How to replace Key FOB buttons | Chevy Cruze

Didn't wanna buy a new FOB, so found an option to fix the old one!
Enjoy!!
*You do this at your own risk, you may damage the circuit board.*
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[@joeystant9965]

Video was great! $10 and 30 minutes later I’ve replaced my broken fob. Thank you!!

[@jonellemcmillen8364]

Awesome KZbin how to repair video. I could not have replaced the shell for my old key fob without your help. The most difficult step was opening the old fob case. That required many attempts and greater strength than I had. But I managed and the fob works like new.

[@MindmeldTech]

Happy it helped you, and yes taking that shell apart was a pain!

[@genes.3285]

My problem was disassembling the old key fob. I ended up demolishing it. I had thrown it into the wastepaper basket, thinking I had destroyed the electronics. I still hadn't gotten it disassembled at that point. I was using screwdrivers, pliers, even a hammer with a flat edge screwdriver to break open the old unit. Finally, after taking it out of the trash, I got the plastic away from the electronics. I was reasonably certain the electronics were not going to work. I assembled it and, lo and behold, it worked. However, I couldn't get the spring action on the key. The button is flush with the plastic cover. Nevertheless, it works and that's good enough for me. This project took up several hours.

[@genes.3285]

Replying to myself, alas and alack, it doesn't start the car. The check engine light comes on. I wasted a day. I made an appointment at the local service station.

[@bohdanmaks]

@@genes.3285 Did you get it eventually? My after market leaflet (haven't done it myself yet) says to use the old key to start the car, then the new fob to start the car, wait until check engine turns off ... Not sure if that actually works tho

[@uncertain_zee]

I wish I had seen your video before the other one i did and decided to start this undertaking - the guy made it seem so easy! Yours was much more similar to my process 😭😭 thanks so much for the upload!!!

[@only_me_101]

I have this exact issue with my key too. I'm saving this video and buying a replacement cover. Thank you so much

[@starasiaburch296]

THANK YOU ❤ you literally saved me from having to go get a new key made cause my fob buttons broke and using the key to open and close the door with a 7month old is a PAIN 😂

[@MindmeldTech]

You're welcome!!

[@cheribaker258]

Thanks i purchased the shell now its time to replace it for my 2016 Malibu 😊

[@DrFadenstyle]

Your video was really helpful, I changed my key fob within minutes after watching this.

[@MindmeldTech]

Great to hear!

[@THRobinson]

Excellent, just bought a used Terrain, one fob good the other looked exactly like yours. Found the shells but needed a video to see how to dismantle. Thanks.

[@timnielsen7809]

Thanks for this vid….did not know this as an option…….been using packaging tape for the better part of a year!

[@EDable209]

I just did this and it ultimately worked great. I did have one issue where the silver button (that makes the key flip out) mechanics weren’t the same. They were shaped slightly different and the 3 teeth around the button didn’t quite match the old version. The old key base also wouldn’t open smoothly in the new shell, so I went another route. I needed to get my old key onto the new base. Luckily, there’s a little spring pin that holds the key to the base. I used a little glasses repair kit screw driver to tap that spring pin out and put the old key on the new key base and as a result could use the new button mechanics. It now flips open smoothly. Everything took 30 mins and it works.

[@MindmeldTech]

Awesome!

[@detrichwong]

Thank you for this. I just ordered the replacement fob from Amazon using your link. And, I'll attempt this this weekend on my broken key fob referencing your instructions.

[@robertkendall3522]

Thank you. Took a little work on my end, but your info saved me countless hours doing it myself or money taking it to a pro. New key would have been pricy too.

[@MrMK211516]

Great video. I learned to just shell out the money for oem key fobs. The aftermarket start falling apart and cost more money in the long run.

[@sussybacka3457]

Going to try with 2015 Jeep Cherokee, this was an exceptional video, will report back! Thanks

[@SouthernLocks]

I got it to work. Thx for the vid. Some after market remotes are a little off if you are interchanging parts. My set is a little off bit it will have to do unless I want to buy factory keys cut from the dealership Thx for the video

[@MindmeldTech]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@RachiYaPartnersPatnaMayes]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@MindmeldTech]

Happy to help!

[@jussarabozzano940]

Thanks a lot! It worked great for me as well.

[@brushfire9]

Huge help for me. Thanks for sharing!

[@corianlove6668]

Thank you for this video!!!❤❤

[@coffeeconfessor4747]

thank you! I've been trying to find the cheapest way to fix my fob!!

