Have you ever looked at your GM key fob and thought it was a bit… basic? Maybe you’ve admired the sleeker, more stylish fobs on higher-end GM models or even competitor vehicles. Or perhaps you simply need to access the inside of your key fob to replace the battery or swap out the shell. Whatever your reason, opening your GM key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself.
This guide will walk you through the steps to safely open your GM key fob, whether you’re aiming to upgrade its appearance or perform essential maintenance. Forget expensive dealership programming fees for a simple shell swap – with a few common tools and these instructions, you’ll be able to confidently handle this task at home.
This tutorial is perfect for owners of various GM vehicles, including Chevrolet and GMC models, who want to understand their key fob better or customize its look. Let’s get started!
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and efficient:
- #0 Philips Screwdriver: This small Philips head screwdriver is crucial for accessing the inner components of your key fob. A round object of similar size can also work effectively.
- Small Flat Blade Screwdriver (m1.8 or similar): A thin, flat blade screwdriver is needed to gently pry open certain parts of the key fob, especially when dealing with chrome trim on newer models.
- Penny: Surprisingly, a humble penny is the ideal tool for initially popping open the back of the key fob to access the battery compartment.
With these tools at hand, you’re ready to proceed with opening your GM key fob.
Step-by-Step Guide to Opening Your GM Key Fob
Follow these steps carefully to open your GM key fob without damage.
Step 1: Accessing the Battery Compartment
The first step is to remove the back cover of your old key fob to access the battery.
- Locate the slot: Turn your key fob over to find the small slot on the back casing.
- Use the penny: Insert the edge of a penny into the slot. The penny’s edge is strong enough to provide leverage without damaging the plastic.
- Twist gently: Apply gentle twisting pressure with the penny in the slot. You should feel the back cover begin to loosen.
- Pop it open: Continue twisting gently until the back cover pops off.
- Remove the battery: Once open, you’ll see the battery. Remove it and set the back cover and battery aside.
Step 2: Separating the Fob Housing
Now that the battery compartment is open, you need to separate the two halves of the key fob housing to access the circuit board.
- Identify the holes: Look closely at the key fob housing. You’ll notice small holes on the sides of the fob. These are your access points.
- Insert the Philips screwdriver: Take your #0 Philips screwdriver (or a similar round object) and insert it into one of the holes.
- Apply gentle pressure: Push the screwdriver straight in with firm, gentle pressure. Avoid twisting or excessive force. You should feel or hear a click as the edge starts to pop open.
- Repeat on the other hole: Repeat the process on the other hole.
- Separate the housing: Once both sides are released, you should be able to pull the two halves of the housing apart with your fingers. They should pop open relatively easily.
- Remove the circuit board: Turn the housing over and gently shake it. The circuit board is not fastened and should fall right out. Set the housing parts and circuit board aside.
Step 3: Opening the New Fob (for Shell Swaps)
If you’re swapping the circuit board into a new, more stylish fob, opening the new fob requires a slightly different approach, especially with models that have chrome trim.
- Remove the battery cover: Just like with the old fob, start by removing the battery cover of your new key fob.
- Locate the chrome trim: Identify the chrome metal pieces on the sides of the new fob. These pieces are often solid and hold the case halves together tightly.
- Position the fob: Turn the new fob face down.
- Pry the chrome trim: Using your small flat blade screwdriver (m1.8), carefully insert the blade under the chrome edging in the area shown in the image.
- Pry one end loose: Gently pry one end of the chrome trim loose. Hold it firmly so it doesn’t snap back into place.
- Pry the other end loose: Remove the blade and carefully pry the other end of the chrome trim loose. Once both tabs are released, the chrome edging can be pulled free. Repeat this for the other side of the fob.
- Separate the housing: After removing the chrome trim, you’ll see small plastic tabs on the edges of the case. Gently pry these back with your flat blade screwdriver. You should now be able to pull the housing apart.
- Remove the new circuit board: The new fob’s circuit board will also fall out freely. You won’t need this board if you’re performing a swap, so set it aside.
Step 4: Reassembly and Testing
With both fobs open, the final steps are to reassemble your upgraded key fob and test it.
- Insert your old circuit board: Take the circuit board from your original key fob (the one that is already programmed to your vehicle) and place it into the housing of your new key fob.
- Snap the housing together: Carefully align the two halves of the new key fob housing and snap them back together. Ensure they are firmly closed.
- Reinstall the battery: Place the battery back into the new key fob assembly.
- Replace the battery cover: Snap the battery cover back onto the new key fob.
- Test your fob: Test all the buttons on your new key fob to ensure they are working correctly with your vehicle.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully opened your GM key fob and potentially upgraded its shell. This simple process allows you to personalize your key fob or perform necessary maintenance like battery replacement without needing professional help. By following these steps, you can confidently handle your GM key fob and enjoy a more customized and stylish accessory for your vehicle. Whether you were aiming for a more premium look or just needed to access the internals, you now have the know-how to open your GM key fob with ease.
