Is your Chevy key fob acting up? Maybe the buttons are sticky, the flip mechanism is loose, or you’re just looking to replace the outer shell. Whatever the reason, taking apart your Chevy key fob is a straightforward process you can do yourself. This guide will walk you through each step, making it easy to disassemble your key fob without damaging it. You might be surprised how simple it is to access the internal components for repair or shell replacement.
Before you begin, you’ll only need one basic tool: a small flathead screwdriver. This will help you gently pry open the key fob casing. Let’s get started and show you how to take apart your Chevy key fob quickly and efficiently.
First, locate the battery cover on your Chevy key fob. With the key flipped out in the open position, place your thumb in the space where the key sits when folded. Apply a bit of pressure, and the battery cover should pop right off. Remove the battery at this stage for safety and to avoid accidentally activating any functions while the fob is open.
Next, take your small flathead screwdriver and carefully insert it into the seam on the top side of the key fob. This is usually near the keyring attachment. Gently pry upwards. If your key fob has been used for a while or has come apart slightly before, you might find this step quite easy.
Now, move to the backside of the key fob, near the metal ring holder. Again, use your small screwdriver to gently pry along the seam. This time, work a bit slower and more carefully to ease the two halves of the fob apart. You may find it helpful to hold onto the plastic part of the fob while pushing against the metal keyring portion to separate the casing.
As the front face of the key fob comes free from the back, be prepared for a slight twist. This is due to the spring mechanism inside. It might spin about two revolutions as it releases tension. This is normal and part of the design.
With the casing open, you can now easily remove the physical key blade and the internal circuit board chip from the key fob. These components are usually just placed inside and can be lifted out without any tools.
When it comes to reassembling your Chevy key fob, the process is mostly the reverse of disassembly. However, there’s a key step involving the spring mechanism that you need to get right to ensure the flip key works correctly.
First, if you removed the push button from the key blade, place it back onto the key. Then, put the circuit board chip back into the front half of the key fob casing, ensuring it’s facing down in its designated slot. Position the key blade in its housing in the “out” or open position.
Now, take the spring and place it back into the push button area. It should seat securely into a locked position. This spring is crucial for the flip mechanism to work.
Carefully place the back face of the key fob onto the front face, aligning them properly. Make sure the small “foot” of the spring is correctly positioned in its corresponding slot on the back face. This foot is what engages to create the spring action for the key.
Hold the key fob together as shown in the image below, and rotate the back face in a counterclockwise direction. This action will wind the spring and create the outward spring force for the key. Rotate it for two full revolutions to build enough tension.
Finally, snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together. You should hear a click, indicating they are securely fastened. Apply firm finger pressure around the edges to ensure a tight closure.
That’s it! You’ve successfully taken apart and reassembled your Chevy key fob. This process is not only helpful for fixing loose casings or sticky buttons but can also save you money by allowing you to replace just the shell instead of getting a completely new key cut and programmed at a dealership. Taking a few minutes to understand how to take apart your Chevy key fob can save you time and money in the long run.
