Have you ever needed to change the battery in your GMC key fob or considered upgrading to a more stylish shell? Knowing how to safely open your GMC key fob is a useful skill that can save you time and money. Whether you drive a Sierra, Yukon, or any other GMC model, the key fob is an essential part of your vehicle’s security and convenience system. This guide will walk you through the process of opening your GMC key fob quickly and easily, without damaging it.
Opening your GMC key fob might seem daunting, but it’s actually a straightforward process you can do at home with just a few simple tools. This skill is particularly handy for routine maintenance like battery replacement, or if you’re looking to transfer your existing circuit board into a new, perhaps more aesthetically pleasing, key fob case. Let’s dive into the steps.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these readily available tools to ensure a smooth process:
- #0 Philips Screwdriver: A small Philips head screwdriver is crucial for gently separating the key fob casing. Using the correct size will prevent damage to the screws or plastic.
- Small Flat Blade Screwdriver (m1.8 or similar): A tiny flat blade screwdriver, or even a specialized trim removal tool, will be helpful for carefully prying apart certain parts of the fob, especially if you are dealing with a newer style with chrome trim.
- Penny or Thin Pry Tool: A common penny or a plastic opening tool works surprisingly well for initially separating the key fob halves without causing scratches.
Step-by-Step Guide to Opening Your GMC Key Fob
Follow these detailed steps to safely open your GMC key fob. These instructions are generally applicable to GMC key fobs from models around 2014 onwards, but always exercise caution and observe your specific key fob closely.
Step 1: Initial Separation – Using a Penny
Start with the back of your old key fob facing up. Locate the small seam that runs around the perimeter of the fob. Insert the edge of a penny (or your thin pry tool) into this seam. Apply gentle pressure and twist the penny slightly to start separating the two halves of the fob. Work your way around the seam, gently prying until you can feel the back cover starting to loosen.
Once you’ve created a gap, you should be able to remove the back cover completely. Carefully lift off the back cover to reveal the battery compartment and the internal components. At this stage, it’s a good idea to remove the battery to prevent any accidental activation of buttons while you’re working on the fob. Note the battery type and orientation for when you need to replace it later.
Step 2: Separating the Case Halves – Using a Philips Screwdriver
With the back cover and battery removed, you’ll now need to separate the two main halves of the key fob casing to access the circuit board. Look closely at the inner edges of the fob. You’ll likely see small holes or indentations on one or both sides of the casing.
Take your #0 Philips screwdriver (or a similar round, blunt object). Insert the tip of the screwdriver into one of these holes. Apply firm, steady pressure straight inwards – avoid twisting or excessive force. You should feel or hear a click as the plastic clips inside begin to release. Repeat this process in the other hole(s).
After pressing in both holes, the two halves of the key fob case should be partially separated. Now, carefully use your fingers to gently pull the two halves completely apart. They should pop open without much resistance.
Once open, you’ll see the circuit board inside. It’s usually not fastened and will simply lift out if you turn the housing over and gently shake it. Set the circuit board aside, handling it by the edges to avoid static discharge or damage to the components.
Step 3: Opening Newer Style Fobs with Chrome Trim (If Applicable)
If you are working with a newer GMC key fob that has chrome trim pieces on the sides, you’ll need to remove these carefully before you can separate the case halves. These chrome pieces are often designed to add to the fob’s aesthetics but can make disassembly slightly trickier.
Turn the fob face down. Using your small flat blade screwdriver (m1.8 or similar), carefully insert the blade under the edge of the chrome trim in a corner or along a straight section. Gently pry upwards to release one end of the chrome piece. Hold that end loose to prevent it from snapping back into place. Then, carefully work the screwdriver along the edge to release the other end of the chrome trim. Once both ends are loose, you should be able to pull the chrome edging free. Repeat this for any other chrome trim pieces on the fob.
With the chrome trim removed, you will typically find small plastic tabs along the edges of the case halves. Use your flat blade screwdriver to gently pry these tabs back, one by one, until the case halves can be separated. Once all tabs are released, the case should open in a similar manner to the older style fobs.
Reassembly and Testing
Once you have completed your task (battery replacement or circuit board swap), reassembling your GMC key fob is generally the reverse of the disassembly process.
- Place the Circuit Board: If you removed it, carefully place the circuit board back into the new key fob case half. Ensure it sits properly in its designated position.
- Snap the Case Halves Together: Align the two halves of the key fob case and gently press them together until they snap securely. Ensure there are no gaps and the case feels firmly closed.
- Replace the Battery: If you replaced the battery, ensure the new battery is the correct type and is inserted with the correct polarity (usually indicated by + and – markings in the battery compartment).
- Reattach the Back Cover: Place the back cover onto the fob and press down firmly until it clicks into place, ensuring a secure closure.
- Test Your Fob: Test all the buttons on your key fob to ensure they are working correctly – lock, unlock, remote start, panic button, etc. If everything functions as expected, you’ve successfully opened and reassembled your GMC key fob!
Opening your GMC key fob is a simple DIY task that can save you from unnecessary dealership visits for minor issues like battery changes or case swaps. By following these steps carefully, you can confidently maintain your key fob and keep it functioning and looking its best.
