Originally Posted by Delbert

No, I didn't use any lubricants.....just pulled the key out about 3/4 of the way and turned it ever so slowly until I heard that awful sounding crack and saw that the seam had began to part. I then removed the key and used the eyeglass screwdriver to slowly make my way around the seam until it was completely separated. It was actually much easier than I thought. I changed the battery in my C4 a couple of years ago and when I tried to put the two halves together, it would not stay. I ended up having a rubber band around my FOB after the dealer told me it would be around $175 to replace that FOB!!!!
The two halves on my C6 went back together very easily and it is rock solid.

Originally Posted by The_Raging_Bull

The use of the lubricant keeps you from having to use any other tool than twisting the key in the fob. Glad you were able to split the case w/o damage, but rather than any type metal screwdriver...if you had to use a tool...use the same plastic pry tool that you can use on an ipod to open it. That allows you to run the open seam around until the case completely splits the shell; and guaranteed no damage to the case.

There were other threads on the fobs where the shell got damaged when a metal screwdriver was used to split the case.

Originally Posted by Dan Parker '96

Just did this last night for both my '08 fobs. Pop your key loose and slide it out about 3/4 of the way and give it a bit of a twist. Both my fobs popped apart easily. Replace battery with CR-2032 (negative side up). Line everything up (especially the key release tab) and snap together with fingers. My circuit boards stayed in place but make sure all pieces align correctly. As always YMMV, don't force anything and be patient.

Originally Posted by Rivera9288

Had to do mine this weekend in a matter of minutes it was done , working all good again

Originally Posted by Sugar Loaf Bob

I have a 2010 GS, my # 1 FOB's battery was getting real week, stopped at my Chevy dealership and spoke with parts manager, he checked it with a special tester, it tested OK but weak, told him I wanted the battery changed anyhow, he opened it and replaced it, retested it and you could see it was better. It cost $5.12, got to my car and it works like a charm, for that kind of money GO to your dealership ASAP

Originally Posted by JKbride

For those of us who have pulled engines or transmissions you might think a Key Fob battery replacment is no biggie...in fact it is not, but if done wrong or you break your Fob you could be in a real jam.

The below takes the mystery out of changing the battery and anyone can do it. Hope this DIY thread helps

Edit: The Fob below is for a 2005-2007. I would suspect the process would be similar for others (2008-2013), but in truth I don't know that for sure. Please use care when opening the two halves. The seal is tight and if you use too much force or don't open evenly from side to side you may break the case. Tnxs to 68/70Vette for his warning on this issue for the newer Fobs.

The Steps:

First you need to purchase the batteries. You can get them at most places, and I picked mine up at a local chain auto parts store. There are two to a pack, and enough to do two Fobs.


Next remove your key ring from the Fob. You need to do this so you can open it.


Locate the slot on the front side of the Fob and use a quarter to pry it open. If you use a smaller mil coin or screw driver you will have too much play in the slot and could mar your Fob.


Once you crack it open, use your coin to work it open evenly from one side to the other till the halves are seperated. The Fob has a water tight seal which requires you to open it evenly or risk damage.




Here is a close up of the water seal. I have washed mine before and the seal held, so you don't want to damage it.


Once you have it open this is what you will see. On one half you have the electronics and on the other the battery.


You can remove the battery by carefully placing a screw driver under it and lifting. There are 3 clips which hold it in place, and once you pry it loose from one clip, the battery will lift out.



If for some reason when you lift the battery out, you might lift the whole clip assy out too...no biggie if it does. In fact, once I had my battery out I took the clip assy out and gently pushed a little on the clips to tighten them up. Just note (you can use these pics if necessary) how it goes back into the FOB.



Take your new battery with the positive side down (it will be marked with a + symbol) and press it into place. You do this by placing the battery under two clips and working it under the third.


To put it back together, place the halves together starting at the top of the FOB (oppisite the key ring slot). There are two small dog ears that fit into slots.


Working from the top end, use your thumb and forefinger to press the sides together, working evenly from side to side. The seal requires you to press firmily for the Fob halves to go together. NOTE: I have read where some use a Que-Tip and small amount of Vaseline on the seal for ease of putting it back together...in my case it was not needed.

Once you have it sealed, inspect the seams and make sure you do not have not gaps.


Now do a functions check, Lock, Unlock, Trunk and Alarm. Put the Fob in your pocket and see that your doors open and the car starts.

If not, mke sure its sealed tightly...if not, the battery clips will not make contact with the electronics. Other probems could be the battery is installed upside down or it's not making good contact with the retaining clips.

Word of advice, change the battery in only one key Fob at a time. You want to make sure you have at least one working Fobe at all times.

I hope fellow CF members find this useful and that it takes the mystery out of changing your battery

Originally Posted by woodybob

I just used these directions and they are accurate, complete and easy. Thanks for posting. Much appreciated.

Originally Posted by Uncle_John

This is still a relevant thread, thanks! I've had my '05 for 6 months. "No FOB detected" today. New battery works wonders.

Originally Posted by laread

I replaced the batteries in both fobs for my '08 Vette this summer. In one of the fobs, the printed circuit board was loose, in the other is was attached to one half of the fob. I put everything back together and both fobs worked. Any suggestions on how to attache the loose board to the case?