Prying Jeep Key Fob Secrets

how to get jeep key fob apart

If you need to get into your Jeep key fob, you can do so by prying it open with a small flathead screwdriver or a plastic pry bar tool. Insert the tool into the seam near the keyring mount and press down to force the two halves apart. You can also try using your fingernail or a guitar pick to separate the two halves. Once open, you'll find a small circuit board, a rubber keypad, and the battery inside. From there, you can replace the battery, clean the contacts, or renew the conductivity between the buttons and the circuitry board.

Characteristics Values
Ease of opening the key fob Easy, as it is made of two plastic parts that snap together
Tools required Small flathead screwdriver, plastic pry bar tool, or a plastic opening tool
Steps to replace the battery 1. Insert the screwdriver into the seam near the keyring mount. 2. Press down on the screwdriver to force the key apart. 3. Remove the old battery. 4. Insert a new CR2032 battery with the negative side down. 5. Place the circuit board into the keypad, then the keypad into the key. 6. Snap the two halves together.
Steps to program the key fob 1. Obtain the key fob programmer from an authorized parts center or the Mopar® online store. 2. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the first position without starting the engine. 3. Insert the programmer into the OBD/DLC port under the steering column. 4. Press the lock and unlock buttons on the key fob simultaneously for 3 seconds, then press the unlock button for 2 seconds. 5. Turn off the ignition and remove the programmer. 6. Wait for two minutes, and the key fob should work.

shunauto

Using a flathead screwdriver to prise apart the fob

To prise apart a Jeep key fob using a flathead screwdriver, you'll need to locate the seam where the two halves of the fob meet. This is usually in the middle of the fob, near the keyring mount. Insert the flathead screwdriver into this seam and gently apply pressure to pop the fob open. It's important to work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the internal components or the outer casing. You should start to feel the two halves separating as you work your way around the perimeter.

Once you've successfully pried apart the two halves, you can carefully remove the internal components. Take note of the placement of the battery, circuit board, and rubber keypad so that you can easily reassemble the fob later. With the internal components exposed, you can now address any issues or perform maintenance, such as replacing the battery or cleaning the circuit board.

When replacing the battery, ensure that you insert it with the correct polarity. For Jeep Wranglers, the new CR2032 battery should be placed with the negative side down. For other Jeep models, the positive side should face up. After addressing any issues, carefully place the internal components back into their correct positions and gently press the two halves of the fob together until you hear them snap into place.

Using a flathead screwdriver to prise apart your Jeep key fob is a straightforward process that can be done at home. It's important to work carefully and slowly to avoid damaging the fob or its internal components.

Jeep Death Wobble: Causes and Fixes

You may want to see also

shunauto

Removing the battery from its housing

To remove the battery from its housing, you will need a small flathead screwdriver or a plastic pry bar tool.

First, turn over the key fob and locate the metal switch. Slide the switch over to release the metal ignition backup/emergency key from the fob and set it aside. Next, insert the flathead screwdriver or plastic pry bar tool into the notch between the two halves of the fob housing. Gently pry apart the rear cover from the front of the fob. Be careful not to bend or scratch the metal electrical contacts. Once the fob is open, carefully remove the old battery from its holder in the rear cover of the fob housing.

If your key fob has a screw on the back, you will need to loosen this screw before prying the fob open. Alternatively, some key fobs can be opened by hand, without the use of tools.

shunauto

Inserting a new battery

To insert a new battery into your Jeep key fob, you will need to purchase a CR2032 battery. This type of battery is widely available at hardware stores or online.

Once you have your new battery, follow these steps:

  • Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry open the key fob. Insert the screwdriver into the seam near the keyring mount and press down to force the key apart.
  • With the key fob open, remove the old battery from the housing.
  • Insert the new CR2032 battery, ensuring that the negative side is facing down.
  • Place the circuit board back into the key fob, followed by the keypad.
  • Snap the two halves of the key fob back together, starting at the end closest to the key and working your way to the other end.

It is important to note that you should not use a twisting action when prying the key fob open, as this could damage the plastic. Instead, use a gentle pressing motion.

Additionally, some Jeep models may require you to bring the key fob in for professional programming. However, for most models, simply replacing the battery should be sufficient.

Jeep Wranglers: Reliable or Rubbish?

You may want to see also

shunauto

Cleaning the contacts on the circuitry board

To clean the contacts on the circuitry board of your Jeep key fob, you will need to first disassemble the key fob. Carefully pry apart the two halves of the plastic shell using a knife blade. Once the shell is open, gently remove the battery and circuit board.

Next, you will need to clean the contacts on the circuit board. This can be done using a pencil eraser, a Scotch-Brite pad, or isopropyl alcohol. Gently rub the contacts until they are shiny and free of any residue or oxidation. You can also use a small amount of contact cement or super glue to reattach any loose metal connectors.

Before reassembling the key fob, ensure that all parts are completely dry. Carefully place the battery and circuit board back into the shell, taking care to align the positive and negative terminals correctly. Snap the two halves of the shell back together, and your key fob should be good as new!

If you're having issues with your key fob buttons, it might be due to bad contacts between the rubber and the PCB. In this case, you can try cleaning the contacts with a pencil eraser or isopropyl alcohol. Additionally, you can try washing the rubber part of the key fob with dish detergent and water, then letting it air dry before reassembling.

Jeep Skid Plates: DIY Guide

You may want to see also

shunauto

Reassembling the fob

Now that you've replaced the battery in your Jeep key fob, it's time to put it back together. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to reassemble your key fob:

Step 1: Reassemble the Key Fob Components

Start by placing the keypad back into the housing, ensuring it fits securely. Then, insert the circuit board into the keypad.

Step 2: Snap the Key Fob Housings Together

Gently snap the two halves of the key fob together, starting near the key ring and working your way towards the other end of the casing. Ensure that the halves are flush together at every edge, especially for key fobs with a pull-out metal ignition backup.

Step 3: Test the Key Fob

After reassembling, test your key fob to ensure it's working properly. Try locking and unlocking your Jeep from a reasonable distance to confirm that the new battery is functioning correctly.

Step 4: Reprogram the Key Fob (Optional)

In most cases, you won't need to reprogram your key fob after replacing the battery. However, if you've made any other modifications, such as replacing internal components, you may need to reprogram it. This can usually be done by following the instructions in your vehicle's owner's manual or by contacting a dealership or locksmith for assistance.

Tips for Reassembly:

  • Be gentle and careful during the reassembly process to avoid damaging the internal components.
  • Ensure that the key fob housings are securely snapped together before attempting to use it.
  • If you notice any loose or falling-out components during reassembly, make the necessary adjustments to secure them in place.
  • When snapping the housings together, start near the key ring and work your way towards the other end for a snug fit.

By following these steps, you should now have a fully functional Jeep key fob with a fresh battery, ready to unlock all the adventures that lie ahead!

Fiat-Built Jeeps: Quality Assured?

You may want to see also

Frequently asked questions

You can open your Jeep key fob by loosening the screw on the back or using a small flathead screwdriver to pry it open using the seam in the middle.

You can use a small flathead screwdriver or a plastic pry bar tool to open your Jeep key fob. You can also use your fingernail, a guitar pick, or a similar tool.

First, open your key fob and remove the old battery. Then, insert a new CR2032 battery, ensuring the negative side is down. Finally, snap the two halves of the key fob back together.

If your key fob is not functioning correctly, e.g., you need to be close to the vehicle or in certain areas for it to work, you may need to replace the battery.

If replacing the battery doesn't work, try cleaning the contacts on the circuitry board. If the contacts are worn, you can renew them by applying a small amount of conductivity paint.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment