Is your Chevy Cruze key fob cracked, broken, or simply worn out? Don’t worry, you don’t need to replace the entire expensive key fob! This comprehensive guide will walk you through replacing just the outer shell of your 2011-2016 Chevy Cruze key fob, saving you time and money. As long as your original key blade is intact and your key fob electronics are functioning, you can easily refresh your key with a new shell. This DIY repair is straightforward and requires only a few simple tools.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these essential tools:
- Small Hammer: For gently tapping the punch.
- 1/16″ Punch: To push out the retaining pin.
While a gunsmithing punch set is ideal for precision, any small hammer and 1/16″ punch will work effectively. You can find a 1/16″ punch readily available online.
Parts Required: The Key Fob Shell
For this repair, you’ll need a replacement key fob shell designed for your Chevy Cruze. Ensure you select the correct button configuration for your vehicle.
- Replacement 4-Button OEM Cruze Key Shell: (Available on Amazon.com)
- Replacement 5-Button OEM Cruze Key Shell: (Available on Amazon.com)
These replacement shells are designed to be compatible with your existing key blade and internal electronics, making the swap seamless. You will not need to get the new key blade cut.
Step-by-Step Key Fob Shell Replacement Procedure
Let’s get started with the repair process. The most common issue is a crack near the key blade hinge, but this procedure works for any type of key fob shell damage.
1. Prepare Your Keys
Gather both your old, damaged Cruze key fob and the new replacement shell.
2. Locate the Retaining Pin
On your damaged key fob, identify the small retaining pin that secures the key blade to the swing mechanism. This pin needs to be removed to detach the blade.
3. Punch Out the Retaining Pin (Old Key)
Place your old key fob on a firm surface. Using the 1/16″ punch and hammer, gently tap the retaining pin out of the key fob. Work slowly and steadily until the pin is removed and you can detach the key blade.
4. Punch Out the Retaining Pin (New Key Shell)
Repeat the process with the new key fob shell. You’ll need to remove the retaining pin from the new shell as well. This pin might be tighter than the one in your old key, so apply firm, controlled taps with the hammer and punch until it comes out.
5. Assemble the New Key Fob
Take your original key blade and insert it into the new key fob shell. Align the holes for the retaining pin.
6. Re-insert the Retaining Pin
Using the retaining pin from either the old or new key, push it back into place to secure the key blade in the new shell. In most cases, you can do this by hand or with gentle taps from the hammer – the punch may not be necessary for re-insertion.
Programming Your Key Fob (Verification)
While you aren’t truly “programming” the key fob in this shell replacement (as you are using your existing electronics), you can quickly verify that the key fob buttons are still working correctly after the shell replacement.
- Start your Chevy Cruze with your spare, working key. Let the engine run for a few seconds.
- Turn off the ignition and remove the spare key.
- Within 5 seconds, insert your newly assembled key fob into the ignition and start the car.
Turn off your car and test all the buttons on your new key fob to ensure they are functioning correctly. In most cases, the buttons will work perfectly on the first try.
Special Note for Single Key Owners
If you only have one key for your Cruze and don’t have a spare to start your car with for the programming verification step, follow this modified procedure:
- Remove the retaining pin from your old key fob as described above and detach just the key blade.
- Hit the open button on both the old and new key fobs to ensure the swing mechanism is open.
- Insert just the blade of the original key into the ignition.
- Use the old key fob (with the electronics) to start your car. Then, turn it off.
- Quickly pull the old key fob off the key blade.
- Immediately place the new key fob shell (with the blade now in the ignition) onto the key blade.
- Start the car.
- Remove the key blade. If it’s stuck, use pliers to gently pull it out.
- Finally, assemble the original blade to the new key fob shell using the retaining pin as described earlier.
Conclusion
Replacing your 2011-2016 Chevy Cruze key fob shell is a simple and effective way to restore the look and feel of your key without the expense of a complete key fob replacement. By following these steps, you can easily perform this DIY repair at home with minimal tools. Enjoy your refreshed key fob!
