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How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!

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Old 12-24-2018, 11:29 AM
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Default 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.
 
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Old 12-24-2018, 11:32 AM
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Default Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!

Originally Posted by NeedsWings
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
I can't believe a thread and blank case suppliers are being blamed... surely there was something between the two that actually ruined the OEM? Maybe "owners" should be banned from having washing machines too.. God knows I've read plenty of lost fobs due to those SOBs!
 
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Old 12-24-2018, 11:43 AM
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Default Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!

Originally Posted by Mrmiata
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.
I had no trouble, I took my time and was careful. Some slid the knife between the two halves and wrecked the circuit board, but a warning was given on that step. Some shells may be glued more than others and that could cause some headaches I’m sure.
It is a little awkward, just take your time.
 
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Old 12-24-2018, 12:33 PM
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Default Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!

I found that using the snap ring pliers method worked well for me.
 
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Old 12-24-2018, 01:05 PM
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Default Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!

Originally Posted by ala_xfire
I found that using the snap ring pliers method worked well for me.
Me too, easy does it is the secret.
 
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Old 12-24-2018, 01:06 PM
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Default Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!

Originally Posted by onehundred80

Me too, easy does it is the secret.
Yea, that's what she said
 
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Old 12-24-2018, 01:42 PM
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Default Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!

Originally Posted by onehundred80

Me too, easy does it is the secret.
Just did mine last week. The instructions and tools recommended are spot on
 
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Old 12-24-2018, 06:30 PM
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Default 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
 
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Old 12-24-2018, 08:44 PM
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Default Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!

Originally Posted by Jim Holian
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
See my post.. sledge hammer is not recommended.. not sure how else you could destroy the chip too!
 
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Old 12-25-2018, 01:39 AM
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Default 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.
 
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Old 12-26-2018, 03:23 PM
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Default 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.
 
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Old 12-26-2018, 03:45 PM
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Default Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!

Who can repair the circuit board? Anyone know?

Jim
 
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Old 12-26-2018, 04:33 PM
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Default 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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Old 12-26-2018, 06:07 PM
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Default 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
 
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Old 12-27-2018, 12:41 PM
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Default Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!

Originally Posted by Jim Holian
Who can repair the circuit board? Anyone know?

Jim
I know a guy that repairs BMW fobs (Both Transmitter & Transponder issues) I can ask him.
 
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Old 12-27-2018, 12:56 PM
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Default 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
 
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Old 01-03-2019, 07:42 PM
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Default Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!

Originally Posted by Jim Holian
Scotto97 - Thanks. Let me know what you find out. You can PM me if you like or email me at jpmlholian@aol.com

Jim
Unfortunately the person that works on the BMW keys won't give repairing our transmitter circuit boards a try.

So I'm still looking to purchase a working board which I can reprogram for use in my car.

 
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Old 01-09-2019, 04:03 AM
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Default 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)
 
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Old 01-09-2019, 08:57 AM
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Default 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.
 
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Old 01-09-2019, 09:05 AM
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Default Re: How to take apart a key fob without destroying it!

member padgett is looking into cloning transponder chips, wait and see.
 


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