DIY Keyfob repair equinox camaro under $10

[@bradpotter8585]

This process worked great for my 2013 Equinox when the buttons started to fail on the key fob. I had some trouble getting the roll pin back into the blade on re-assembly, so used drill with a 1/16" bit to clean out the grove on the blade and hinge piece. After doing that, the roll pin slid in perfectly and re-assembly worked like a charm. Thanks so much for the video - lot's of comments on people re-programming and/or having to get the blade cut - this process saves you all the time and money.

[@jennyjones3776]

I’ve had a fob I purchased from Amazon well over 6 months ago. I couldn’t find anyone to cut it within a reasonable price. I came across this video, followed the process step by step, and I now have a working fob! My previous fob had been washed with a load of laundry and no longer worked. I appreciate you!

[@lukeintucson4844]

It worked! Worth the $8 blank fob and 30 mins in the garage. One thing that helped me with getting out the roll pin, I used a very small mail and tapped the pin out with a few gentle taps. Good too with winding the spring. Lots of reviews on Amazon saying the key doesn’t spring open… it will if you follow this video. Thanks you. This video helped me

[@robertstapleton4563]

Thanks very much, DMoney Garage! I was about to call the dealership and stumbled on the video. I ordered the fob in the link you provided and just got everything swapped out and tested beautifully! If anyone does this and has some troubles prying the original fob case open, I ended up doing so with a pair of needle nose pliers. With the pliers closed, stick the nose into the opening you'd normally stick the flathead screwdriver into. You can press the fob in between the pliers and a hard surface to apply some down-force, then grab on to both handles of the pliers and spread them apart. The leverage of the pliers opening had the fob case open like butter.

[@GetIntoYourLife]

THe key is to use a light hammer, so it doesn't mushroom the pin. works a damn. i used your light tip advice. thanks

[@robertramirez5725]

Thanks for this video. My wife's key fob broke in pieces 3 years ago & she's been using her extra until today. It took this video & 5 minutes to fix it. Again, thank you very much 🙂

[@DMoneyGarage]

Thats awesome!!! Thank you!!

[@sebytro]

About four years ago I replaced my original Chevy Aveo keyfob with an aftermarket one because the lock/unlock buttons broke off. Now I had to replace it again because the metal part broke off from that cheap silver plastic top. Thank you for your vid! It made it easier to take away that metal pin.

[@chessdad182]

Your instructions helped greatly. I didn't have a small enough punch, so brought over the old mechanism. Only downside to that is then the button doesn't pop up apparently. Not a huge deal as I have two working fobs, and can use this as my backup. Maybe later if I get ambitious, I will try to pop the pin out. One trick that helped me getting the original apart is I mounted the case in the vice, then carefully used a small hacksaw to cut into the plastic lengthwise to a slight depth. I was careful so I wouldn't damage the board. Thanks again!

[@rickladue7521]

Thank you for the video. I just swapped one of these key fobs over for a friend. I did have to open up the slot in the old key part so I could fit the new roll pin back in. Didn't have a punch that small so I'm glad you brought up the Allen wrench idea. I completely lost the first roll pin I'm glad I didn't need it. Anyway I don't think I would have tried this without your video so thanks again I really appreciate your help.

[@mattragusa2734]

Worked! Taking apart my old key fob was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I had to basically break apart the entire old fob without damaging anything on the inside, but after that part this was very easy to do and I followed step by step. Thank you!

[@elyssiah]

Thanks for your help. It took more effort than I thought it would but you assisted greatly. The makers of this product should link to your video!

[@DMoneyGarage]

Thank you so much and I'm glad it helped!!!

[@cautionontherun30]

@@DMoneyGarage I changed it and now my car dosnt turn on or can't unlock it

[@willamxavier7305]

Excellent! Just finished my with $8. Saved more than $100. Thanks so much!

