🪛 Factory Key Fob 101 - What's inside .. Disassembly and more..

[Threedom]

Whether you accidentally placed your factory key fob in the wash, dropped it in a puddle, swam with it, etc., there are plenty of ways you can get your Jeep key fob soaked by accident.

If this happens act quickly, do not delay.

Once you've realized you've gotten your key fob wet, you'll want to get it dried out as soon as you can. The longer you wait, the less likely your JL/JT fob will survive it's accidental bath day.

First off, DO NOT PUSH ANY FOB BUTTONS! Resist the urge to test the fob..

Carefully, turn the fob so it is facing button side downwards and dab the water off the fob with a piece of dry, clean cloth or with dry paper towels.

After doing this lay the fob, still facing button side down, on a dry cloth or on dry paper towels and leave it to drain for a few minutes.

Now, as if you were going to change your CR2045 battery, open the fob up, as shown in the earlier Mopar video.... Pry the side of the plastic case of the factory JL/JT fob off with a flat tip screwdriver. Remember, do not push any fob buttons.

Once you get the plastic case off and have access to the battery, carefully pry out / remove the CR2045 battery.

Let the fob lay on some clean dry paper towels now for a few more minutes..

Give the fob a few minutes to air dry and then with a T6 Torx driver, disassemble the factory fob. (watch the Threedom disassembly video posted earlier in this thread) Do not remove the RFID chip from the fob. The RFID chip is sealed in a water proof coating.

IF you see any water in the fob, use a Q-tip or piece small piece of paper towel to gently absorb that water.

You will have removed the circuit board ... be careful with it, but do gently dab off any water from it... Clean toilet paper dabbed/pressed gently against the circuit board will grab up water/moisture. As for the RFID chip in the fob... remember, leave it be... don't worry about it as it is sealed in a water tight coating.

IF, if your fob had been submersed in Salt Water, at this time using 90% rubbing alcohol, wipe the circuit board carefully with a wet cotton swab (dipped in the 90-percent isopropyl alcohol) to remove any leftover impurities on the circuit and then place the fob back on a clean dry cloth or clean paper towels.

Now.... there are different ideas on what to do next.. some will say seal up the fob and it's inner's (not the battery) in a bag of dry white rice. Leave all sealed up in the bag for 48 hrs. and then remove all the fob parts and reassemble the fob. Install a new CR2045 battery in that JL/JT fob (not the old battery) and then try the fob. Hopefully, you will have a positive result..

The other idea, rather then going the white rice route, is to use a hair dryer to dry the fob... the fob's inners.

Set on a very low heat setting, you spend a few minutes drying all the fobs inners with the hair dryer.

Dry for say 5 min., let the fob and it's inners cool off and then repeat the drying process.

You do this 2-3 times.. Remember, it is critical, not to use to hot a hair dryer, and to dry with the dryer for say 5 min. max, let the fob and it's inners cool off and then repeat the heating process.

After the 2-3 times drying with a hair dryer, Install a new CR2045 battery in that JL/JT fob (not the old battery) and then try the fob. Hopefully, you will have a positive out come.

Important: It's a good idea to replace the battery as a precaution, just in case it was damaged or depleted after the accidental submerging. Before installing the new battery, gently, clean the contacts on the circuit board with 90% isopropyl alcohol and let it dry before installing that new battery.

The above info is meant to be helpful... Threedom offers the preceding so you have an idea how to handle a soaked JL/JT factory key fob. Use the above info at your own risk... Threedom is in hopes that your fob survives it's accidental bath day but....

 

[OldBlue]

I'm not going to panic cause this thing is not starting.. I'm just going to use the fob end opposite of the panic button, to press firmly against the ignition button while I have the brake pedal firmly pushed down.

Or clutch pushed in if you've got a manual transmission.

 

[Threedom]

This awesome, thanks for sharing. I don't need a new battery yet but wondered how to start the jt once the battery dies

@JTBurns

Exactly as mentioned here if the fob battery dies.....
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...nside-disassembly-and-more.88719/post-1849418

Just know that each time you turn off the JT/JL until you change the fob battery, you will have to do the dance mentioned in that post...

Important ... Remember, with that dead fob battery.... when you exit the vehicle, do not lock the JT/JL up by pressing the door lock button on the door.

Get out of the JT/JL and lock it with the key, using the key.

IF, you use the door lock button to lock and set the system alarm, when you come back later to the JT/JL and use your key to open the door..... the door will unlock and the alarm will sound/honk honk honk..

By the way, it is prudent to keep a spare, CR2450 battery on hand. They are fairly inexpensive.

 

[Threedom]

Very good information!
Several times, with factory fob in pocket I have hit the panic button against the lowered tailgate while loading or unloading something. I can’t tell from pics, but have your fobs any raised edge that protects the panic button more so than stock fob?
Thanks for all your work on this! About to order an S+.

@shyoung1

The Threedom Models S and S+, both use the factory fob button pad. With that said, the button press with the Models S and S+ will be the same as with the factory fob.

With any fob, regardless of the fob design ..... if you lean against a fob as you do/did, you can and will inadvertently, press one or more buttons.. this is a given....

