DIY Keyfob repair equinox camaro under $10

This particular key fob is for a 2010 Equinox. There are multiple vehicles from GM that use this style key and they all have the same issues. In this video I show how to replaced the case and make the key fob like new. Parts and tools are listed below. I left the part in where the punch broke. I could have reshot that part but wanted to show that stuff happens. Just adapt and make it work. Dont forget to subscribe to the channel and hit the bell for updates. Thanks to all the support and thanks for tuning in.
Merch: www.teespring.com/stores/dmon...
Tools needed:
New fob case...
W/lock and unlock only: amzn.to/32RYma5
W/remote start: amzn.to/3bn8OKw
W/remote start & Pwr Liftgate: amzn.to/2Z2Lay6
W/lock,unlock and trunk: amzn.to/32WkHTY
Small and medium flat blade screw drivers.
Small punch and hammer.
Small phillips screw driver.
Pair of pliers to pull roll pin.
Merch: teespring.com/stores/dmoney-m...
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www.dmoneygarage.com
Facebook Page @dmoneygarage
Contact Email: [e-mail]
"Steve Demo is a participant in Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to DMoney Garage"
Notice:
Due to factors beyond the control of DMoney Garage, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. DMoney Garage assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. DMoney Garage recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DMoney Garage, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of any tools, equipment, or information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DMoney Garage.

[@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!

[@EnricCortes-kt2rz]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@willamxavier7305]

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

[@janicepaquette8273]

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

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@fliiguy247]

Beautifully done. Thank you for this.

[@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!

[@eliesalumu5172]

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

[@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!!!

[@howarduman1048]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@RosemaryWestPhotography]

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

[@ugetjeff]

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

[@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.

[@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! 🙂

[@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

[@jhaolm]

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

[@deannescott5485]

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

[@robmorley]

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

[@rashawngibbs8218]

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

[@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!

[@caddystrophic4778]

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

[@davejackson2099]

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

[@jessicaschebler2183]

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

[@gabeandujo139]

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

[@99shadows66]

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

[@Thira.ITK13]

Thank you for this video. That so so amazing. You help me save a lot of cost!

[@PappyHolliday]

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

[@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!

[@4eyesusa]

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

[@greggarner4477]

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

[@herb39hs]

Great video and it worked just the way you explained it thanks 👍🏼

[@anthonycassino9769]

Awesome video! Thanks for the great content.

[@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.

[@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 🤷😂

[@scottbraaten7380]

This video just saved my ass. Thanks a lot

[@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

[@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.

[@joeshajackson8126]

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

[@Juliopaints]

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. 👍🏼

[@ramirothebuilder8106]

Thank you sir! This really helped! Saved money too!

[@DMoneyGarage]

Thank you!!!

[@SeizetheMomentMedia]

Thank you! Just what i needed!

[@Torvic003]

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

[@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 !!!

[@anniebrock5879]

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

[@orangesasquatch1]

Very good and helpful video. Thanks.

[@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.

[@VegetaUnv7]

Awesome job man

[@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!!!!!

[@xxg0t3mxx]

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

[@juanlanda2441]

Took so long i almost fell asleep watching this one 🤣

[@TheMorales777]

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

[@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$

[@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.

[@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.

[@VictorAlyCS]

really thank you so much for this video.

[@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

[@robertalcala1385]

Awesome job 😊😊😊😊😊

[@jocogagyi8250]

Thanks man yor video is 💯 🎉

[@henryleal1733]

Thank you for this tutorial.....👍

[@dagr84]

great video. I had trouble with the hole punching so instead i held the old cylinder in the new housing and notched out the required bit so that the key locked closed. works a charm.

[@AngstG]

Awesome, great video!! 👍

[@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.

[@doribonesbonner8848]

Thanks for this! Saved me 💵💵💵!❤️

[@SSChago]

Thanks it was informative

[@AP-dn5si]

Finally someone who knows what their talking about

[@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.

[@torriswebb4843]

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

[@alabamabarbie1976]

Perfect! Thank you! 😎

[@DMoneyGarage]

You are welcome!😁

[@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! :)

[@dinahjohnson6493]

Thanks for sharing ☺️

[@Leosimba25]

Que buen video amigo gracias me sirvió mucho .. ya mi llave 🔑 también estaba muy dañada

[@k-unit91]

Bigg thanks mann!!!

[@Cammando03]

Did this and snapped the key, had to get a new key cut😂

[@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.

[@aristidesberenguerenvivo930]

Thank you for your help. 100 %.

[@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.

[@matthewsheehan4023]

Thabk you for this

[@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.

[@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.

[@bisonpitt]

Thank you for the video! I ordered the spare fob (from Amazon) for my 2011 Camaro switchblade key because the unlock button fell off. As a temporary measure, I was able to use superglue to reattach the button. At first button was very stiff but pressed it a few times and it loosened up. Not sure how long it'll last but I'm hoping it will make it until the new one arrives and I can try this.

[@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.

[@tiamakebaworld391]

Thank you so much more then help 😊