[@keylay9453]

Btw, ace hardware cuts these keys.... I brought mine up there just to ask. They said they cut them but do not cut third party keys. After about 2 mins of talking, they not only cut my key, BUT DID IT FOR FREE!

[@crawdadlavely5291]

Looks great, paused the video and ordered my new fob. came back and watched you finish putting it back together. wish me luck :)

[@DMoneyGarage]

You can do it! Thanks for the support!!

[@crawdadlavely5291]

WOW that was fast. Got the new fob in the mail today Took a little bit of work, had to move the key into the new hinge. Works great. Thank you. ps. Yes I had to destroy the old case to get it apart.

[@DMoneyGarage]

Thats freaking awesome!!! Glad you got it!!! Thanks for the update, I love success stories!!!

[@dougguitar]

Thank you. This worked great for replacing the key fob for my son’s 2016 Chevy Trax. I ended up using a small finishing nail as a punch to get the pin part way out, and then used pliers to twist it out the rest of the way; not too bad.

[@janicepaquette8273]

Great help - Managed to change 2. The hardest part was getting the old ones dismantled.

[@ehcs0]

glad to see that I wasn't the only one having trouble getting the original case open, just pry it apart they say... took me forever to get it apart almost had to get the hammer.

[@jenncypcar]

ThYs because most people don’t tell you there is a screw under the Chevy emblem .

[@EnricCortes-kt2rz]

Thanks man. Putting the fob together again drove me crazy for a long time!

[@kimberleastuparyk1811]

Thank-you for your great video. I had 2, 2010 Equinox key fobs to replace and GM has discontinued them. You made it so easy. I put my original circuit board into the new fob and no programming was necessary. Super simple.

[@joela.8256]

Came across your video just in time. I ordered a replacement and was having trouble with the new parts not fitting the old key blade holder. I ended up transferring the key blade to the new holder and that sealed the deal. It took about a minute to remove the roll pin on both old and new and to reinstall the new key blade. Everything fit perfectly. Thanks for taking the time to share!!!

[@DMoneyGarage]

Thank you!

[@ginarivera9921]

I lost the 2nd pair of keys of my chevy equinox, and the one that I have has no buttons left for me to push, cause all 4 buttons broke. I went to the dealer and they charge $500 for 1 keyfob, they said, cause they have to program it, etc...I really appreciate your video, I just ordered new keyfob from Amazon and will get it change once I receive. Thank you so much!

[@charredskeleton]

Thanks for the tip about the removable blade. I had to switch mine out. Wish mine was screwed together. It just snaps together, and is glued now.

[@johnpeters8780]

I struggled with getting the key to fold properly. Once I saw your video and found out I had to punch the s key out and use the one with the new case, Rene problem was solved. Thank you

[@fidelrodriguez8628]

The Best by far , thanks .....I really dont know why it is so complicated with their system, it makes no sense at all.... Thanks a lot again

[@DMoneyGarage]

Thank you!

[@apatterntofollow]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS! My husband's fob's lock feature went bad months ago and I could not talk him into buying a new one. I started looking on KZbin to see if we could figure out how to program it if we bought a new fob and had a locksmith cut it.... that's how I found your video! Thanks for the link for the correct fob shell for our 2013 Equinox.... hubby knew it was doable but couldn't find just the shell. Plus he didn't have to punch the pin out to make it work. He was so happy! Now he has a new fob that works great! Thanks again!

[@DMoneyGarage]

Thats so awesome!! Thank you!!!

[@ECJV1949]

I filed down a 2D box nail slightly as my punch and a HVAC flaring block as my vise. It worked well for me. Thanks for the video.

[@ForestvilleOppa]

Start watching about @11:07 that's what most of us need to know. Thanks a million!

[@gabeandujo139]

Great video saved me a bunch of hassle trying to program my sons 2013 Chevy Camaro replacement fob

[@eduardogarzaa]

Vi casi todos los videos de youtube para ver como se pone lo de la llave, nadie vale madre. Este fue el unico video que en verdad me ayudo a resolver el problema! Muchas gracias hermano... bendiciones!

