Are you looking to refresh the look and feel of your Ford Raptor Key Fob? Many enthusiasts find the stock key fob a bit underwhelming. One popular upgrade is replacing the factory casing with an injection molded key fob from AJT Designs. This aftermarket case offers a more robust and personalized feel. I recently tried this modification myself, using a replacement key fob to avoid damaging my original Raptor keys, and I’m here to share my experience and guide you through the process.
Before starting this project, especially if you only have two programmed keys, it’s wise to program a new, blank key fob. You can find these on Amazon and program them yourself at home using your existing admin keys. I followed a quick online guide to program my replacement fob, ensuring I had a working spare before dismantling anything. This step is crucial because the original key fob case will be destroyed during disassembly.
With a working replacement fob in hand, I proceeded to install it into the AJT Designs case. AJT Designs provides a helpful video tutorial on their website, but I encountered a few slight differences during my installation, which I’ll highlight in this guide.
Let’s dive into the steps!
Step 1: Disassembling the Original Key Fob
First, remove the battery cover and the battery from your original Ford Raptor key fob. Next, using a sharp utility blade – I used a DeWalt carbide blade for precision – carefully begin to cut along the seam where the two halves of the fob are glued together. Apply consistent, gentle pressure, going around the entire perimeter multiple times. In the corners, I found it helpful to press the blade in slightly deeper to further weaken the adhesive bond. Be extremely cautious not to insert the blade too far, as the circuit board is located just beneath the surface.
Continue working your blade around the seam until the case begins to split open. You should eventually be able to gently pry the two halves apart. Be prepared – the circuit board can pop out suddenly once the case separates, so avoid holding it directly in front of your face during separation.
Step 2: Preparing the AJT Designs Case
Now, get your AJT Designs Raptor key fob case ready. Begin by placing the button pads into their designated slots in the front half of the new case. The kit is designed to be quite intuitive, so button placement is straightforward. My kit came with optional red panic button, which adds a nice visual touch. Before proceeding, I recommend placing the circuit board onto the back half of the AJT case to get a feel for how it will fit.
Next, take the large black rubber sealing gasket included in the AJT Designs kit. Position this gasket over the back of the buttons you just installed in the front case half. Press the gasket firmly into place, ensuring it sits flush. This gasket is crucial for weather sealing and protecting the electronics within your upgraded Raptor key fob.
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