Searched but did not find anything definitive. Seeing as it's not possible to get a new remote anymore, is it possible to swap the physical key and the innards into a new casing that I have access to, and if so, anyone know if there is a write-up floating around? Thank you.
I think it's still possible to get brand new keys as long as your car hasnt lost all of the (2)originals and the two replacements for a total of 4 missing/used original keys. The last time I called the dealer for a new key I believe I was quoted $250. That was about a year ago;I really hope they still make them..Especially because I have only one key and I almost locked it in my car the other day too..
Anyways,if you want to just change the shell like I did. I remember paying about $30-$40 shipped for a near exact replica key.
Heres what the insides looks like. You can see the exacto knife I used to get the cover pried open enough to jam a slighty larger screwdriver in. And the case splits open pretty easy from there.
The original key used to be "premium" bling bling with jewels
The only difference between the two was that the OEM key had a much better indicator cover. Which I salvaged from the OEM key and superglued it to the new key.(not shown in picture)
Finally,reassemble the little springy job...I believe that it was easiet(or only possible) to "set" the spring and key in the closed position; (when you still have it in two halves).. I also remember doing an extra half wrap on my spring, so my key now flips out with alot of speed and force 8) . I couldnt begin to explain how its done or how I knew to do it but its all very intuitive.
After that...dealers choice on the adhesive.I used paste epoxy and super glue in combination. I dont remember why I used both but I do remember finding it necessary.(It couldve been overkill..) But it has been about 2.5 years now and Ive dropped the key countless of times and its still solid as day one. Then use some rubber bands to keep it tight while the adhesives dry. I left the key open just in case something dried it stuck..So I would have a much better chance at closing a glued "open" key vs prying open a "closed" one..
YMMV and you definitely do all this at your own risk. I am no expert and I assume no liability:thumb: But its easy pie as everyone else has said..I just happened to have pictures from way back when..