Are you looking to take apart your GMC key fob? Perhaps you’re aiming to replace the battery, swap out the internal circuit board to upgrade to a fancier fob, or simply curious about what’s inside. Whatever your reason, disassembling a GMC key fob is a straightforward process you can accomplish at home with a few basic tools. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can safely and effectively take apart your GMC key fob without damaging it. Avoid expensive dealership fees and take control of your key fob maintenance with this easy-to-follow tutorial.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools to make the process smooth and efficient:
- #0 Philips Screwdriver: This small Philips head screwdriver is crucial for accessing the internal components of your key fob. Ensure it’s a #0 size to fit the tiny screws without stripping them.
- Small Flat Blade Screwdriver (m1.8 or similar): A slim flat blade screwdriver, around m1.8 in size, is essential for carefully prying apart the key fob housing, especially the newer models with chrome accents.
- Penny or Thin Pry Tool: A common household penny or a similar thin, flat object is perfect for initially separating the back cover of your GMC key fob without causing scratches.
Once you have these tools ready, you’re all set to start disassembling your GMC key fob. Let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Disassembling Your GMC Key Fob
Follow these detailed steps to safely and effectively take apart your GMC key fob.
Step 1: Removing the Battery and Back Cover
Start with your old GMC key fob. The first step is to remove the back cover and the battery. This is a simple process that requires the penny or thin pry tool.
- Locate the seam: Examine the edges of your key fob and find the small seam where the front and back пластикові housings meet.
- Use the penny to pry: Insert the edge of a penny into the seam. The penny’s edge is ideal because it’s thin enough to fit into the gap and soft enough to minimize scratches on the plastic.
- Gently twist: Once the penny is inserted, gently twist it. You should feel the back cover start to loosen.
- Pop the back cover off: Continue twisting or gently prying around the seam until the back cover pops off completely.
- Remove the battery: With the back cover removed, you’ll see the battery. Carefully take out the battery. Note the battery orientation for when you reassemble or replace it later.
Step 2: Separating the Old Fob Housing
With the back cover and battery removed, the next step is to separate the two halves of the old key fob housing to access the circuit board inside.
- Identify the holes: Turn over the front part of the key fob housing and locate the small holes. These holes are strategically placed to allow you to separate the two halves.
- Insert the #0 Philips screwdriver: Take your #0 Philips screwdriver (or a similar round object, which can sometimes work even better to distribute pressure).
- Push firmly but gently: Insert the screwdriver into one of the holes. Apply firm, steady pressure straight in, without twisting.
- Feel the pop: You should feel or hear a slight pop as one edge of the housing starts to separate.
- Repeat on the other hole: Repeat the process on the other hole.
- Pull apart with fingers: After working both holes, the housing should be partially open. Now, use your fingers to gently pull the two halves of the housing completely apart. They should pop open relatively easily.
- Shake out the circuit board: Turn the housing over and gently shake it. The circuit board is not fastened and should simply fall out. Set aside all the components of your old fob.
Step 3: Disassembling the New Fob (Chrome Edge Models)
If you are working with a newer GMC key fob, especially one with chrome edging, this step requires extra care. The chrome pieces add a bit of complexity to disassembling the new fob.
- Locate the chrome edging: Identify the chrome metal pieces on the sides of your new key fob. These pieces are solid and hold the two case halves together very tightly.
- Position the fob face down: Turn the new fob face down as shown in the image.
- Use the flat blade screwdriver: Take your small flat blade screwdriver (m1.8 or similar).
- Pry under the chrome: Carefully insert the blade of the screwdriver under the chrome edging in the specific area indicated in the image.
- Pry one end loose: Gently pry one end of the chrome edging loose.
- Hold it tight: Once one end is loose, hold it firmly to prevent it from snapping back into place.
- Pry the other end: With the first end still held loose, carefully pry the other end of the chrome piece free.
- Remove the chrome edging: Once both ends are released, the chrome edging can be pulled off.
- Repeat for the other side: Repeat the process for the chrome edging on the opposite side of the key fob.
- Pry the plastic tabs: After removing the chrome pieces, you will see small plastic tabs on the edges of the case. Use the flat blade screwdriver to gently pry these tabs back.
- Pull the housing apart: With the tabs released, you should now be able to pull the two halves of the new fob housing apart.
Caution: Be particularly careful when removing the chrome edging. Incorrectly prying it can damage the fob. Take your time and follow the instructions closely.
Step 4: Board Swap and Reassembly
You’re now in the final stretch! With both the old and new key fob housings disassembled, swapping the circuit boards is straightforward.
- Remove the new fob’s board: Just like the old fob, the circuit board in the new fob should fall out easily once the housing is open.
- Insert your old board: Take the circuit board from your old GMC key fob (the one that is already programmed to your vehicle) and place it into the housing of the new key fob.
- Snap the new fob back together: Carefully align the two halves of the new key fob housing and snap them back together. Ensure they are securely closed.
- Reinstall chrome pieces (if applicable): If your new fob has chrome edging, carefully snap the chrome pieces back into place.
- Reinstall the battery: Place the battery back into the new key fob housing, ensuring it’s in the correct orientation.
- Replace the back cover: Snap the back cover back onto the new key fob until it clicks securely into place.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully taken apart your GMC key fob and, if you were swapping boards, reassembled it with your original, programmed circuit board. This DIY process not only saves you money on dealership service fees but also allows you to customize or maintain your key fob at your convenience. Test your newly assembled key fob to ensure it works correctly with your GMC vehicle. Enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done and the upgraded look or functionality of your GMC key fob!
