
- While the car is running, press the “open” button on both your old and new key fobs to ensure the swing mechanisms are open.
- Turn off the car, and quickly remove the key blade from the ignition (pliers may be helpful if it’s tight).
- Immediately attach the new key fob casing to the key blade and start the car again.
- Remove the key blade and reassemble the original blade into the new key fob casing using the retaining pin as described in the steps above.
Conclusion
Replacing your Chevy Cruze key fob is a straightforward DIY project that can save you a trip to the dealer and unnecessary expenses. By following these simple steps on how to open your Chevy Cruze key fob and transfer your key blade, you can quickly and easily refresh your key fob and get back on the road with a fully functional key.
