Replacing a remote keyless shell only?

[y_p_w]

I was thinking of getting a new Subaru remote and programming it when I saw there were shell only replacement parts. The don't contain the Subaru logo or all that FCC info on the back, but the Subaru logo rubbed off years ago on mine and the FCC info sticker is halfway peeled off anyways. I've got the second remote stashed away (battery removed since they do leak over time) and I'd rather not use it if possible.

I used to carry it with my keys. Of course it scratched, but eventually the little ring wore through the plastic shell. It's still electronically perfect with a new battery every year or so. But the shell material was always junk. It was one of these things:

Anyone just replace a shell on a keyless entry remote? Sounds like a good idea and I'm wondering if this will work. My biggest worry is that the fit will be off.

 

[michaelluscher]

Replace the shell, clean up the ICB/Contacts, Fresh battery.
Repeat every 1/2 decade or as necessary.

 

[Colt45ws]

Yes, I bought a 5 pack of Ford keyless fob shells off ebay. Fit is perfect. I go through them because the tab where the key ring goes through breaks off. My LX came with 4 key sets and in 5 years I broke 3 of them. I wasnt really that into paying what Ford wanted for a new one.

 

[rshaw125]

Consider this. To program a remote you have to have two working remotes. A new case may solve your current problem but a 3rd full programmed remote would be better in case you lost one. Only a few dollars more.

 

[y_p_w]

Originally Posted By: rshaw125
Consider this. To program a remote you have to have two working remotes. A new case may solve your current problem but a 3rd full programmed remote would be better in case you lost one. Only a few dollars more.

Depends on the car. Not with mine. The owners manual comes with the complete programming instructions and the original remotes aren't needed. It comes delivered with both remotes programmed, but in a certain order that I don't know. It can recognize up to four remotes (programming for the same one consecutively takes multiple slots) and once it's programmed after that the oldest one drops off. I think the instructions recommended that if one remote was lost/dead, it should be reprogrammed four times with whatever remotes are remaining.

Now I do remember back around the time I got the car, someone was selling complete new remotes on eBay for about $10, although you had to bid.

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: rshaw125
Consider this. To program a remote you have to have two working remotes. A new case may solve your current problem but a 3rd full programmed remote would be better in case you lost one. Only a few dollars more.

You would need to know the price of a Subaru remote before deciding this.

I have seen some remotes for $50 and some for $200 depending on the car. Sometimes one manufacturer would use different designs, some costlier than others.