As for the Panic Button... You can, with a programmer such as a Tazer JL Mini, disable the panic button.

Also, another way that some JL/JT owner's, disable the fob panic button, is to open up the fob and with a tweezer, gently remove/pull the small black piece of rubber/the tiny, black button off of the circuit board contact for the panic alarm. That black button is easily put back in place. Threedom does not recommend you do this, but we know JL/JT owner's that have resorted to doing this.

 

[Threedom]

Faraday Pouch - Why own/use one....
You might want to carefully read the following:

Features like keyless entry and keyless start are extremely convenient for drivers, as you can unlock your vehicle and hit the ignition without having to get the key out of your pocket....

However, this technology can also leave you vulnerable to sophisticated thieves: they are known to use relay devices (see graphic below) to copy a fob's signal, allowing them to drive off with your car without leaving a trace. These relay devices can be had for $30+- and are easy to acquire and easy to use...

What is a Faraday pouch?

A Faraday pouch or bag (aka: RFID bag) is lined with a material, frequently copper based, that contains the RF signal transmitted by a vehicle's fob. The material absorbs and redistributes electronic signals from the fob, not allowing the signals to escape.

It’s this signal that tells your JT/JL that the fob is nearby and allows the vehicle to be unlocked without pushing a button on the key fob.

So in a nutshell, a Faraday Pouch/bag blocks all radio signals ranging from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to RFID (used by credit cards and car fobs) and GPS.

In closing..... DO highly consider buying a Faraday Pouch/Bag ....and do put it to use. Faraday Bags are inexpensive.

Do read the Faraday Bag reviews/shop around, before you buy, as not all Faraday Bags are durable and can be known to fail..

Important:

Periodically check/test your Faraday Bag to be sure it is up not damaged and not serviceable.

Day to day use can damage the bag lining with the result that the signal blocking ability is compromised..

How to test that Faraday Bag .... Place a fob in the Faraday Bag... close up the bag properly and then squeeze the bag so that it initiates a button push on the fob inside.

If, when doing the fob button push, your JT/JL responds, do know that your Faraday Bag needs replacement as it is not blocking radio signals as it is suppose to do.

YES, a Farady Pouch/Bag is a defense against Relay Hacking....​

 

[JustDave]

Amazing how tiny my Threedom fob feels in my pocket. Getting the RFID chip out was a job & a half. Be patient cutting the plastic around it. Took me about 30 minutes for the chip removal, but worth every minute.

 

[Threedom]

Thanks, I was curious since that's what mine is.

No battery in that case if I'm seeing right for the buttonless?

And either way I was assuming the RFID to start the vehicle is passive and doesn't require fob battery to start the jeep?
Edit I'm seeing the other post now with that info

@redriderjf87

All JL/JT fobs have a CR2045 battery, a circuit board and an RFID chip in them.

Regarding the Fob Circuit Board and CR2045 Battery:
With the programmed circuit board and attached healthy fob battery.... in simple terms, the fob talks to the JL/JT.... the vehicle then knows it is ok to start and run, turn on and off, and the vehicle is allowed to run.... and deals with the vehicle alarm.., etc.. You do not actually need the RFID chip in the mix/ in the fob...

Without the 3V fob battery to power the circuit board, (programmed to your specific JL/JT) the fob would not be able to communicate with the JL/JT.. so the vehicle would not know that your programmed fob was present and your JL/JT could not be started...... It could not be started even though there is an RFID chip in the fob. SO, without the fob battery or if the fob battery is depleted... you need to know the following in order to start/drive the vehicle..

With a dead fob battery, you take the fob and while holding the brake pedal down, you press firmly, the end of the fob that holds the RFID chip to the start button...(the fob end opposite of the panic button ) the RFID chip is then noted by the JL/JT and the JL/JT will start. (Important: Remember, with that dead fob battery.... when you exit the vehicle, do not lock the JL/JT up by pressing the door lock button on the door. ) Get out of the JL/JT and lock it with the key, using the key.
IF, you use the door lock button to lock and set the system alarm, when you come back later to the JL/JT and use your key to open the door..... the door will unlock and the alarm will sound/honk honk honk..

 

[four low]

Using the Dead Fob Battery method might be a secure way to safeguard against "promixity car jacking" and the closest to an old fashioned key start, without an actual key in the ignition. Plus, without a battery constantly transmitting code, no one can intercept, copy, and then steal your vehicle.
I have a Base Sport, so no convenience lost by going this route. This can be a temporary safeguard, just reinstall fob battery when safe to do so

 

[Threedom]

Amazing how tiny my Threedom fob feels in my pocket. Getting the RFID chip out was a job & a half. Be patient cutting the plastic around it. Took me about 30 minutes for the chip removal, but worth every minute.

@JustDave

You like that Threedom fob now... and, I can assure you that as the days go by, you will be saying to yourself .... Geeez, why didn't I get this darn Threedom fob sooner..

Thanks for your purchase of a Threedom fob.

