How to Open a GMC Key Fob: A Simple DIY Guide

GMC trucks and SUVs are known for their robust design and features, and while the vehicles themselves are impressive, the standard key fobs sometimes leave something to be desired in terms of aesthetics. Many GMC owners, like yourself, might find the factory key fob a bit basic. Perhaps you’ve admired the sleeker, more modern designs on higher trim levels or even other brands and wondered if an upgrade was possible without a costly trip to the dealership.

If you’re looking to enhance your GMC key fob, whether it’s for a more premium look or simply to replace a worn-out case, you’re in the right place. Opening your GMC key fob is a straightforward process you can accomplish at home with a few simple tools. This guide will walk you through each step to safely open your GMC key fob, allowing you to swap components, replace the battery, or upgrade the casing without needing professional assistance.

Why Open Your GMC Key Fob?

There are several reasons why you might want to open your GMC key fob. The most common include:

• Battery Replacement: Like any electronic device, your key fob battery will eventually need replacing. Opening the fob is necessary to access and change the battery.
• Case Replacement or Upgrade: The original article highlights a desire to upgrade to a more stylish key fob case. The plastic casings can wear down, crack, or simply look dated. Swapping the internal circuit board into a new case is a popular and cost-effective upgrade.
• Repair: While less common, sometimes buttons can become unresponsive or the case might break. Opening the fob allows for inspection and potential minor repairs.

Whatever your reason, understanding how to safely open a GMC key fob is a valuable skill for any GMC owner. Let’s dive into the tools you’ll need.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these simple tools to ensure a smooth and damage-free process:

• #0 Philips Screwdriver: This small screwdriver is essential for removing screws in some key fob models and for gently pressing release tabs. A round item of similar size can also work effectively.
• Small Flat Blade Screwdriver (m1.8 or similar): This is crucial for carefully prying apart the key fob casing, especially the chrome trim on some models.
• Penny or Thin Plastic Pry Tool: A penny or a plastic pry tool is ideal for initially separating the key fob halves without causing scratches.

With these tools at hand, you’re ready to start opening your GMC key fob.

Step-by-Step Guide to Opening Your GMC Key Fob

This guide is based on the original article’s method for a 2014 GMC Sierra key fob, and the general principles apply to many GMC models from this era. Always exercise caution and gentle pressure to avoid damaging your key fob.

Step 1: Opening the Old Fob

Start with the key fob you wish to open.

1. Remove the Battery Cover: Use a penny or a thin plastic pry tool to gently pry open the battery cover on the back of the fob. Insert the edge of the penny into the seam and twist slightly. The cover should pop open.

2. Remove the Battery: Once the battery cover is open, remove the battery. Set it aside safely.

Step 2: Accessing the Circuit Board

With the battery removed, you can now separate the key fob casing to access the internal circuit board.

1. Locate the Release Holes: Turn the key fob over and identify the small holes on the sides of the casing. These are designed for releasing the internal clips that hold the two halves together.

2. Insert Screwdriver into Release Holes: Take your #0 Philips screwdriver (or a similar round object). Firmly but gently push the screwdriver straight into one of the release holes. Do not twist. You should feel or hear a slight pop as the edge of the casing begins to separate.

3. Repeat on the Other Hole: Repeat the process on the other release hole.

4. Separate the Casing: After releasing both sides, you should be able to pull the two halves of the key fob casing apart with your fingers. They should pop open relatively easily.

5. Remove the Circuit Board: Turn the housing over and gently shake it. The internal circuit board is not fastened and should fall out easily. Set the board aside in a safe place.

Step 3: Opening the New Fob (and the Chrome Trim Trick)

If you are upgrading your key fob case, you’ll need to open the new fob as well. Some aftermarket or upgraded GMC key fob cases, especially those with chrome trim, require a slightly different approach.

1. Remove Battery Cover and Battery (New Fob): Just like with the old fob, start by removing the battery cover and battery from your new key fob case.

2. Locate Chrome Trim (If Applicable): If your new key fob case has chrome trim pieces on the sides, these need to be removed first. These trim pieces can hold the two halves of the case together very securely.

3. Carefully Pry Off Chrome Trim: This is the trickiest part, as mentioned in the original article. Turn the fob face down. Using your small flat blade screwdriver (m1.8), carefully insert the blade under the chrome edging in the area indicated in the image. Gently pry one end of the chrome trim loose.

4. Hold and Pry the Other End: Once one end is loose, hold it firmly to prevent it from snapping back into place. Remove the screwdriver and gently pry the other end of the chrome trim piece free. Once both tabs release, the chrome edging can be pulled away. Repeat this process for the chrome trim on the other side of the fob.

5. Separate the New Casing: With the chrome trim removed (if present), you will now see small plastic tabs along the edges of the case halves. Use your flat blade screwdriver to gently pry these tabs back, and then pull the two halves of the new key fob casing apart.

6. Remove the New Fob’s Circuit Board (If Present): If your new case comes with a circuit board (often unprogrammed), remove it and set it aside. You will not need it if you are just swapping cases.

Step 4: The Swap and Reassembly

Now that you have both key fob cases open, the final steps are straightforward.

1. Transfer Your Original Circuit Board: Take the circuit board from your original key fob (the one that is programmed to your vehicle) and place it into the new key fob case.

2. Reassemble the New Key Fob: Snap the two halves of the new key fob case back together. If your case has chrome trim, reattach it until it clicks securely into place.

3. Reinstall Battery and Battery Cover: Insert the battery into the new key fob case, ensuring correct polarity (+/-). Replace the battery cover and snap it shut.

Testing Your Upgraded Key Fob

Once reassembled, test all the buttons on your upgraded GMC key fob to ensure they are working correctly. Lock, unlock, remote start, and panic buttons should all function as they did with your original fob.

Conclusion

Upgrading your GMC key fob case is a simple and satisfying DIY project. By following these steps, you can open your GMC key fob, swap the internal components into a new case, and enjoy a more personalized or refreshed look without the expense of dealership programming. Whether you’re aiming for a more stylish design or simply need to replace a worn case, taking the DIY route is an excellent way to enhance your GMC ownership experience.