Is your MK8 GTI key fob feeling loose or looking a bit worse for wear? Many owners experience issues with the key fob cover becoming detached or damaged over time. Before you rush to a dealership for an expensive replacement, you might be surprised to learn that repairing it yourself is a straightforward process you can easily handle at home. This guide will walk you through a simple DIY repair for your Mk8 Gti Key Fob Cover, getting it back to its original, solid feel in no time.
Disassembling the Key Fob
Before you begin, gather a few basic tools. You’ll need a small precision screwdriver – the kind often found in eyeglass repair kits will work perfectly. An air gun is optional for cleaning, and a small wooden plank can be helpful for reassembly.
First, carefully remove the loose silicone piece if it’s still partially attached, followed by the plastic cover on the opposite side of your key fob. A gentle pry with your fingernail or the plastic opening tool can assist with this. Once these are off, take a moment to clean any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. It’s also a good idea to remove the battery and the physical key at this stage for safety and easier handling.
Next, locate the small pin that holds the key fob housing together. Using your small screwdriver, gently push down on this pin. While applying pressure to the pin, give the housing a slight twist. This twisting motion will release the top chrome piece – the one located on the side with the key release button.
With the top chrome piece detached, you should now be able to push out the larger bottom chrome piece. The pin will likely remain in place. Carefully remove the pin using a small pair of pliers or tweezers.
At this point, your key fob should be separated into four main parts: the two chrome housing pieces, the silicone piece, and the plastic key body.
Cleaning and Reassembling the Key Fob
Now that your key fob is disassembled, use an air gun or a soft cloth to thoroughly clean all the individual components. This will remove any dust and grime, ensuring a clean and secure reassembly.
Begin the reassembly process by placing the silicone piece back onto the plastic part of the key. Ensure it sits flush and properly aligned. Once the silicone piece is in place, carefully add the larger chrome housing piece. Turn the key over to check that both the silicone and chrome pieces create a smooth, flush finish.
The next step is to add the remaining chrome housing piece. Again, ensure a flush finish where the two chrome pieces meet. With both chrome pieces in position and aligned, take the small pin and push it back into its designated hole. This pin can be a bit tricky to reinsert and may require some force. Using a small wooden plank to support the key fob while pushing the pin in can provide leverage and make this step easier.
Finally, the last step is to simply push the physical key blade back into its housing.
This repair process is surprisingly straightforward. In fact, it’s so easy that you can quickly address any similar issues with your spare key. If you notice a small bubble or looseness on your other MK8 GTI key fob, you can use the same method to disassemble and reassemble it, restoring it to perfect condition.
While this guide provides clear instructions, a video demonstration would undoubtedly be even more helpful. If the need arises to repeat this repair in the future, creating a video tutorial to assist others would be a valuable resource, especially given the limited information currently available online for MK8 GTI key fob cover repairs.