[@MindmeldTech]

Glad I could help!

[@TU-ks6pu]

Excellent video

[@raheemfuller2210]

Way better then the last dudes post

[@paulhof7659]

Just made the switch after watching your video. Worked great. A pain to open the old case but easy after that. Thanks a lot!!

[@AngstG]

Awesome, great video!! 👍

[@MindmeldTech]

Thank you! 👍

[@juankyf5732]

They super glued mine together. I'll have to use my wife's key and buy a programmable replacement.

[@MindmeldTech]

yeh, mine seemed to be glued also. mangled it to get it open.

[@genes.3285]

@@MindmeldTech Likely, that was the same with mine. I just couldn't get it apart.

[@financeranger]

Yeah factory key was mighty tight! Also be careful when prying you may damage the plunger (it’s plastic). My new plunger would mesh with the old key so I lost the pop open feature, but at least I can use the buttons.

[@CalLou502]

Same problem I'm having

[@DylanOConnor]

Yeah we can't get it to fit properly either. but i'm using my old key and circuit board with the new fob shell. at least i can lock and unlock without having to use a pen to poke it. @@CalLou502

[@floridalife215]

Appreciate you friend.

[@MindmeldTech]

I appreciate that

[@BrittneyBouncer]

Very helpful

[@ChellyMac]

Thanks for the help! I was literally getting so irritated trying to get it back together to where I just wanted to throw it across the yard!!! 🤣

[@MindmeldTech]

Happy it helped!

[@judyneighbors7457]

Thanks That helped

[@MindmeldTech]

Happy to help!

[@buzzcity01]

That’s great. Where did you buy the shell from? What do they cost?

[@MindmeldTech]

I added a link in the video recently. Got it on Amazon, about 7 bucks

[@robertalcala1385]

Good idea 😊

[@lanilacionni9919]

Good video bro

[@MindmeldTech]

Appreciate it

[@aims1109]

Do you know if there are (reasonable) replacement shells that include a new mother board? My fob key buttons are gone, but the buttons inside the shell (with the rubber black cover) no longer has the protective black rubber over each key. Thank you

[@MindmeldTech]

I have never used one but found this keyless-remotes.com/chevrolet-flip-key-remote-5-button-w-remote-start/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzv2Mhbaf-AIVSBZMCh11AgVCEAQYASABEgL8k_D_BwE

[@user-sy9hh7x9fi]

Thanks!

[@jimbrideau5802]

There is a small roll pin at the base of the key. All you have to do is push the pin out and the key will come right off. Reverse the procedure using your original key and you're done. This will keep you from having to take it all apart.

[@MindmeldTech]

You still have to take it apart to get the circuit board out unless I'm missing something. The replacement is just an empty shell.

[@andrewsmith8729]

The old transponder has to come out of the old fob and into the new one....... which means you have to pull the entire new key fob apart and re-tension the blade spring. What I found is the fobs are slightly different to the old ones..... can't clip the new front onto the old back. The plastics and push button slots are tricky. Then the spring has to be re-tensioned.

[@Lukebarca]

Wow I went and bought a new key that's crazy to see this. Well I guess I have three keys now though.

[@nikmariealex]

Thank you! I was about to use polymer clay 😅

[@MindmeldTech]

You’re welcome 😊

[@timm8263]

My original factory remote will not just pop apart by prying with a screwdriver. The two halfs of the remote seem to be almost glued together. I have been using a dremel tool to slice into the side of the remote making sure to stay away from the internal circuit board as to not damage it.

[@MindmeldTech]

yeh, I had to give mine hell to get it open. Did it turn out OK for you?

[@timm8263]

@@MindmeldTech Yes, eventually. Every button on the remote did not function at first. Closely inspected pcb and discovered that I accidentally cut two traces, but repaired them with 30 GA jumpers and all buttons then worked. Bottom line - be very careful with pcb!

[@txc-sciatic870]

Dude it’s literally impossible to get apart! Just tried for an hour to brute force my way in and didn’t work. How long did it take you?

[@MindmeldTech]

It was such a pain to open. I tried all kinds of stuff to open it. I dug around on the internet and found several people saying a flat head screw driver. I thought that's just ridiculous, then I tried it and I popped the suckered open. The key is to turn it sideways so that it takes up as much space as possible inside the fob. I mean it was still tough to open but the screw driver seemed to be the ticket. Check about the 3 minute mark on the video.