[@DMoneyGarage]

Gracias señor!

[@tinamariegenx2039]

I can not thank you enough for the simplicity of this video. My daughter was going crazy for her key fob and I couldn’t find a video at all that helped me. I came across yours an a few minutes later it’s together and working. Again thank you definitely hitting subscription button! 🙂

[@RosemaryWestPhotography]

THANK YOU!!! That spring thing gets me everytime... needed a refresher! Bless you!

[@craig1878]

I am grateful for this how-to video as it allowed me to get my fob as good as new for $12 bucks. The biggest struggle that I encountered was the roll pin removal and the re-inserting it back into its holder once I inserted the grooved key blade into place. The roll pin is delicate and will sustain damage upon removal and thinking that the roll pin coming from the replacement fob will be easier and to simply use that pin was not in the works for me. The steel pin was cheap and bent upon insertion. The OEM pin was harder steel and while I needed to slightly return it back into shape I was able to reuse it. I was wondering why I needed to even remove the pin at all? Seems to me that I could have simply left it together and swapped out the arm from the new fob eliminating that element completely. Would have been so much simpler. One thing to keep in mind is this job requires ultimate patience. Almost the work of a jeweler. In the end, I have a new fob once again that works as good as new. Thanks again!

[@jhaolm]

Your video was so helpful. I had no issues assembling my new key fob. Thanks.

[@RapperBC]

Thanks a million! Figured I'd have to rotate the key, but couldn't figure out exactly how. Not sure why you decided to go whole hog and change out the actual blank on the hinge by driving out the roll pins; I just left my old one on there and it worked well. For a minute I thought maybe the hinge design had changed.

[@305Navi]

You Sir if you ran for President, I'll vote for you. Thank you!

[@DMoneyGarage]

Thank you but unfortunately I’m too honest to be a politician 🤷😂

[@PappyHolliday]

I just swapped out two of mine. Your video helped me out. Thanks for the assistance.

[@ugetjeff]

watched a lot of videos on this fob to no avail , but this one helped me THX

[@donovan1989]

How do I get the physical key to stay lockdown? No one is showing me that because it won’t stay locked in place.

[@JustinLuvv]

This was so helpful, I tried using the original key and flip mechanism from the original, but found it did not allow the key flip button to pierce thru the new housing. Ended up switching to the new blade holder. The biggest pain was getting the new pin in with the original blade. I ended up using needle nose pliers to hold the pin in place while I slightly tapped the pin in the hole and when it was snug in the hole, I hammered it in place. Thanks so much for making this video especially for people like me who were afraid to try this on account of not wanting to break it lol!

[@99shadows66]

Thank you, I used your video to help replace one of my worn-out fobs on my 2013 Chevy Volt.

[@AndyC1]

Big thumbs up. Saved on the how to spring tension tutorial. Tried to use an after market key fob cover on the factory backing, would not snap onto each other.

[@MrAnim8orVideos]

Thanks, this worked awesome. And great tip about the spring. No clue how you got yours apart so easily though, I struggled for like 15 minutes and mangled my old one. It all worked in the end though.

[@torriswebb4843]

Great video I did both mine is 2 minutes. be safer dont stab yourself with the screwdriver.

[@eliesalumu5172]

The video is helpful. I'm just done fixing my GMC key fob by watching this video. Thanks alot 🙏

[@rolandalaniz3678]

Great video, I was able to fix the wife’s Equinox key fob. Thank you!

[@DMoney_media]

So much better than spending $150-$200 on a new key with programming!

[@rockerchris82]

Depending on the vehicle some all you need to do is put the key in the ignition and you can reprogram it yourself

[@xxg0t3mxx]

the one with 5 buttons now is 6$ just ordered one thank you!

[@caddystrophic4778]

Thanks for the spring explanation. Messed one and you helped me correct it.

