How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 9,595
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From: Kellyville, Ok
Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!
I guess "we" should come up with a skill level rating for doing this? I literally had to destroy my old fobs to set the guts free.. but I didn't use a sledge hammer to do it.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 9,595
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From: Kellyville, Ok
Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!
This month (so far...),
This thread along with amazon and ebay china cases destroyed 5 good (but ugly) working keys for 5 crossfire owners that i know of. That is 5 x $650 keys destroyed this month in hopes of a cleaner looking case.
I advise to leave an ugly functional key alone and intact
I will post back end of January with that months totals, actually they are probably more killed by this than i know of, that is just the people that call and tell me about it
This thread along with amazon and ebay china cases destroyed 5 good (but ugly) working keys for 5 crossfire owners that i know of. That is 5 x $650 keys destroyed this month in hopes of a cleaner looking case.
I advise to leave an ugly functional key alone and intact
I will post back end of January with that months totals, actually they are probably more killed by this than i know of, that is just the people that call and tell me about it
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 25,432
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From: Ontario
Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!
It is a little awkward, just take your time.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 25,432
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From: Ontario
Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2010
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Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!
Just did mine last week. The instructions and tools recommended are spot on
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 521
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From: Alexandria, Kentucky
Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!
I tried this because it looked so easy. WRONG! Now I have to buy a new key. Case would not come apart. Wound up getting it opened but destroyed the circuit board and the transponder chip.
My advise, do as Rob say's above. Wait until it gets run over by a truck and then buy a new key. If it works, don't fix it!
Jim
My advise, do as Rob say's above. Wait until it gets run over by a truck and then buy a new key. If it works, don't fix it!
Jim
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 9,595
Likes: 26
From: Kellyville, Ok
Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!
I tried this because it looked so easy. WRONG! Now I have to buy a new key. Case would not come apart. Wound up getting it opened but destroyed the circuit board and the transponder chip.
My advise, do as Rob say's above. Wait until it gets run over by a truck and then buy a new key. If it works, don't fix it!
Jim
My advise, do as Rob say's above. Wait until it gets run over by a truck and then buy a new key. If it works, don't fix it!
Jim
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 121
From: Mesa Arizona
Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!
I’ve done all six of mine, they were really hard to get apart but like everyone says slow and careful is the key. (Key, get it) It’s not like your getting paid flat rate.
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!
I also believe it depends on how glued the original case is......
My first case was hardly glued at all and the insides where easily removed using the instructions on this forum including the snap ring pliers.
The second case was a completely different story - it was entirely glued which was stronger than the seams themselves.
So, it was impossible to split the case and required the cutting away of the plastic that holds the circuit board in place.
This was done very carefully, and once removed, the board showed no visual signs of damage, it still become inoperable however.
Unfortunate there doesn't appear to be a way to predict whether a case is heavily glued until you take the first step of opening the top with the snap ring pliers.
However, I'm still happy to trade two very beaten up cases with their broken key rings for one brand-new looking key fob.
There's people out there that may be able to repair the circuit board for much less than the $700+ than a dealer or Needswings charges.
My first case was hardly glued at all and the insides where easily removed using the instructions on this forum including the snap ring pliers.
The second case was a completely different story - it was entirely glued which was stronger than the seams themselves.
So, it was impossible to split the case and required the cutting away of the plastic that holds the circuit board in place.
This was done very carefully, and once removed, the board showed no visual signs of damage, it still become inoperable however.
Unfortunate there doesn't appear to be a way to predict whether a case is heavily glued until you take the first step of opening the top with the snap ring pliers.
However, I'm still happy to trade two very beaten up cases with their broken key rings for one brand-new looking key fob.
There's people out there that may be able to repair the circuit board for much less than the $700+ than a dealer or Needswings charges.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 25,432
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From: Ontario
Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!
If you have two or more working fobs I would suggest that you use one and lock the other(s) in a safe place and never touch it or them until you have lost or ruined the first one,
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 521
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From: Alexandria, Kentucky
Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!
onehundred80 - You are SO right! Everyone should listen to this! With all respects to everyone, one should not attempt to take a working fob apart, no matter how it look's.
Jim
Jim
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 115
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Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!
I know a guy that repairs BMW fobs (Both Transmitter & Transponder issues) I can ask him.
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Joined: Nov 2017
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From: Alexandria, Kentucky
Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!
Scotto97 - Thanks. Let me know what you find out. You can PM me if you like or email me at jpmlholian@aol.com
Jim
Jim
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!
Scotto97 - Thanks. Let me know what you find out. You can PM me if you like or email me at jpmlholian@aol.com
Jim
Jim
So I'm still looking to purchase a working board which I can reprogram for use in my car.
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 17
Likes: 2
From: UK
Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!
So... I read this after I destroyed they key 
- and managed to damage the transponder chip in the process, so with the bits in the new fob the car won't start. Is it possible to replace and reprogram a new chip? (I do have a working key still)
- and managed to damage the transponder chip in the process, so with the bits in the new fob the car won't start. Is it possible to replace and reprogram a new chip? (I do have a working key still)
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,238
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From: CA
Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!
At this time there is no way to reprogram a transponder chip
Best to call Rob at Needswings. He can sell you the transponder chip. It will come wrapped in a brand new Key Fob with new cut key.
Experience is what you get when you don’t get want you want.
Sorry to confirm what you hoped wasn’t the case.
Best to call Rob at Needswings. He can sell you the transponder chip. It will come wrapped in a brand new Key Fob with new cut key.
Experience is what you get when you don’t get want you want.
Sorry to confirm what you hoped wasn’t the case.