About the RFID chip removal process... Dependent on the individual factory JL/JT fob, the RFID chip removal can be very easy or a process that takes patience and is slightly more involved. Some RFID chips are more firmly secured in the fob then others are.

You chose to cut the plastic around the RFID chip in order to facilitate removing the chip.. this approach is a way but we suggest that guys/gals try other approaches first.. But... even though you cut a bit of plastic, you still could still easily transition back to that factory fob and place the RFID chip back in that factory fob, RFID slot if you desired to..

A few ways other's have told us, in regard to removing RFID chip from the factory fob...

• Small cut of chip holder wall and then prying that wall away from the chip, enough that a small flat/very thin tip screwdriver blade can be inserted to gently pry up the chip.
• Removed the circuit board and all from the factory fob and then placing the casing with the inserted chip in a hot cup of water. Wait a few minutes then carefully insert a very thin flat tip screwdriver into the crevice that is between the chip and the chip holder and then pry the chip up and out. Warm plastic tends to give easier. (The RFID chip is sealed/is water proof... Threedom say's do this approach at your own risk)
• Take circuit board with battery out of the factory fob and then firmly.. very firmly, keep slamming the fob casing with the chip in it's holder, face down on a hard surface. This approach will hopefully, see the chip forcefully falling out.
• Take a very thin blade screwdriver and place the thin tip in the crevice between the chip and the chip holding box. Now, with a small hammer tap on the handle of the screwdriver, slowly driving the tip of the blade down. Once down a bit, you can lean the screwdriver blade a bit and the sidewall of the holder will give a bit.. now, start to pry the chip up and out..

So, these are just a few ways we have heard in regard to the removal of the RFID chip. We also show the RFID chip being removed in our factory fob disassembly video found here.

Do know that the RFID chip is quite sturdy. It will handle prying and pressing on it, but will not handle you piercing it or cutting into it deeply. We have had no reports of a guy or gal destroying their RFID chip when removing it, but do be careful when removing the RFID chip.

Note: If you wish to test your RFID chip after you remove it from the fob.... Take the chip to your unlocked JL/JT and with your foot pressing firmly on the brake pedal, push that little RFID chip firmly against the started button until the starter button depresses.. The JL/JT now starting, means your RFID chip is aok/healthy.

 

[Threedom]

Voted BEST JL/JT Factory Fob carrier in 2021

Zeuss Model 3128 with heavy duty casters..

 

[Threedom]

I changed mine over to a Threedom fob the day I picked up my new JT. I love the new fob. I, however lacked the patience for removing the RFID using the above methods. Since I do not plan to change back (and can purchase a replacement fob if I do), I went with the factory fob destruction method of removal. Keep making great products!

@Nuddot

Thanks for your purchase of a Threedom fob.. The Threedom Team knew you and other's would love it!

YES, we are continuing to make product offerings for the JT and JL...

For those that "lack the patience" to deal with the RFID chip removal..

There is another way so to speak...

You can disassemble the factory fob and leave the RFID chip alone/leave it in it's holder in the fob casing/shell.

Just take the circuit board, battery, key with the roll pin, and with those, easily easily assemble your Threedom fob.

That assembled Threedom fob will be all you need to have/use for your day to day use of your JL/JT. You do not need the RFID chip in the JT/JL fob. All you need is a programmed for your vehicle circuit board and a healthy CR2045 battery inside the Threedom fob and your key.

You do want to have that RFID chip handy though, as if your fob battery dies, the fob gets wet and no longer works, etc. you will need the RFID chip so you can start your JT/JL and get home.. See my post earlier in this thread showing / explaining how to start with the RFID alone... Read this post over carefully.

So... with that said, you can without issue, use the Threedom fob without having the RFID chip in it.... but you would want to take that disassembled factory JL/JT fob with the RFID chip in it and stash it well / hide it well, in the vehicle so that if/when that day comes, that you need to use the RFID chip to start the vehicle, that you will have the RFID chip with you/with the vehicle.

Threedom encourages guy/gals to move the RFID chip to their new Threedom fob when they assemble it, but again, this work around lets call it, can be used. You decide whether this work around is a way to go for you.

For sure, there are many that do not feel comfortable trying to / dealing with, the removal of the RFID chip from the factory fob.. This work around is A WAY for them to not deal with the RFID chip and still enjoy having/using a terrific Threedom fob...

 

[Threedom]

Reminder... Order some back-up CR2450 Fob batteries...

 

[Threedom]

For those that have not had their factory fob apart .... here is a very clear picture of IT...a part.

Note the size of the circuit board.... seeing the size of the circuit board, show's you WHY.... why, the factory fob is so big.

Click on pic to enlarge

 

[JustDave]

For those that have not had their factory fob apart .... here is a very clear picture of IT...a part.

Note the size of the circuit board.... seeing the size of the circuit board, show's you WHY.... why, the factory fob is so big.

Click on pic to enlarge

You should have posted a pic of yours right beside it to show what a monstrosity the factory fob is.

 

[Threedom]

Changing the CR2450 battery in a JL / JT factory key fob..

I'd like to personally thank Mopar for doing this video ... now I don't have to do one to post in this thread..