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2008-2015 Chevrolet Cruze Key Fob Replacement

Replacement of the plastic shell (case) and...

iFixit Library 2008-2015 Chevrolet Cruze Moderate 15 minutes - 1 hour Guide 217558

Licensed iFixit integration

This attributed iFixit guide is displayed through Fixonic's recorded commercial API permission. iFixit remains the independent source and author of the procedure.

Guide overview

Before you begin

Replacement of the plastic shell (case) and blade of the Chevrolet Cruze, probably due to drops, wear and tear. Applies to all similar Chevrolet and Opel key fobs since the steps are nearly identical. This procedure may render the original shell unusable.

Step 1

Remove the battery

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Metal Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Opening Pick Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Lift the plastic back cover that covers the battery, starting from the center.
You should be able to do it with your bare hands.
Remove the battery from the slot.

Step 2

Start opening the shell

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Jimmy Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iOpener Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Heat an iOpener and apply it to the sides of the key fob.
Use sturdy, relatively thin tools to pry open the hole located beneath the blade spring, trying to separate the two parts of the shell.
In the guide, I used two T-handle hex keys.
Do not insert the tools too deeply, or you risk breaking a part of the PCB.
In this step, you risk breaking or cracking the shell.
All you need to do is leave a few millimeters of space in the upper corner.
Start separating the two halves of the shell with a Jimmy, working along the edge.

Step 3

Open the shell

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Metal Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Opening Pick Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Insert a Metal Spudger in the keychain's hole.
Push the top of the key toward the Metal Spudger, trying to bend the shell.
You can repeat step 2 to help loosen the plastic of the shell.
Before separating the two parts of the shell, be careful of the spring in the blade's snap mechanism, as it will snap out uncontrollably.

Step 4

Transfer the PCB

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Carefully move and position the PCB in the new shell.

Step 5

Carve the blade

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Replicate the pattern of the original blade on the new one.
You can take the blade to most hardware stores that offer key-cutting services.

Step 6

Position the snap mechanism

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Insert the spring into the button, aligning the small tail at the end (the part that folds inward) with the small recess at the bottom of the button.
Align the button as shown in the illustration to insert it correctly into the blade.
Insert the blade with the button and spring into the shell, as shown in the figure.

Step 7

Wind the spring

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Metal Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Opening Pick Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Secure the end of the spring to the small plastic tab at the top of the shell.
While keeping the blade in the open position, hold everything together and make a single full counterclockwise rotation of the upper half of the shell.
Test the speed and power of the mechanism. Adjust the number of rotations based on the spring tension.
Bring the two halves of the shell together.

Step 8

Insert the battery

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Metal Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Opening Pick Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Insert the battery into the battery compartment and close the cover.
It's a CR2032.
Now is a good time to test your new key.

Step 9

Close the shell

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Opening Pick Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Firmly press the two halves of the shell together.
Tighten the single screw located in the center of the car's logo.
Peel off the protective film from the double-sided adhesive backing of the new logo and place it in the designated slot in the shell.