How to Open a GM Key Fob: A Step-by-Step Guide

As a car enthusiast, you know the little things matter. You’ve got the perfect truck, like my recent 2014 Sierra SLE Z71 Texas Edition, loaded with all the features. But then you get the keys, and the key fob feels… underwhelming. Maybe it’s the basic look compared to a friend’s Ford or a family member’s higher-trim GMC. Upgrading to a more stylish key fob housing can be a great way to personalize your vehicle without breaking the bank. And the best part? You can often do it yourself without expensive dealership programming.

I wanted to swap the circuit board from my standard fob into a nicer, chrome-trimmed version. After searching online and not finding a clear guide, I decided to figure it out myself. It turned out to be a pretty simple process, with just a couple of key points to watch out for. If you’re thinking about upgrading your GM key fob housing, this guide is for you.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these simple tools:

• #0 Philips Screwdriver: A small Philips head screwdriver is essential for accessing screws within the fob.
• Small Flat Blade Screwdriver (m1.8 or similar): This will help with prying open the fob casing and releasing clips.
• Penny: Surprisingly effective for popping open the initial battery compartment.

Step 1: Opening Your Old Key Fob

Start with the key fob you currently use. The first step is to remove the back cover and the battery. A penny works wonders for this!

1. Use the Penny: Insert the edge of a penny into the slot on the back of your old key fob. Gently twist the penny to pry the back cover open.

2. Remove the Battery: Once the back cover is off, you’ll see the battery. Carefully remove the battery and set it aside.

Step 2: Disassembling the Old Fob Housing

With the battery removed, you can now open the main housing of your old key fob to get to the circuit board.

1. Locate the Holes: Look for small holes on the side edge of the key fob housing.

2. Insert the Philips Screwdriver: Take your #0 Philips screwdriver (or a similar round object). Insert the tip into one of the holes. Apply firm, gentle pressure straight in – avoid twisting. You should feel the edge of the casing start to pop open.

3. Repeat and Separate: Repeat this process in the other hole. Once both sides are slightly open, remove the screwdriver and use your fingers to gently pull the housing apart. It should pop open relatively easily.

4. Remove the Circuit Board: Turn the opened housing over and lightly shake it. The circuit board inside is not fastened and should simply fall out. Set the circuit board aside carefully. You’ve now successfully disassembled your old key fob.

Step 3: Opening Your New Key Fob (The Tricky Part)

Now it’s time to open your new key fob housing. This step is a bit more delicate, especially with chrome-trimmed fobs, as the trim pieces hold the case together.

1. Remove the Battery Cover: Just like with the old fob, start by opening the back of the new key fob with a penny and removing the battery.

2. Locate the Chrome Edging: If your new fob has chrome side pieces, these need to be removed first. These pieces are solid and not split, and improperly removing them can damage the fob.

3. Pry the Chrome Carefully: Turn the new key fob face down. Using your small flat blade screwdriver (like an m1.8), carefully insert the blade under the chrome edging in the area shown in the picture below. Gently pry one end of the chrome piece loose.

4. Release the Other End: Hold the loosened end of the chrome piece firmly (to prevent it from snapping back) and carefully pry the other end loose. Once both tabs are released, the chrome edging can be pulled away from the housing. Repeat this process for the chrome piece on the opposite side of the fob.

5. Separate the Housing: After removing the chrome pieces, you’ll see small plastic tabs on the edges of the case. Use your flat blade screwdriver to gently pry these tabs back. You can then pull the two halves of the new key fob housing apart.

Step 4: The Swap and Reassembly

With both key fob housings open, the final steps are straightforward.

1. Remove the New Fob’s Board: The circuit board in the new key fob housing, like the old one, is not secured and should fall out when you turn the housing over and shake it gently. Set this new, unprogrammed board aside. You won’t need it for this upgrade, but you can keep it as a spare or potentially sell it.

2. Insert Your Old Board: Take the circuit board from your old key fob and place it into the new key fob housing.

3. Reassemble: Snap the two halves of the new key fob housing back together. If your new fob had chrome trim, reattach those pieces, ensuring they click securely into place. Reinstall the battery and the back cover.

4. Test Your New Fob: Test all the buttons on your newly assembled key fob to ensure everything is working correctly. If you followed these steps, your upgraded key fob should now be fully functional and look much better!

By following these simple steps, you’ve successfully upgraded your GM key fob housing yourself. You now have a more stylish key fob without the cost of dealership programming, and you can enjoy showing off your upgraded key every time you use your truck!