[@billtodd9008]

Great video very helpful. Good step-by-step advice. Seeing the problems you had with the roll pin, I decided to examine the mechanical aspects of both key blades and their mating parts. For all intents and purposes they appeared equivalent. I decided to use the key blade from the old fob without dealing with the roll pin and it works just fine.

[@clevelandhudson4026]

did the same thing and I guarantee the old blade holder is way stronger I just had to drill hole a little to get old button to fit through and it works great glad I didn't punch out old pin

[@Julio_thepainter]

It worked 🥳 I tried it without punching out the pin and using the old key mechanism and it didn't work. You'll definitely have to use a punch and get it out and swap it over. 👍🏼

[@howarduman1048]

Worked for me! Thanks for clear instructions. I lost one of the pins, but since there were 2...

[@Mfam16]

Stabbed my hand really good doing this😊

[@ntvtexan5015]

Great video ! I've got a 2012 Chevy SONIC I have to repair bot FOB's for. This will make it so much easier ! Thanks !!!

[@nelsonlopez4695]

Thank you so much, I would get stuck placing key on keyfob. Now I have new extra key fob I purchased, gonna have extra key cut.

[@4eyesusa]

Thank you for posting your instructions! Saved me a lot of money and aggravation, Cheers!!

[@xbigshot1]

DMoney..........FANTASTIC video........very real on how to do it.......thank you so much.........LOL.......I USED to live in michigan.....best 20 years of my life, and I KNOW EXACTLY where the Zukey Lake Tavern is..........do they still have that awesome buffet on Sunday mornings?......OMG i miss Michigan so much!

[@DMoneyGarage]

Not sure. Haven’t been back up there in a few years. And with all the stuff that’s happened over the last couple years it makes me wonder also.

[@tomd7516]

We love the Zuckey Lake Tavern ! The repaired FOB worked.

[@DMoneyGarage]

Amazing pizza and I love the huge salad bar. The wife’s great aunt lives up there.

[@juanlanda2441]

Took so long i almost fell asleep watching this one 🤣

[@amadorgarcia8904]

I have the same exact thing you have old key (2018 Chevy Trax) an transfer everything to the new key Fob which I purchased thru Amazon !!!! PERFECT!!!!!

[@lovelearnandgrow2853]

My 2017 spark new fob would not prey apart without destroying it. Mine didn't have a screw under symbol. I see they used some kind of adhevsive that made this tough. I ended up cutting the lock button oversized and then placed it in.. I guess I could use a little super glue to make sure it doesn't pop out.. but wanted to say thank you for your vid... it got my started and mine is working fine now! Keep thinking! :)

[@AP-dn5si]

Finally someone who knows what their talking about

[@greggarner4477]

Greay video! I need to do this with both keyfobs for my wifes Terrain. Thank you!

[@deannescott5485]

This was great! I think I can do this myself. 🙏🏽

[@TheMorales777]

thank you so much for your great informative video, God Bless !!!!!

[@scottbraaten7380]

This video just saved my ass. Thanks a lot

[@andreaotten2937]

Thank you so much! The plastic holding the blade in snapped on both fobs. I was worried how much it would cost to fix at the dealership but my new fobs are ordered and on their way.

[@RogueSmithers]

Thanks. Out of the 3 videos I watched yours was the most helpful and looks like you got same fob cases I did. The tip about the roll pin was definitely needed to switch blades. My fobs came with little Phillips head screw drivers, worked perfectly as a pin punch. But damn, the factory key fob cases seem like they're JB welded together, what a pain to get them apart.

[@ralphdeluca9654]

The original fob was imposable to open. I had to crack it open with a chisel. The new one wasn't much easier. What a P.O.S design.

[@RogueSmithers]

@@ralphdeluca9654 agreed. I wish I had used a Dremel to cut originals open. First one came apart smoother than the second one, broke a button on the chip. Ended up ordering new fobs ready to be programmed and the key blade swapped over. Oh well, I'll have an extra fob I can get a key cut for so my daughter has a key when she gets her license I guess.

