Is your Chevy Cruze key fob cracked, broken, or simply worn out? Don’t worry, you don’t need to rush to a dealership for an expensive replacement. If the blade of your key is still in good condition, you can easily replace just the key fob cover and restore your key to its former glory. This guide will walk you through the simple process of replacing your Chevy Cruze Key Fob Cover, saving you time and money.
This tutorial is designed for anyone with a broken Gen 1 Cruze key, model years 2011-2016. Whether your key fob is cracked, buttons are damaged, or the casing is simply falling apart, this method will work as long as the metal key blade is undamaged. Keep in mind, you will need one working key to complete the programming steps. If you only have a single key, there’s a special note at the end of this guide to help you out.
Before we get started, let’s gather the necessary tools and parts.
Tools Required:
- Small hammer
- 1/16″ punch (A gunsmithing punch set works well, but any small hammer and 1/16″ punch will do the job)
You can easily find a 1/16″ punch online if you don’t have one already.
Part Required:
You’ll need a replacement key fob cover designed for your Chevy Cruze. Make sure to get the correct one for your key.
- Replacement 4-button OEM Cruze Key Fob Cover (Check on Amazon.com)
- OR, Replacement 5-button OEM Cruze Key Fob Cover (Check on Amazon.com)
It’s crucial to use an OEM key fob cover to ensure proper fit and function. Aftermarket covers might not work correctly. You won’t need to get the key blade cut for the new fob cover.
Step-by-Step Procedure:
Let’s get started with the key fob cover replacement. My own Cruze key had cracked right where the key blade connects to the swing mechanism, a common point of failure.
Regardless of the specific damage to your Chevy Cruze key fob cover, the replacement process is the same.
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Prepare Your Workspace: Place your broken key fob on a firm, stable surface. This will give you the leverage you need to tap out the retaining pin.
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Remove the Retaining Pin (Old Key Fob): Using the 1/16″ punch and hammer, carefully tap out the small retaining pin that secures the key blade to the old key fob cover. Position the punch on the pin and gently hammer until the pin starts to move and is pushed out completely.
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Remove the Retaining Pin (New Key Fob Cover): Repeat the process to remove the retaining pin from the new replacement Chevy Cruze key fob cover. These pins can be quite tight, so you might need to rest the edge of the new key fob cover on the hard surface to get good leverage. Keep tapping firmly with the punch until the pin is removed.
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Insert Old Key Blade into New Key Fob Cover: Take the metal key blade from your old, broken key fob and carefully place it into the new key fob cover. Align the holes for the retaining pin.
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Re-insert the Retaining Pin: Take one of the retaining pins (either from the old or new key fob – they are usually interchangeable) and push it back through the holes to secure the key blade in the new key fob cover. In most cases, you can push the pin back in using just your hammer, without needing the punch. Tap gently until the pin is fully inserted and flush.
Programming the New Key Fob:
Now that you’ve replaced the Chevy Cruze key fob cover, you need to program the buttons to work with your car. Luckily, the programming process is straightforward and can be done in two simple steps:
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Start Car with Existing Key: Use your spare, working key to start your Chevy Cruze. Let the car run for a few seconds.
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Program New Key Fob: Turn off your car and remove the working key. Within 5 seconds of turning the ignition off, insert the new key (the one with the replaced cover) into the ignition and start the car.
Turn off the car again and test the buttons on your newly assembled key fob. They should now be working perfectly! In most cases, the programming is successful on the first try.
Special Note for Single Key Owners:
If you only have one key and don’t have a spare to start your car with, you can still perform this Chevy Cruze key fob cover replacement. Here’s how:
- Remove the retaining pin from your old key fob and detach the key blade, as described in the procedure above.
- Insert just the metal key blade into the ignition of your Chevy Cruze.
- Press the “open” button on both your old and new key fobs to ensure the swing mechanisms are open.
- Use the old key fob (without the blade, just the fob itself) to start your car by holding it close to the ignition switch. Turn off the car once it starts.
- Immediately remove the old key fob and quickly attach the new key fob cover (with your key blade inserted) to the key blade in the ignition. Start the car again with the new key fob.
- If the key blade is stuck in the ignition, use pliers to carefully remove it.
- Finally, assemble your original key blade into the new key fob cover and secure it with the retaining pin as described in the main procedure.
By following these steps, even if you only have one key, you can successfully replace your Chevy Cruze key fob cover. Replacing your Chevy Cruze key fob cover is a simple and effective DIY repair. You can refresh the look and functionality of your key without the expense of a complete key replacement. Enjoy your like-new key fob!
