Is your Chevy Cruze key fob cracked, broken, or simply worn out? Replacing your Chevy Cruze key fob might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually a straightforward DIY project you can complete at home with just a few simple tools. This guide will walk you through each step of replacing your damaged key fob, allowing you to reuse your existing key blade and avoid expensive dealership programming costs. Whether your key fob is cracked near the blade or the buttons are failing, this tutorial will show you how to easily swap your key components into a brand new replacement key fob.
Tools You’ll Need
For this Chevy Cruze key fob replacement, you won’t need a garage full of tools. In fact, you likely have everything you need already. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Small Hammer: Any small hammer will work. You don’t need anything heavy-duty for this task.
- 1/16″ Punch: A punch is essential for removing the retaining pin that holds the key blade in place. A gunsmithing punch set works perfectly, but any 1/16″ punch will do the job. If you don’t have one, you can easily find a 1/16″ punch online.
Parts Required for Your Chevy Cruze Key Fob Replacement
To complete this repair, you’ll need a replacement key fob housing. It’s crucial to get the correct type for your Chevy Cruze. Here are the recommended parts:
- Replacement 4-Button OEM Cruze Key Fob: If your original key fob has four buttons (Lock, Unlock, Trunk, Panic), you’ll need this 4-button replacement. You can find these readily available online.
- Replacement 5-Button OEM Cruze Key Fob: For Cruze models with a 5-button key fob (including Remote Start), make sure to select the 5-button replacement option.
Using an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) key fob is highly recommended to ensure compatibility and proper function with your Chevy Cruze’s system.
Step-by-Step Chevy Cruze Key Fob Replacement Procedure
Let’s get started with the replacement process. Follow these steps carefully to transfer your existing key blade to the new key fob housing.
1. Removing the Key Blade from the Old Key Fob
Many Chevy Cruze owners experience cracks in their key fobs, particularly where the key blade connects to the swing mechanism. Regardless of the type of damage to your old key fob, the removal process is the same.
Ensure you have your replacement OEM key fob ready. You will not need to get the new key blade cut, as you will be using your original Cruze key blade.
Place your damaged Cruze key fob on a firm surface. Using your 1/16″ punch and small hammer, carefully tap out the small retaining pin that secures the key blade within the fob housing.
2. Preparing the New Key Fob Housing
Now, take your new replacement Chevy Cruze key fob. You’ll need to remove the retaining pin from this new fob as well. You might find that the pin in the new fob is quite tight. Resting the edge of the key fob on a hard surface can provide better leverage. Continue to gently tap with the punch and hammer until the retaining pin is removed.
3. Assembling Your New Chevy Cruze Key Fob
With both retaining pins removed, take the key blade from your old Chevy Cruze key fob and carefully place it into the new key fob housing. Align the holes for the retaining pin. Once aligned, insert the retaining pin you removed from either the old or new key fob. You can usually push the pin back in using just your hammer, without needing the punch for this step.
4. Programming Your Replacement Key Fob
Programming the replacement key fob to your Chevy Cruze is surprisingly simple and doesn’t require any special tools or trips to the dealer. Follow these two quick steps:
- Start Your Car with a Working Key: Use your existing, functioning Chevy Cruze key to start your vehicle. Let the car run for a few seconds.
- Program the New Key Fob: Turn off your car and, within five seconds of turning it off, insert the new key fob (with your original blade) into the ignition and start the car again.
That’s it! Turn off your car and test the buttons on your new key fob to ensure they are working correctly. In most cases, the key fob will program on the first try.
Special Note for Chevy Cruze Owners with Only One Key
If you only have one Chevy Cruze key and no spare to start your car, you can still perform this replacement. Here’s how:
- Remove the retaining pin from your old key fob as described earlier and detach the key blade.
- Open the swing mechanism on both the old and new key fobs by pressing the open button.
- Carefully insert just the blade of your original key into the ignition.
- Use the old key fob (without the blade) to start your car.
- Immediately after starting, turn off the car and quickly remove the old key fob.
- Attach the new key fob (without the blade yet) to the key blade still in the ignition and start the car again.
- Carefully remove the key blade from the ignition. If it’s tight, pliers can help.
- Finally, assemble your original key blade into the new key fob housing using the retaining pin as described in the assembly steps.
Conclusion
Replacing your Chevy Cruze key fob is an easy and cost-effective solution to a common problem. By following these simple steps, you can quickly restore the functionality of your key fob without the expense of dealer service. Enjoy your like-new Chevy Cruze key fob!