[@clevelandhudson4026]

used the fork I ate dinner with and got it apart in 4 seconds

[@MichaelWRutherford]

I don't know if they were welded together with age, but I used a Dremel with a cutting wheel along the top sides over the circuit board and still couldn't get them to pry apart. Eventually, I got enough of the top cut away that I could break it off. Then I still had to use the Dremel to cut away around the key to get that mechanism out.

[@davejackson2099]

Thank you for showing us this! I just did it and it works! 🎉

[@jonathanlitz2018]

Thank you I just bought a Chevrolet Equinox the keyfob buttons were starting to break so I will have to do the same process but so far the button with the spring to turn the blade will be a bit of a issue

[@moanaberryliftee1181]

Thank you so much you’ve literally saved me! I was getting so frustrated

[@DMoneyGarage]

Thank you!! I'm glad it helped!!

[@roycsinclair]

SOB's at GM have started Gluing them together so you need a Dremel tool to separate the halves.

[@DMoneyGarage]

I've done 200-300 fobs and the last 2 set I've done were glued. Idk if the oem replacements are glued or what. I agree with the aggravation. But your right about the dremel 100%

[@roycsinclair]

@@DMoneyGarage I've thought about it and it may be Dealerships pulling that trick or even people who've had the fob come apart. Since a replacement is cheap enough, glue IS an option.

[@DMoneyGarage]

Very possible.

[@3DJapan]

Ingesting, my 2014 Chevy Sonic fob looks too have 2 pins holding the key blade in.

[@AudioSilenceTeamDLZ]

Thanks while I watched you take the key off I figured out the battery compartment is right under the key, after you flip it open.

[@naomikoehler9262]

I was able to get mine cut at the local locksmith. I think it was $10. The guy was skeptical, but it was super easy to program myself in the parking lot. Drove away and his jaw was on the floor.

[@jessicaschebler2183]

This was extremely helpful to me. Thank you for posting this video

[@dannybopp]

Great video, thanks! The rubber buttons to my Chevy Volt key are worn out, so I only want to replace the rubber buttons. Is there a screw behind the Chevy badge on the OEM key as well?

[@Mogalize]

Just called the dealership today (9 June 2021) and they WILL NOT DO THIS. They will not replace the plastic casing. Wont sell you the parts to do it either. RIGHT TO REPAIR!

[@KenoM3000]

That's because they make more money selling you a new remote plus programming

[@Vgp-rp4iu]

Just buy it on Amazon. Everyone knows not to go to the dealership for something like this. I ordered the shell for mine just like this and it was 7.99

[@robynstewardson]

@Vgp-rp4iu mine went thru the wash and there is red stuff all around the 2 chips. Pretty sure nothing to be done with the innards.

[@Snypersystem186]

​@@robynstewardsonyou can get new chips. You will have to reprogram the whole set tho. Every car has this programming built into their computer. You just have to shop for the complete key fob and not just the case. They will cost more of course.

[@garylove2836]

Damm my man this is a lot of work! If you do this for someone and go through all that work I’m sure you will not charge $10 dollars right?

[@goqwertygo]

called my local Chevy dealer for a new flip key fob replacement $82 for the genuine fob $90 for the program $45 for the key cut my fob that came with my car easily comes apart just by hand. the good condition used ebay fob is glued. I didn't know there would have been a screw under the logo, but there is no screw. I can't open it with out damaging it. When putting the fob back together. I found it was much easier starting with the button part face down, metal button, circuit board, key, then use the back shell as a handle to wind up the spring and then snap it together.

[@anniebrock5879]

THANKKKK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE VIDEO!!!! YOU HELPED ME SAVE ALMOST $300!!

[@l-train88k36]

Your video was vary helpful thank you !! I had to hack saw one of my old keys open cuz it was glued tougher . The whole process was infuriating 🤬 but saves you 100$

[@joeshajackson8126]

Omg thank you for this video. My key fob loooks exactly like rhe one in the video !

