Hey fellow Scat Pack enthusiasts! Ever thought about giving your key fob a little personal touch or maybe just protecting it from wear and tear? I recently decided to upgrade my standard key fob with a new case, and let me tell you, it was a bit of an adventure. If you’re considering a Scat Pack Key Fob Cover or even a full case replacement, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down my experience, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of swapping out my key fob case.
Disassembling Your Original Key Fob: Handle with Care
The first step in this journey is getting inside your existing key fob. Now, these things are designed to be secure, so it’s not as simple as popping it open. I quickly learned that the circuit board inside is snug and secured with a small plastic peg, located in the upper left corner of mine. This little peg was surprisingly stubborn. Initially, I tried to gently pry the board loose, but no luck. It was clear this peg was the key obstacle.
To overcome this, I carefully used a sharp knife to remove the head of that plastic peg. Looking back, a Dremel with a cut-off wheel would have made this step cleaner and faster, but a knife did the job. The key here is patience and caution. You don’t want to damage the circuit board itself. Once the peg was dealt with, I was able to wiggle and carefully pull the circuit board free from the original OEM case.
Fitting the Circuit Board into the New Scat Pack Key Fob Cover: A Minor Setback
With the circuit board liberated, I was ready to place it into my shiny new scat pack key fob cover. Everything seemed to line up, until I encountered another minor hurdle. Remember that mounting hole in the upper left corner, the one for the peg? Well, it turned out to be slightly too small in the new case. The original mounting peg simply wouldn’t fit through.
No problem for a DIYer, right? I grabbed a drill bit and carefully widened the hole just a tad. Again, go slow and steady here. You only need to enlarge it enough for the peg to pass through. Once that adjustment was made, the circuit board slid perfectly into the new case. Battery installed, case closed – progress!
Key Blade Compatibility: An Unexpected Issue
Thinking I was in the clear, I attempted to install my original key blade into the new scat pack key fob cover. This is where I hit an unexpected snag. The key blade locked into place, which was great, but then… it wouldn’t come back out! The latching mechanism in the new case was just slightly different from the original.
After a bit of a struggle, I did manage to get my original key out, but it was clear this wasn’t going to be a practical long-term solution. The new case came with a blank key blade, so the solution was simple: I’ll need to get the new key blade cut to match my original. A trip to the locksmith or key cutting service is now on the to-do list. Just a heads-up if you’re doing this yourself – you might need to get a new key cut.
Key Reprogramming: Dealer Appointment Required
My project involved not just a new case, but also getting a completely new key made. I purchased a full key fob and case combo from a supplier for a significantly lower price than the dealership – about $80 compared to nearly $180. The next step was reprogramming the new key to work with my Scat Pack.
The dealership quoted me $55 for reprogramming, which seemed reasonable. However, they did mention that since it was an aftermarket key, they couldn’t guarantee the reprogramming would be successful. They estimated a 95% success rate, which was encouraging, but still a slight gamble.
Unfortunately, when I went to the dealer, I learned about their new appointment policy. Reprogramming wasn’t something they could do on the spot, so I had to schedule another visit. A bit frustrating with the new protocols, but understandable. Reprogramming is now on the schedule for another day. I’ll be sure to update on how that goes!
Final Thoughts: Is a Scat Pack Key Fob Cover Upgrade Worth It?
So, was replacing my scat pack key fob cover and dealing with the minor challenges worth it? For me, yes. It’s a relatively inexpensive way to personalize your Scat Pack and give your key fob a fresh look or added protection. While there were a couple of small hurdles – the plastic peg, the slightly tight mounting hole, and the key blade issue – none of them were major roadblocks. And the potential savings on a full key replacement, if you need one, can be substantial.
Just be prepared to take your time, be careful during disassembly, and potentially need a drill bit and a key cutting service. And don’t forget to factor in reprogramming if you’re adding a new key. Stay tuned for an update on the reprogramming process!