[@SouthernLocks]

Use 2 needle nose pliers and carefully tear them apart. That worked for me but I broke some bits of plastic off that I may have needed for later. I can't get my switch blade key to lock into position tho. I think I'm missing a piece

[@genes.3285]

@@MindmeldTech That's what I started out with. I think mine was superglued together.

[@markrod1351]

Next time, try a Dremel like tool with a small cutting wheel along the case seam perimeter. After trying to pry it apart with a screwdriver and nearly destroying the circuit board, I used a Dremel knock off from Harbor Freight. Disassembly of the second FOB took less time and was cleaner. Best of all, no damage to the circuit board.

[@conversationswithsarahtheg3222]

Thank u

[@MindmeldTech]

No problem

[@fjocicdell]

Finally this hack wоrk for me

[@MindmeldTech]

Happy to hear it!

[@ddrod]

Awesome job dude, your video is so far the best on how to do it. The other ones the key don't pop into the new keyholder sucket. You got that little counter clock wise turn with the spring little knot right. The other guys didn't.👌👌✌✌👍👍

[@ricku4856]

Are the buttons easy to push on the new shell? I bought a shell from Advance Auto and the buttons are stiff and require force to push. Not a rubber feel like the OEM, more of a hard plastic.

[@MindmeldTech]

The shell I picked up has stiff buttons, rhey aren't horrible. But are for sure stiffer than factory

[@SomeRandoNamedPaul]

I've been fighting with getting my factory remote apart. When I pulled this video up and saw you pop that third party she'll open like it was nothing I almost threw my phone. I would love to have seen you demo the remote after. Does it lose programming with the battery being out for a while?

[@MindmeldTech]

Yeh the factory one is a real pain to open. I haven't had any issues with programming loss .

[@jahuey]

Is it possible to just put the top part of the new button replacements and pop it onto the bottom part of the old one?

[@MindmeldTech]

maybe, my old one was pretty stuck together. I mangled it getting it apart. but I have seen other videos where it comes apart easy. maybe you'll get lucky.

[@KenoM3000]

Probably not because the original and aftermarket shells are not exactly the same which mean parts are not enterchangable

[@CereaLover123]

These keys are designed so terribly, I’ve had this happen to both of my pairs

[@Ttscrafts]

I got a cover off Amazon and I love it. It’s also helped find my keys easier because it’s lavender and not the standard black.

[@exaviermcwhite]

😂😂😂and they say built ford tuff ....my ass

[@NutzBdragon]

thank you for this video. the only button i have left is lock. i have to carry a pen so i can hit unlock.

[@MindmeldTech]

no problem, happy to help!

[@jmbw03]

Did it work? Meaning did all of the functions open, start etc... ?

[@MindmeldTech]

Yep, it works.

[@EDable209]

Where were you able to get the replacement shell? I asked the Chevy dealership near me, and they won’t sell me just a shell. Can you provide a link if you purchased online? Great, thorough video btw!

[@MindmeldTech]

I'll post a link in a bit, but I ordered it on Amazon

[@EDable209]

Awesome! Thanks! I’ve seen other how-to videos where things don’t work or fit quite right. It’ll be nice to know I’m buying something that works.

[@MindmeldTech]

@@EDable209 KAWIHEN Key Fob Shell Replacement for Chevy Camaro Cruze Equinox Impala Malibu SS Sonic Buick Encore LaCrosse Regal Verano GMC Terrain OHT01060512 KR55WK50073 www.amazon.com/dp/B077682C5M/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_QMBNC11V7CGP475WY4QX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@tonyahoward350]

Did your car start after the new key fab

[@MindmeldTech]

yes it started. but remember this is just replacing the fob shell, if your circuit board is bad it will still be a problem for you.

[@medraut4379]

I love you

[@CopperCoin0017]

👋 HI!! Is there any way to fill in one of the buttons for a temporary fix until my shell arrives?? I'm in the process of moving, & the unlock button broke through. Mine also is showing a display light and car won't start. I even changed the battery. PLEASE PLEASE HELP THIS TIRED & STRESSED MOM!

[@MindmeldTech]

Not sure if there is a way to fill the button in. Maybe your board is bad if the car doesn't start.

[@aleksandarXtodorovic]

I used a flat lego piece which fits perfectly and insulation tape to keep everything in place. It works like a charm.

[@Cassxndragarcia]

Do you have the link to buy it?

