Taking your key fob apart might seem daunting, but it’s often a necessary step for battery replacement, case swapping, or repairing damaged buttons. Whether you’re looking to refurbish an old key fob or transfer components to a new case, understanding How To Take A Key Fob Apart is a valuable skill for any car owner. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you can safely disassemble your key fob without damaging its delicate components.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools to make the disassembly process smoother:
- Small Screwdriver or Pry Tool: A flathead screwdriver, precision screwdriver set, or plastic pry tool designed for electronics will be essential for opening the key fob casing.
- Small Punch or Fine Screwdriver (Optional): If you need to separate the key shaft from its assembly, a small punch or fine screwdriver and a hammer might be necessary to tap out retaining pins.
- Hammer (Optional): Used in conjunction with the punch or screwdriver for removing key shaft pins.
- Zip-Lock Baggie: A small bag to store all the key fob parts, preventing loss and confusion.
- Marker (Optional): To mark the old transponder chip for identification.
- Elmer’s Glue or Similar (Optional): A tiny dab of glue to secure the transponder chip during reassembly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Disassembling Your Key Fob
Follow these steps carefully to safely take your key fob apart:
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Prepare Your Workspace: Work on a clean, well-lit surface. This will help you keep track of all the small components.
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Locate the Opening Point: Examine your key fob for a seam or a small notch. This is usually where the two halves of the case join.
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Carefully Pry Open the Casing: Using your small screwdriver or pry tool, gently insert the tip into the seam or notch. Apply slight pressure to begin separating the two halves of the key fob case. Work your way around the seam, carefully prying it open. Avoid using excessive force, as this could damage the plastic casing.
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Separate the Case Halves: Once you’ve worked around the seam, the two halves of the key fob case should separate. Set aside the top and bottom halves of the case.
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Identify Internal Components: Inside the key fob, you’ll typically find a circuit board, a battery, a transponder chip (a small black chip – often loose or in a holder), and sometimes a key assembly.
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Remove the Circuit Board: Carefully lift out the circuit board. It may be held in place by small plastic clips or simply rest within the case. Observe the battery terminal – usually a metal flap – and how it’s positioned in the case.
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Locate and Carefully Remove the Transponder Chip: The transponder chip is crucial for your car to recognize the key. It’s often a tiny black chip, sometimes loose, sometimes held in a small plastic retainer. Handle it with care. Place it immediately into your zip-lock baggie. If you are working with multiple key fobs, marking the baggie will help keep things organized.
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Disassemble the Key Assembly (Optional): If needed, you can further disassemble the key assembly to remove the key shaft. Locate the small pin that secures the key shaft to its base. Using a small punch or fine screwdriver and a hammer, gently tap the pin out from the opposite side. Light taps are usually sufficient. However, for most repairs or case swaps, it’s easier to leave the key assembly intact and transfer it as a whole to the new case.
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Store All Parts Securely: Place all removed components – case pieces, circuit board, transponder chip, and key assembly parts – into your zip-lock baggie. This prevents losing any small, critical parts, especially the transponder chip.
Reassembly Tips
When putting your key fob back together, remember these helpful tips:
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Transponder Chip Security: Use a tiny dab of Elmer’s glue on the transponder chip before placing it in the new fob case. This will hold it in place during reassembly and prevent rattling inside the case, especially if your new case lacks a retainer.
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Circuit Board Alignment: When reinserting the circuit board, ensure the metal battery terminal slides correctly into its designated slot in the case. Misalignment can bend or break the terminal, potentially damaging the circuit board.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to take a key fob apart for various maintenance tasks. Remember to work carefully and keep track of all the small components for a successful key fob repair or case replacement.
