Have you ever looked at your GMC key fob and thought it could use an upgrade? Or perhaps you need to replace the battery or swap out the casing? Many GMC owners find themselves wanting to personalize or repair their key fobs without the high cost of dealership services. If you’re looking to take matters into your own hands, disassembling your GMC key fob is a surprisingly straightforward process. This guide will walk you through each step, showing you exactly How To Take Apart A Gmc Key Fob safely and effectively. Whether you’re aiming to upgrade to a more stylish fob or simply need to access the internal components, you’ll find this DIY tutorial invaluable.
Step 1: Prepare Your Old GMC Key Fob
First, let’s start with your existing GMC key fob. The initial step is to remove the back cover and the battery. A common household item, a penny, works surprisingly well for this task. Insert the edge of the penny into the slot on the back of the fob and gently twist to pop the back cover open. Once open, you can easily remove the battery.
Step 2: Separate the Key Fob Housing
With the back cover and battery removed, the next step is to separate the two halves of the key fob housing. Locate the small holes on the sides of the fob. Using a #0 Philips screwdriver, or a similar rounded tool, gently push into one of these holes. Apply firm, steady pressure straight in, without twisting. You should feel the edge of the housing pop slightly open. Repeat this process in the other hole. Once both sides are released, you should be able to pull the housing apart with your fingers. It should detach easily. Turn the housing over and lightly shake it; the internal circuit board should fall out freely as it’s not secured to the case. Set all these components aside carefully.
Step 3: Disassembling the New GMC Key Fob Casing
Now, take your new GMC key fob casing. Just like with the old fob, begin by opening the back and removing the battery. This step is crucial to access the internal parts. Here comes the trickiest part of the process, as the chrome side pieces on the new fob are solid and hold the case halves together very tightly. Incorrect removal can damage the new fob, so proceed with caution.
Turn the new fob face down. Using a small, flat-blade screwdriver (an m1.8 size works well), carefully insert the blade under the chrome edging in the area indicated in the following images. Gently pry one end of the chrome piece loose. Keep your finger firmly on the loosened end to prevent it from snapping back into place. Remove the screwdriver and repeat the prying action on the other end of the same chrome piece. Once both ends are loose and the tabs are released, you can carefully pull the chrome edging free. Repeat this for the chrome piece on the opposite side of the fob. After removing both chrome pieces, you will notice small plastic tabs along the edges of the case. Use the flat-blade screwdriver again to gently pry these tabs back, and then carefully pull the housing apart.
Final Steps and Reassembly
With the new fob casing disassembled, the circuit board should fall out just as it did with the old one. Now, take the programmed circuit board from your original key fob and place it into the new key fob casing. Snap the new casing pieces back together in reverse order of disassembly. Reinstall the chrome side pieces, ensuring they click securely into place. Finally, replace the battery and snap the back cover onto the new fob.
Place the new, unprogrammed circuit board into your old key fob housing. You can keep this as a spare or sell it. Test your newly assembled key fob to ensure it works correctly with your GMC vehicle. If everything is done correctly, your upgraded or repaired GMC key fob should function perfectly, enhancing both its look and feel!
This simple process allows you to easily take apart a GMC key fob and swap components, saving you time and money while upgrading your vehicle accessory.