[@MindmeldTech]

here you go www.amazon.com/Folding-Car-Key-Shell-Equinox/dp/B07RYM8JHQ/ref=sr_1_7?crid=QF91Z0SPKSK1&keywords=chevy+cruze+key+fob+case&qid=1670751119&sprefix=chevy+cruze+key+fob%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-7

[@kristinapehrson4844]

Mine looked exactly like this, however that little black button part of it inside is also missing, so there is nothing to press, no idea gow to fix that part.

[@CalLou502]

Mine won't lock when I close the key down it just springs back up? Any suggestions 🤔

[@AlbertBurdge]

same

[@carolynkaminski1665]

I have that problem

[@alexistaylor2977]

is there 2 springs ? my son destroyed it it's broken into pieces it wont flip im thinking im missin a spring

[@MindmeldTech]

Only 1 spring. You do have to wind the spring to get tension built up in it so that it flips open. Maybe give that a try.

[@YotesFan1980]

Trying to pry the factory key open broke the circuitry, and now I need a new key fob. Looks like it's not 100% effective, with me as the failure.

[@MindmeldTech]

Sorry to hear that :(

[@eyesoflioness8708]

I literally use a Dremel and a plastic cutting bit to cut mine open.

[@tawanawells7192]

So how do u program the new key?

[@MindmeldTech]

I didn't program it. I put the old circuit board into the new shell.

[@grassgangsters3616]

link to wear you can get those at. i have 13 camaro,plz link

[@MindmeldTech]

not sure what the Camaro fob looks like, but i got mine on Amazon. just search 2013 Camaro key fob case and look for the one that matches what yours looks like. It looks like they might have a couple different fobs for that year a 4 and a 5 button

[@susansmith9645]

Where do I get one of those I need one myself

[@MindmeldTech]

I got mine off of Amazon, I think I left a link in the description

[@DylanOConnor]

Is there not an updated key fob that the buttons don't wear out so damn easy?

[@msqueenyep]

I brought replacement Key Shell for my car...I called locksmith to see if they can do mine they want to make me a new key they won't do it for me Chevrolet repairs won't replace it either they want to make new keys I have the same Key shell like yours I live in California don't no any other place to go....do you have any suggestion both of my keys need fix please help....

[@MindmeldTech]

Do you have a family member that's good at working on things? Maybe they could do it.

[@msqueenyep]

@@MindmeldTech Thank you I got it taken care of I went to a key shop.

[@julyshaserrant8031]

What step am I missing, the key part will not lock down into place?

[@MindmeldTech]

Check that your button is seated correctly.

[@lauriemcspadden5781]

Good God. I use this tutorial to do mine and it took me about 30 minutes to tear apart the old one but it can be done. The sad part is I got everything down I thought, but it doesn’t work. Dammit!

[@albertrose1218]

Where can you buy just the shell?

[@MindmeldTech]

I got mine on amazon

[@abuenoadiosmaster3866]

My unlock car button just broke and it looks like I’m gonna have to get a replacement shell now. I wish they had the Chevy logo on them like the original

[@MindmeldTech]

Try this one maybe? Replacement Key Fob Cover Case fit for Chevy Malibu Camaro Cruze Equinox Impala Trax Sonic Smart Keyless Entry Key Fob (1) www.amazon.com/dp/B09QQ12P8H/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_5F1GK1JN837F7FXETMV1

[@Elias0405]

I’m struggling so bad with the manufacture one it’s annoying

[@MindmeldTech]

Yeh, it was a real pain to open.

[@jaylara2592]

It doesnt pop off, you have to push it down so the chrome piece that goes on the key holder is a slide connector

[@TheJamster1234567]

I did this but now the immobiliser light is flashing on my car and it wont start? Any ideas?

[@MindmeldTech]

I haven't had this issue, but check out this link. Hope it helps.www.justanswer.com/chevy/h11wp-not-starting-changed-key-fob-case-putting.html

[@dude...are-you-sure]

damn... this would have been easy had my button on the PCB didn't break and fall out... good thing replacement fob prices are not much more than just the shell these days... replacement remotes used to cost an arm and leg...

[@sheilapate7604]

I going to need help o can’t do it. I getting impatient and going to end up breaking it 😊

[@MindmeldTech]

yeh, it's kind of a pain to open.

