Like many Hyundai owners, I’ve experienced the frustration of a disintegrating key fob case. My 2015 Sonata Sport’s key fob buttons crumbled after years of use. Initially, I thought it was just wear and tear. However, when my spare, brand-new fob suffered the exact same fate within a day of use, it became clear: this was a material issue, not just aging.
Determined to fix it myself, I researched online and found numerous YouTube videos suggesting a simple solution: buy a generic replacement fob case, transfer the internals (chip, key blade), and you’re good to go. A $20 generic fob case seemed like a steal. Upon arrival, the new case looked straightforward to open. The problem? My original fob was sealed shut – glued or fused, requiring destruction to open. So, I proceeded, carefully breaking open the old case.
This is where the real trouble began. Transferring the components to the new generic case wasn’t the seamless process advertised. While the parts seemed to mostly fit, about 90%, subtle differences created significant issues. The new fob’s chip holder was slightly deeper and wider, causing the chip to move around. The original key blade was a tad thicker, preventing the case from closing completely without filing it down. These discrepancies, often mentioned in online videos as minor modifications, proved to be more problematic in practice.
Armed with a Dremel, I attempted to file down the key blade. However, I soon discovered another hurdle: the pin insertion point was also slightly offset. Frustration mounting, I abandoned the generic case experiment.
The obvious next step seemed to be an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) case. Thinking a $40 OEM case would solve everything, I ordered one. To my dismay, the OEM case was also not designed for easy transfer. Like the original, it seemed impossible to open without damage. This discovery led to more research, revealing two less-than-ideal options: take the OEM case to a locksmith for programming and key cutting (around $175) or visit a Hyundai dealer for a complete replacement key fob (starting at $350).
At this point, I have to ask: is there a simpler, more cost-effective solution? Currently, the most reliable approach appears to be an OEM key fob handled by a locksmith or dealer. Unless, of course, you’re willing to gamble on finding a perfectly fitting generic case from Amazon or eBay – a prospect that now seems increasingly unlikely after my experience. The quest for a simple key fob case replacement turned into a surprisingly complex and potentially expensive endeavor.
