Symptoms
- Visible crack, split seam, or missing piece on the fob housing
- Buttons feel loose, mushy, or fall out
- Fob still locks/unlocks/starts the car despite the damage
- Battery cover doesn't stay closed
Likely causes
- CommonAccidental drop or impactFob plastic can crack from being dropped on hard surfaces or sat on.
- CommonNormal wear over years of useRepeated opening for battery changes and daily handling wears down the plastic clips over time.
- PossibleBattery cover clips worn or brokenThe small clips holding the battery cover shut are a common failure point.
What to do
- If the fob still works, protect it in the short term with a silicone fob case or a small piece of tape over the crack.
- Keep the fob away from water and excessive dust until it's repaired or replaced, since the internal circuit board is now more exposed.
- Check if a replacement shell (just the plastic case) is available for your fob model, which is cheaper than a full new fob.
- If you replace just the shell, carefully transfer the circuit board and battery from the old case to the new one.
- If the fob has stopped working since it broke, treat it as a full fob failure and consider a locksmith or dealer replacement.
- Consider getting a second working fob as a backup regardless, given the age of the damaged one.
Tools and parts
- Small screwdriver
Key fob replacement shellSearch: “key fob replacement case/shell for your car model”
When to call a pro
If the fob stops working after the case breaks, or you can't source a matching shell, a locksmith or dealer can supply a full replacement fob.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.