Is your Chevy Cruze key fob damaged or broken? Don’t worry, replacing it is a straightforward process you can do yourself. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of Chevy Cruze Key Fob Disassembly and replacement, allowing you to restore your key fob to full working order. Whether your key fob is cracked, buttons are unresponsive, or the casing is simply worn out, this tutorial will help you transfer your existing key blade into a new key fob and reprogram it to your vehicle.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin the Chevy Cruze key fob disassembly and replacement, gather these simple tools:
- Small hammer
- 1/16″ punch (A gunsmithing punch set or a standalone 1/16″ punch will work. You can find one easily online.)
Parts Required
To complete this repair, you will need a replacement key fob casing. Ensure you purchase an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) key fob to guarantee compatibility and proper function. You can find replacement key fobs online:
- Replacement 4-button OEM Cruze Key (Available on Amazon.com)
- Replacement 5-button OEM Cruze Key (Available on Amazon.com)
It’s important to note that you do not need to get the key blade cut on the new OEM key, as you will be transferring your existing, correctly cut blade.
Step-by-Step Chevy Cruze Key Fob Disassembly and Replacement
Let’s get started with the Chevy Cruze key fob disassembly and replacement process.
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Assess the Damage: Identify the damage to your current key fob. Common issues include cracks in the casing, particularly where the key blade meets the swing mechanism, or broken buttons. Regardless of the damage, the replacement procedure remains the same as long as your key blade is intact.
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Prepare Your Workspace: Place your damaged key fob and the replacement key fob on a firm, stable surface. This will provide the necessary support for removing the retaining pin.
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Locate the Retaining Pin: Examine the side of your key fob where the key blade is attached to the swing mechanism. You will see a small metal pin – this is the retaining pin that secures the key blade.
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Remove the Retaining Pin from the Old Key Fob: Using the 1/16″ punch and small hammer, gently tap the retaining pin out of the old key fob. Position the punch against the pin and tap the hammer on the punch until the pin begins to move and is removed completely.
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Remove the Retaining Pin from the New Key Fob: Repeat the pin removal process on the new replacement key fob. These pins can be quite tight, so you might need to apply firm but controlled taps with the hammer and punch.
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Transfer the Key Blade: Carefully remove your original key blade from the old key fob and place it into the new key fob body. Align the blade correctly within the swing mechanism.
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Reinstall the Retaining Pin: Take the retaining pin (from either the old or new key fob) and insert it back through the hole, securing the original key blade in the new key fob body. You can usually push the pin back in by hand or gently tap it with the hammer – in most cases, the punch is not needed for reinstallation.
Key Fob Programming
Once the physical replacement is complete, you’ll need to program the new key fob to your Chevy Cruze. Follow these simple programming steps:
- Start Car with Spare Key: Enter your vehicle and start the ignition using a previously programmed, working spare key. Let the car run for a few seconds.
- Switch to New Key Fob: Turn off the ignition and remove the spare key within 5 seconds. Immediately insert the new key fob into the ignition and start the car.
After starting the car with the new key fob, turn off the ignition again 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 Single Key Owners
If you only have one key and do not have a spare to start your car with for the programming procedure, follow these modified steps:
- Disassemble Both Key Fobs: Remove the retaining pin and separate the blade from both the old and new key fobs as described above.
- Insert Original Blade: Place just the blade of your original key into the car’s ignition.
- Prepare Key Fobs: Press the “open” button on both the old and new key fobs to ensure the swing mechanisms are open.
- Start with Old Fob, Switch to New: Use the old key fob (without the blade, just the fob body) to start the car.
- Quick Swap: Immediately after the engine starts, turn off the car. Quickly remove the old key fob body from the key blade in the ignition.
- Insert New Fob: Immediately place the new key fob body (also without the blade) onto the key blade in the ignition and start the car again.
- Final Assembly: Remove the key blade from the ignition (pliers may be needed if it’s tight). Then, assemble your original blade into the new key fob body and secure it with the retaining pin as described earlier.
By following these steps, you can successfully complete your Chevy Cruze key fob disassembly and replacement, even if you only have a single key. Enjoy your newly functional key fob!