[@Secretarian]

LOL I have a 2011 Equinox and the exact same button on the fob broke as the one shown here at 0:38.

[@noelhatfield6222]

I have a 2014 Equinox. One of my keyfobs went bad so I did purchase one online with the remote start feature. I watched this video and my new one has the curcuit board already in it so I wouldnt of had to take it all apart. I made the mistake of taking it apart and tryed to use the entire old key blade with its holder so I wouldnt have to beat out the pin. Big mistake. The internal key blade holder does not fit in the new one. I could of just beat out both pins on new and old and just changed the blade and saved some time! I fid have to do some slight filing on the old blade to line up the pin hole. Not too bad and now it works. But if I had to do it again I would never take it completely apart.

[@aceyorba]

Great Info. Just wondering when you will do a video on bolting your bench Vice to the Workbench ?

[@DMoneyGarage]

Once I have my final setup I'll bolt it down. I don't want to make holes and end up moving it.

[@Torvic003]

Thank you for your very informative video proof that not all heroes wear capes.

[@cswann8]

I just did a fob case swap on my GM key. Some jackass apparently put some sort of glue on the two halves. I ended up putting it in a vice and cutting them apart with a dremel, and miraculously the PCB inside was not destroyed.

[@Catluvsdogs]

Hmmm. Wondering if I can use the blade out of regular key. Mine had no key fob when I got it. Just a key.

[@berrywr1]

So you used the board from the old fob, yes? But what if your old fob is damaged or it won't work; do you have a video to program the new fob without the assist of the old fob; thank you! Excellent video by the way!

[@robmorley]

Thank you. Did it just as you said and it WORKED !

[@Gibbs3DWorld]

This did help me complete my rebuild. Thank you for the video

[@ItzOvProTG]

Broo do you have updated links for the keys that have the five buttons and with the chevy logo? Those are unavailable on the links you posted. Thanks Keep up the good work

[@tonygilman7740]

Thanks for the vid! Everything went fairly well except.... My key will not lock closed now. Locks open and requires the button be pressed to close, but will not lock closed. I don't think I bought the exact same aftermarket FOB, but it looks really really similar. Nothing seems wonky but obviously something is preventing it from falling in the grooves and locking. Any idears??

[@craigbmm4675]

nice . i got a new fob coming for a Saturn

[@fliiguy247]

Beautifully done. Thank you for this.

[@TuttieJenkins]

How do you change the in side part with the buttons.. one of my buttons are missing.

[@mr2litm333]

I used the smallest flat nails to remove the key from the old cover ,it was easy and fast.

[@b0llos]

im pretty sure you don't need to crack the chassis open to get to the board for the swap - i also think will make it less structurally sound in the long run. i found that after knocking out the roll pin from the old broken oem key fob (cringe on the plier usage, bent that poor little roll pin right up) and removing the key, then knocking out the blank key that came on the non oem replacment key fob, and inserting the old oem laser etched key, and carefully driving in the oem roll pin (it's stronger, better quality metal) all you need to do after that to program the aftermarket GM key fob is: 1. go into your car, shut the door 2. insert a working oem key and turn all the way to the right, without starting the vehicle for 1 second 3. remove key 4. insert new key fob with laser etched key installed and turn all the way 5. car should start, and aftermarket key fob should be programmed

[@Juan-qq1rb]

Couldn't you replace the face with the buttons onto the old key fob?

[@darkabyss83]

Thanks, bought new fob changed guts out, work like a charm, don't try to save old key fob cover with emblem..original has super glue or heated the plastic together. So it got destroyed pulling apart. Just heads up

[@lovegeorgian]

Thanks! My result is perfect, but it was hard to take apart the old case. I broke the last 2 parts to take out the electrical board. I may should apply WD-40 or sanitizer to loose them.

[@VegetaUnv7]

Awesome job man