Got a worn out key-fob that's no longer reliable with 2016 batteries? This mod may help.
By mistake, I bought a 2032 battery for my keyphob. Instead of taking it back to the store to exchange, I decided to mod the fob instead. The 2032 does not fit in the fob as-is, so some plastic deformation is needed.
Expected Benefit: Longer Battery life with larger capacity battery.
---------------Supplies Needed-----------
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
- Safety Glasses (For use of general tools)
- Sun Glasses (or welding lens to protect from bright light)
- Heat Resistant gloves (like welding gloves or thick denim to prevent burns)
Tools Used:
- One Chisel (prying and cutting)
- One pair of Kniplex Pliers (holding parts near heat)
- Three 5/16" Washers (As a battery dummy)
- One nut threaded for 5/16" bolts (supplementary for the washers)
- Work light / Heat lamp (to heat up plastic parts)
- Air hose or fridge (to cool parts)
------------Main Fob Prep-------------
M.0. Take the chisel and pry the keyfob apart. If it is present, remove the 2016 battery.
M.1. Remove the retaining claws that hold the 2016 battery. The following image shows one removed with a sharp tool, in this case a chisel.
M.3. Bend the battery's base electrical contacts upward, away from the circuit board.
M.3. Place perferred number of washers or the nut in the battery bay. This will be used as a battery blank during the deformation process at Step B.2.
-------------Back Plate Work-------------
B.0. Plug in the work lamp. Protect your eyes with shades to prevent temporary blinding. Wear work gloves to protect from burns.
B.1. Superheat the backside of the fob with the work light. I held it with the pair of pliers. The fob will start smoking and stinking up the area. Doing this in a well ventilated area is recommended. The Fob should smoke for 10 seconds per side.
B.2. Firmly press the back plate onto the key fob, snapping it in place. You should see a bulge in the battery area.
B.3. With the backing place installed, reheat the back of the keyphob with the work light. This will help relax/stress relief the back plate slightly and prevent warping later on. Remove it from the heating element as soon as smoke out gasses.
B.4. Cool the unit back to safe temperature to handle. This can be done with air or cold packs. Placing it in a fridge or freezer works too. I do not recommend a water/liquid, as this can cause problems with the electrical circuit. Any of these methods should take a minute or less.
------------Fitment of the Battery-------------
F.0. Once the unit is cooled, Repeat Step M.0.
F.1. Insert the 2032 Battery, and snap the backing place back in place.
-----NOTE: If the backing plate does not snap on properly repeat steps B.0 through B.4 and add a washer or something to increase the bulge on the backing place.
F.2. Test all buttons and verify their function.
-----NOTE: If the buttons to not press/click per norm, repeat Steps B.0 through B.4, taking care to deform the backing plate more, like in Step F.1.
F.3. If the conditions of F.1 and F.2 are met, walk over to vehicle and test the functionality of all buttons.
-----------Closing Thoughts----------------
The overall mod tool only 15 minutes.
Unexpected Benefits?
- 2-3x the range from previous (turns out 2032 has a higher current discharge than 2016. I can unlock the vehicle from ~100-130 ft with line of sight.
- Less lag. This I have not measured the time difference, but the vehicle's alarm system responds to the fob more quickly. Maybe the fob's on a surgar high with the larger battery.
Just a Heads up:
I recommend doing this in an area separated from your vehicle. When your testing the part in the battery fitment stage, the vehicle may respond to the button pressing in step F.2.
Have a great day!
By mistake, I bought a 2032 battery for my keyphob. Instead of taking it back to the store to exchange, I decided to mod the fob instead. The 2032 does not fit in the fob as-is, so some plastic deformation is needed.
Expected Benefit: Longer Battery life with larger capacity battery.
---------------Supplies Needed-----------
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
- Safety Glasses (For use of general tools)
- Sun Glasses (or welding lens to protect from bright light)
- Heat Resistant gloves (like welding gloves or thick denim to prevent burns)
Tools Used:
- One Chisel (prying and cutting)
- One pair of Kniplex Pliers (holding parts near heat)
- Three 5/16" Washers (As a battery dummy)
- One nut threaded for 5/16" bolts (supplementary for the washers)
- Work light / Heat lamp (to heat up plastic parts)
- Air hose or fridge (to cool parts)
------------Main Fob Prep-------------
M.0. Take the chisel and pry the keyfob apart. If it is present, remove the 2016 battery.
M.1. Remove the retaining claws that hold the 2016 battery. The following image shows one removed with a sharp tool, in this case a chisel.
M.3. Bend the battery's base electrical contacts upward, away from the circuit board.
M.3. Place perferred number of washers or the nut in the battery bay. This will be used as a battery blank during the deformation process at Step B.2.
-------------Back Plate Work-------------
B.0. Plug in the work lamp. Protect your eyes with shades to prevent temporary blinding. Wear work gloves to protect from burns.
B.1. Superheat the backside of the fob with the work light. I held it with the pair of pliers. The fob will start smoking and stinking up the area. Doing this in a well ventilated area is recommended. The Fob should smoke for 10 seconds per side.
B.2. Firmly press the back plate onto the key fob, snapping it in place. You should see a bulge in the battery area.
B.3. With the backing place installed, reheat the back of the keyphob with the work light. This will help relax/stress relief the back plate slightly and prevent warping later on. Remove it from the heating element as soon as smoke out gasses.
B.4. Cool the unit back to safe temperature to handle. This can be done with air or cold packs. Placing it in a fridge or freezer works too. I do not recommend a water/liquid, as this can cause problems with the electrical circuit. Any of these methods should take a minute or less.
------------Fitment of the Battery-------------
F.0. Once the unit is cooled, Repeat Step M.0.
F.1. Insert the 2032 Battery, and snap the backing place back in place.
-----NOTE: If the backing plate does not snap on properly repeat steps B.0 through B.4 and add a washer or something to increase the bulge on the backing place.
F.2. Test all buttons and verify their function.
-----NOTE: If the buttons to not press/click per norm, repeat Steps B.0 through B.4, taking care to deform the backing plate more, like in Step F.1.
F.3. If the conditions of F.1 and F.2 are met, walk over to vehicle and test the functionality of all buttons.
-----------Closing Thoughts----------------
The overall mod tool only 15 minutes.
Unexpected Benefits?
- 2-3x the range from previous (turns out 2032 has a higher current discharge than 2016. I can unlock the vehicle from ~100-130 ft with line of sight.
- Less lag. This I have not measured the time difference, but the vehicle's alarm system responds to the fob more quickly. Maybe the fob's on a surgar high with the larger battery.
Just a Heads up:
I recommend doing this in an area separated from your vehicle. When your testing the part in the battery fitment stage, the vehicle may respond to the button pressing in step F.2.
Have a great day!
