Replacement key fob case

[Dal]

The metal key ring loop on my three button key fob broke the other day. I'm not sure how it happened but I don't recall any unusual forces being applied that could have done it so I am a little disappointed. Anyway I am using the spare but would like to replace the broken metal piece/case in case the spare breaks.

I have googled around and found a few three button cases on ebay and dealextreme...

VW GOLF MK4 BORA/SKODA/SEAT 2 or 3 BUTTON KEY FOB REMOT | eBay

VW 3B Remote Casing - Free Shipping - DealExtreme

but these don't seem to match the one I have for my my12 Octavia. The side with the three buttons is not split across the middle like the replacements I have seen but is one piece. The other side (with the logo sticker) is split across the middle. I can flip out the lower half to expose the battery.

Has anyone had this issue and found a replacement? Also some guidance in splitting the case apart to get at the 'ring piece' would be appreciated as I might be able to bodge something so I can get a keyring onto the fob.

[wfdTamar]

Reading about replacement keys I seem to recall someone with that problem and they found they had to get another key (or at least the back bit). Can't remember which thread, but theres about 3-4 now.

[gregozedobe]

Sounds like Skoda has followed VW and gone over to the new 1-piece key fob. Last time I looked the new cases weren't available on ebay etc, but given time I'm sure they will be (eventually).

Maybe look for a s'hand 1-piece key fob and swap in the guts from your broken one ? But so far I haven't heard from anyone that has managed to get theirs apart (I expect that until you know the trick of how they are assembled it might be a destructive process finding out). And you need to be very careful you don't damage the transponder (immobilizer or rfid chip) pulling the old one apart or drilling a new hole for a keyring.

Edit: Well someone has pulled apart a Mk 6 case. but it was (as I feared) a destructive process (see post 27 of this thread):

New MK6 Key Fob? - Page 3 - VW TDI forum and Audi TDI forum - myturbodiesel.com

It seems these new 1 piece key fobs are designed NOT to be disassembled, forcing you to buy a new one. Worse still, the transponder is part of the remote now, so if you want to buy a spare or your remote packs up you have to buy a complete new one, and knowing how VW have been "improving" security on transponders the only source of ones that will work properly is likely to be VW.

[Dal]

Thanks for the link.

I'm not keen on drilling the case. Interesting to see the metal key ring piece. It looks pretty solid. I am surprised it broke and even more surprised I didn't even notice it when it did. I'm in two minds to have a moan to the dealer.

Looks like I'll have to come up with another solution.

[gregozedobe]

If I had to dismantle one I'd cut away the plastic around the pins enough so I could grab the end of the pins with some strong pliers and pull them out. If I wasn't worried about appearances I'd just fill in the missing black plastic with some hot glue, If I was fastidious I'd take it to someone who does "plastic welding" and get them to fill in with matching black plastic.

[brad]

Thanks for the link.

I'm not keen on drilling the case. Interesting to see the metal key ring piece. It looks pretty solid. I am surprised it broke and even more surprised I didn't even notice it when it did. I'm in two minds to have a moan to the dealer.

Looks like I'll have to come up with another solution.

I've had several other cars where the "keyring piece" broke & dealer spares had a replacement piece. Looks ranged from OEM to dodgy. Price ranged from FOC to ~$10 IIRC. Not sure what VW can do for you.

[woofy]

Not sure what VW can do for you.

Rub their hands together and collect their money? With all the moaning about petrol price fixing etc, its a small wonder the ACCC don't ask why what used to be under a $10 item now ranges in the hundreds of dollars for a $5 part.

[brad]

On a similar note, i was pricing a reverse switch for a friends vectra this morning. His mechanic wants to charge him $500 (I assume my friend has missed some vital piece of info here). GM partno 90482454 is $62 from the local dealership. I can get it from the UK for $12 posted (OK, it will take a week before we get it). It's a common GBP4-6 part over there.