When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Keyless entry FOB: How to access batteries correctly?
OK, here's a lame *** newbie question: My 2009 didn't come with an owner's manual It has a remote entry FOB with a "Valet key" that pulls out of it. How do I safely open the body of the FOB to change out the batteries? Theres an apparent seam that outlines the FOB body, but it doesn't want to pull or split apart easily. Also what is that Valet key for or where is a key slot on or in my '09 that it's designed for???
OK, here's a lame *** newbie question: My 2009 didn't come with an owner's manual It has a remote entry FOB with a "Valet key" that pulls out of it. How do I safely open the body of the FOB to change out the batteries? Theres an apparent seam that outlines the FOB body, but it doesn't want to pull or split apart easily. Also what is that Valet key for or where is a key slot on or in my '09 that it's designed for???
Rather than just telling you to get an owner's manual, which you really should, I'll answer your questions too so you know the answer until you do get one. There is a notch on the side of the fob that you can insert a screwdriver into to open the case. The case fits tight so you will have to apply some pressure. The key goes into a keyslot that is just above the license plate under the lip on the rear bumper. You'll have to look up from the bottom of the car to see it.
The OM will tell you to use a small screwdriver to open the case, but I will tell you to pull the key out of the fob and use the base of the key to gently pry the case apart.
We've been doing this since the "new" fob came out, and GM realized this was actually the best way and changed it in the OM for the C7 even though nothing physical changed about the case.
Make sure the case is warm (above 80 F if possible ) in order to help prevent cracking.
Thanks for the online link for owner's manual and also for the key fob opening schematic! It appears my valet key is only for locking/unlocking the passenger glove box. Seems odd that's all it's used for on the interior, and there's no lock on the center armrest console.
Thanks for the online link for owner's manual and also for the key fob opening schematic! It appears my valetkey is only for locking/unlocking the passenger glove box. Seems odd that's all it's used for on the interior, and there's no lock on the center armrest console.
The key is also for opening the trunk/hatch (in case of either car or fob battery being dead). It is located above the rear license plate.
Only '05 and '06 have a lock on the center console lid.
Thanks for the online link for owner's manual and also for the key fob opening schematic! It appears my valet key is only for locking/unlocking the passenger glove box. Seems odd that's all it's used for on the interior, and there's no lock on the center armrest console.
I'd suggest you also open the glovebox door and take a photo of the sticker on the left side that has all the RPO codes for your car. Then you can go to corvetteactioncenter.com to find a treasure trove of info that includes definitions of the codes, a digital owner's manual, production specs, things new to the '09, etc. You can be there for hours, so grab a sandwich and a drink.
Also to mention, when you do open the rear hatch if battery is dead, you don't need to climb in to open the front door like some members have done here. On the Drivers side rear wheel well is a pull cord that will open the door.
Also, if you get locked in your car, there is a pull lever on the floor next to the door that will open it.
Warm up the case before you try to open it. Either put it in the sunlight for a while or run a hair dryer on it. This will lessen the chance that your break it while trying to open it. It is a very poor design, and easy to break when you try to open it up.
The OM will tell you to use a small screwdriver to open the case, but I will tell you to pull the key out of the fob and use the base of the key to gently pry the case apart.
We've been doing this since the "new" fob came out, and GM realized this was actually the best way and changed it in the OM for the C7 even though nothing physical changed about the case.
Make sure the case is warm (above 80 F if possible ) in order to help prevent cracking.
12-02-2020, 10:34 AM
Keyless entry FOB: How to access batteries correctly?