[@teresahardwick4929]

Mine has a weird spring like wire, not a regular spring like this one 😪

[@teresahardwick4929]

kzbin.infozdSnvpx7mFE?si=FoFpxXLLZoQp0WLg

[@5Dawg05]

Much appreciated! I programmed a second key to my Buick, and all buttons work on the new remote, except when I get close to the car, I am unable to lock/unlock my doors. Basically the new remote doesn't work. I thought about taking the original chip out like you did but getting into that fob is crazy! Thanks for the video, glad I wasn't the only thinking about doing it the way you did.

[@bentag65]

Doors unlock and lock, panic works and the trucnk opens, but on starting the car the Service Theft Deterrent message shows and the car will not start. Any ideas

[@MindmeldTech]

hhmm, might want to do a Google search on that with the make and model of your car. looks like there is alot of information out there on that exact issue. might just be a simple reset of the theft device.

[@genes.3285]

@@MindmeldTech That turned out to be my problem. I thought it was working - the doors worked, the trunk. But when I tried to start the car, only the check engine light comes on.

[@CopperCoin0017]

MY EXACT PROBLEM!! IN THE MIDDLE OF MOVING!! EVERYTHING IS OH HOLD BECAUSE I CAN'T START MY CAR!!🥺 HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!

[@haroldlawson3567]

I wish I could tell him there’s a screw under the chevy logo as I’m watching.

[@MindmeldTech]

I wish there was, but there is not.

[@elvischan2879]

Does anyone has the issues of not being able to lock/unlock the car after replacing the new shell? Car do start perfectly tho😢 please leave a comment if you have any idea what happen?

[@MindmeldTech]

Oh wow, that is no good. There have been a few people saying the same thing. I wonder if the board was damaged in some way.

[@Pianomelodies777]

We did replace the fob successfully but when inserted into to start the car .. it says anti theft deterrent system. Hence not able to start the vehicle. Is there any suggestion?

[@TheJamster1234567]

Same issue did you mange to get it fixed?

[@tonyahoward350]

They told me why my car don't start. It was the key

[@MindmeldTech]

Eeww

[@tonyahoward350]

How much is that key fab

[@MindmeldTech]

it was about 10 bucks for the shell.

[@stevesperbeck576]

Why can't you just replace the piece that the buttons are on and be done with it ???

[@MindmeldTech]

As far as I know the top half is all one piece.

[@tokmind1ne295]

😂😂😂😅😅😅

[@brucegolden4689]

Man.. I’m still trying to get the spring part! What a crappy design.

[@MindmeldTech]

Yeh, the whole process was a real pain.

[@jonnyfavors7585]

The not so easy tutorial...jeez man..

[@yvgcano268]

Dont even work ive watched like 6 dofferent videos and none of them have helped

[@MindmeldTech]

What's the issue you're having?

[@snatcher420]

screw under the logo on back. No need to destroy it like you did.

[@MindmeldTech]

There wasn't one under the logo. From what I have seen not all the chevy fobs have the screw.

[@kennethdavid128]

Man your audio is terrible. Fifty percent of your video screen is not visible. You need a better producer for you motion picture !!!

[@MindmeldTech]

Thanks for the feedback. Currently making investments to better the overall production value

[@bobbyseiler4312]

This is a terrible video! What you failed to tell everyone before we destroyed the new fob is that there is a philips screw under the Chevrolet symbol in back of the Fob. All you need to do is lightly peel it away and unscrew it and you can then easily pry it apart. OMG.

[@MindmeldTech]

Thanks for the feedback, sadly it seems chevy seems to have different styles of fobs. This screw has come up before in the comments and a short follow up was made in response. The fob used to make this video has no screw under the logo. kzbin.infoAKg9i6DeEFU?si=1IwwVxQ_SQa6zd6b

[@Therakus]

I just disassembled a 2013 Malibu fob and it had no screw behind the logo. The whole thing was just superglued together requiring destruction of old fob to pry it apart. Another thing for people to know, the notches on the Amazon fob linked in other comments don’t exactly line up with OEM Chevy key. I was hoping to reuse the cut key in a new shell, but the notch discrepancy requires to use Metall key in new shell and locksmith to cut it.

[@MrSaluteMeOrShootMe]

Can’t thank you enough went to @Rockauto got 2 shells for 35 shipping included saved $100

[@MindmeldTech]

Nice!

[@JLDJR]

Isn't there a screw behind the Chevy logo on the back of the fob?

[@MindmeldTech]

I'm not sure what years they had a screw in the fob. The fob in the video does not have a screw behind the logo.