Lost FOB spring
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
Lost FOB spring
I took my C7 convertible FOB apart to replace the battery and the key release spring fell out and I lost it. Is there any way to get a new spring without forking over $169 for an entire new fob?
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 271
Likes: 23
From: Massachusetts
That happened to me last week... BOING!! gone! good luck finding that one in the garage...
I ended up using a spring from a large watch band pin that I had in my watch parts box, and it worked perfect! If it did not work, I was going to do the same, and buy an empty FOB. Other options are: disassemble your good FOB, and determine the size of the replacement spring, and try ordering one from somewhere. Or find a large watch pin and disassemble it for the spring. As a mechanical design engineer, I am unimpressed with the design of that FOB mechanism.. No need to buy a new FOB
I ended up using a spring from a large watch band pin that I had in my watch parts box, and it worked perfect! If it did not work, I was going to do the same, and buy an empty FOB. Other options are: disassemble your good FOB, and determine the size of the replacement spring, and try ordering one from somewhere. Or find a large watch pin and disassemble it for the spring. As a mechanical design engineer, I am unimpressed with the design of that FOB mechanism.. No need to buy a new FOB
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
That happened to me last week... BOING!! gone! good luck finding that one in the garage...
I ended up using a spring from a large watch band pin that I had in my watch parts box, and it worked perfect! If it did not work, I was going to do the same, and buy an empty FOB. Other options are: disassemble your good FOB, and determine the size of the replacement spring, and try ordering one from somewhere. Or find a large watch pin and disassemble it for the spring. As a mechanical design engineer, I am unimpressed with the design of that FOB mechanism.. No need to buy a new FOB
I ended up using a spring from a large watch band pin that I had in my watch parts box, and it worked perfect! If it did not work, I was going to do the same, and buy an empty FOB. Other options are: disassemble your good FOB, and determine the size of the replacement spring, and try ordering one from somewhere. Or find a large watch pin and disassemble it for the spring. As a mechanical design engineer, I am unimpressed with the design of that FOB mechanism.. No need to buy a new FOB
Thanks guys, I'm just gonna order the cheap empty housing.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,453
Likes: 81
From: Fishin' Pole FL
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 981
Likes: 157
^^^ Good idea, but why would you suspect it was going to have a tiny loose spring the first time you take it apart.
What kind of cheapo short-life batteries is GM putting in their fobs? Both fobs for my '08 Z (the real one made by Nissan) are still going strong on the original batteries.
What kind of cheapo short-life batteries is GM putting in their fobs? Both fobs for my '08 Z (the real one made by Nissan) are still going strong on the original batteries.
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 271
Likes: 23
From: Massachusetts
there are instructions on how to change the battery in the manual, I did exactly as it showed, you pry open the fob by using the elliptical end shape of the metal key. When doing so, the whole mechanism kinda just pops open, if you don't know what to expect, there is a good chance the release button and spring will go flying. Mine requires two batteries (not shown in manual) as it has a second transmitter attached.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,009
Likes: 2,707
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
You could buy a "Fob Jacket", a neoprene cover for the fob that also keeps the key in place. I went several years and about 50k miles with a key on my C6 fob that wouldn't stay in, finally discovered it was covered under GMPP extended warranty and got a new fob for free.
I'm told that C7 keys fall out easily but don't know since I have a fob jacket on the C7 fob also.
I'm told that C7 keys fall out easily but don't know since I have a fob jacket on the C7 fob also.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 418
Likes: 28
From: Evansville IN
Back from the dead but:
Small piece of aluminum foil under the battery and into the little square hole, then roll up a ball of foil an drop it in the little square hole beside the battery. Works perfect!
Hope that helps!
Small piece of aluminum foil under the battery and into the little square hole, then roll up a ball of foil an drop it in the little square hole beside the battery. Works perfect!
Hope that helps!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,009
Likes: 2,707
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
We have three fobs for our 2017, and I've changed each battery twice, using the method shown in our OM. Never had any indication of a spring coming out. Never even noticed that the spring is there.
Since I'm no mechanical marvel, what's different about some fobs that causes this spring ejection?
Since I'm no mechanical marvel, what's different about some fobs that causes this spring ejection?
