Disassembling your car key fob might seem daunting, but it’s often a necessary step for battery replacement, case repair, or transferring components to a new key fob shell. Whether your key fob is scratched, damaged, or simply needs a new battery, understanding how to safely take it apart can save you time and money compared to dealership repairs. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process on How To Take Apart A Key Fob, ensuring you can confidently handle this task yourself.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth and damage-free disassembly. Typically, you will need:
- Small Phillips head screwdriver: For unscrewing any fasteners holding the fob together.
- Flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool: To gently separate the key fob casing halves.
- Small punch or fine screwdriver: To remove the key shaft pin (if separating the key assembly).
- Hammer: For light tapping to remove the key shaft pin.
- Zip-lock baggie: To store small components and prevent loss.
- Marker: To label parts for easy reassembly.
Having these tools ready will streamline the process and minimize the risk of damaging the delicate components inside your key fob.
Step-by-Step Disassembly Process
Follow these steps carefully to take apart your key fob effectively:
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Locate and Remove Screws: Examine your key fob for any visible screws. These are usually located on the back of the fob and may be hidden under a brand emblem or a battery compartment cover. Use the small Phillips head screwdriver to carefully remove any screws. Place the screws in a safe place, such as the zip-lock baggie, to avoid losing them.
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Separate the Key Fob Casing: Once the screws are removed, you’ll need to separate the two halves of the key fob casing. Look for a seam running along the edge of the fob. Insert the flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool into this seam. Gently twist or pry to begin separating the halves. Work your way around the seam, applying gentle pressure until the case splits open. Avoid using excessive force, as this could damage the plastic casing or internal components.
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Access Internal Components: With the casing open, you’ll see the internal components of the key fob. These typically include the circuit board, battery, transponder chip, and sometimes a separate key assembly. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the layout before proceeding further.
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Remove the Key Assembly (Optional): If you need to separate the key blade from the fob, locate the small pin that secures the key shaft to its base. Using a small punch or fine screwdriver, position it against the pin. Gently tap the punch with a hammer to push the pin out. Light hammering is usually sufficient. Once the pin is removed, the key shaft can be separated from the assembly. However, for most repairs, it is easier to leave the key assembly intact and transfer the whole unit to a new case.
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Handle the Transponder Chip with Care: The transponder chip is a small, often black or grey, component that is crucial for your car’s immobilizer system. It’s usually loosely placed within the fob casing or sometimes glued in place. Carefully remove the transponder chip and place it in the zip-lock baggie. It’s highly recommended to mark your old transponder chip with a marker to differentiate it from any new or replacement chips, especially if you are working with multiple key fobs. Losing or damaging this chip can prevent your car from starting.
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Disassemble the Donor Fob (If Applicable): If you are replacing a damaged fob case with a new one (like one purchased online), now is the time to disassemble the new “donor” fob. Repeat steps 1-5 on the new fob to open it and prepare it to receive the components from your old fob.
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Transfer Components to the New Case: Take the key assembly, circuit board, and transponder chip from your OLD key fob and carefully place them into the NEW key fob case. Ensure all components fit snugly and are correctly positioned within the new case.
Reassembling Your Key Fob
To reassemble your key fob, simply reverse the disassembly procedure:
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Place Components in New Case: Carefully position the circuit board and transponder chip into the new key fob case halves.
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Secure the Transponder Chip (Tip): To prevent the transponder chip from rattling around inside the case, especially if there isn’t a retainer, place a small dab of Elmer’s glue on the chip before closing the case. This will hold it in place without causing damage.
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Align Battery Terminal: When placing the circuit board back into the case, ensure that the metal flap (battery terminal) slides neatly into the designated slot in the case. Incorrect alignment can bend or break the terminal, rendering your circuit board useless.
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Close the Casing: Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing and press them together until they snap securely.
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Reinstall Screws: If your key fob uses screws, replace them and tighten them gently to secure the casing. Avoid over-tightening, which can damage the plastic.
By following these steps, you can successfully take apart and reassemble your key fob, whether for repair, battery replacement, or case swapping. Remember to handle the internal components, especially the transponder chip, with care to ensure your key fob continues to function correctly.
