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Here's a You Tube video showing how to do it. It's a Cadillac key fob, but its the same style for a 2008 or later vette.
This is helpful, but I saw two things that I will mention as cautions. Fingers should not touch the electronics unless you have discharged yourself. Otherwise, there is risk of a discharge of static through the electronics causing an immediate or latent problem. The screwdriver will work as shown, but in my experience I found that when I use it, the small blade will sometimes leave a fairly noticeable indentation. Others may do well with the small blade.
The key to minimizing damage is to use a tool that is not substantially harder than the plastic of the fob. For those that want to buy an inexpensive tool that works for lots of things, google a "spudger"...available everywhere.
Looking at the insides of these things makes me wonder what kind of profit is made when they are sold at a dealer or anywhere for that matter. Those PC boards are probably mass produced in China or Mexico for $2 each and maybe another $2 for the case. The battery probably cost more than the parts to make one.
Others have written this up for various FOBS. Here's what worked for me on my 2009 FOB and I've included a couple of things to avoid. With three years between each replacement, it seems that I learn this all over each time I do it. Sorry about the size of the photos.
9. After the two halves are back together, slide the emergency key back into place and your FOB should be ready for another three years.
1 three years is a good suggestion.
Mine were both dead at 4 years , Even though I never used the back-up one it lasted to open it up 1 time when the normal one I use was dead.
2. My only other suggestion is while it is open. Clean the round contacts on the green board when the buttons line up with rubbing alcohol and a q-tip. They eventually get dirty and the buttons won't work.
Thanks, but I see no safe place to insert the knife. Where do you insert the knife? Would be great if you had a pic of where you are inserting the knife. Great presentation but you missed the most important aspect. Where to insert the knife with all the important looking materials inside without destroying the inside of the FOB. I will go to YouTube and hopefully find a demonstration.
AND...be careful you aren't buying Chinese made counterfeit batteries. The batteries, the packaging, the manufacturer logos...everything can look like a US made battery.
If the price is too cheap..it is.
I wouldn't trust Amazon or eBay batteries. Walmart - in the store - is OK. Also a famous drug store is probably ok. Don't get me wrong...I buy a lot of stuff from China...but batteries isn't one of them.
Great information an this process. Will the fob need to be synced/programmed with the car again?
No, the electronics are the same, the car doesn't know the fob battery was replaced. If you have to replace the entire fob with new electronics then you would have to reprogram.
06-15-2015, 10:17 AM
