Looking to give your Ford Raptor Key Fob a more robust and personalized feel? Many Ford Raptor owners are turning to aftermarket solutions to enhance the durability and aesthetics of their key fobs. One popular option is the AJT Designs Injection Molded Key Fob case. This guide will walk you through the process of upgrading your key fob using an AJT Designs case, drawing from the experience of a fellow Ford Raptor enthusiast.
Upgrading your key fob isn’t just about looks; it’s about protecting the electronics within and expressing your personal style. The stock Ford Raptor key fob, while functional, can feel somewhat generic and may not hold up to daily wear and tear as well as desired. This is where the AJT Designs case comes in, offering a more rugged and visually appealing alternative.
Before diving into the modification, it’s wise to consider using a replacement key fob. Disassembling your original, branded Ford Raptor key fob is necessary for this upgrade, and this process is permanent. To preserve your original keys, purchasing a new, aftermarket replacement fob is a smart move. These can be readily found online. You’ll also need to program this new fob to work with your Raptor, but thankfully, this is a straightforward process if you have two existing, programmed keys.
Once you have your replacement fob programmed and working seamlessly with your Ford Raptor, you can proceed with the installation of the AJT Designs case. While AJT Designs provides a helpful video tutorial on their YouTube channel, this guide will offer a slightly different perspective and highlight a few nuances encountered during the installation process.
Let’s get started on transforming your Ford Raptor key fob!
The first step involves opening up the original key fob to access the internal circuit board. Begin by removing the battery cover and the battery itself from the fob. With a sharp utility blade – a Dewalt carbide blade works well – carefully begin to cut along the seam where the two halves of the fob are joined. The factory fob is held together with a strong adhesive, so this step requires patience and a steady hand.
Work your blade around the entire perimeter of the fob, repeatedly scoring the seam. In the corners, you can gently press the blade slightly deeper to aid in separating the two halves. Exercise caution to avoid pushing the blade in too far, as the circuit board is located directly beneath the plastic casing. Take your time with this step to prevent damage to the internal components.
With persistent and careful cutting, the two halves of the fob should eventually begin to separate. You might need to gently pry them apart once the adhesive is sufficiently cut through. Be mindful as you separate the halves, as the circuit board can become dislodged. Avoid any sudden movements to prevent the circuit board from popping out forcefully.
Now that you have successfully disassembled the original key fob and have the circuit board exposed, you are ready to begin assembling the new AJT Designs case. Lay out the button pads that came with your AJT Designs kit into their designated positions within the front half of the new case. The AJT Designs kit is designed to be versatile, accommodating various key fob configurations, but the button placement is generally intuitive. Many kits, like the one used in this example, come with optional red panic buttons for a customized look.
Before fully assembling the case, it’s a good idea to do a test fit. Place the circuit board onto the back half of the AJT Designs case to ensure it aligns correctly and sits flush. This step helps to identify any potential fitment issues before proceeding further.
Next, take the large black rubber sealing gasket included in the AJT Designs kit. This gasket is crucial for weatherproofing the key fob. Carefully position the gasket over the back of the buttons that you’ve just placed into the front half of the case. Press the gasket firmly into place, ensuring it is seated flush against the buttons and the case housing. This gasket will create a seal when the case is fully assembled, protecting the internal electronics from moisture and debris.
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