Last Updated on 7 months by Christopher G Mendla
I’ve had Explorers and Mountaineers. One annoying problem is that the key ring part of the key fob breaks. Here is a solution
There is a fairly simple fix. It requires some epoxy and a picture hangar frame.
- Clean the back of the fob
- Mix the epoxy
- Secure the hangar to the back of the fob. Be sure not to expoxy where the fob separates in the event you need to change the batte
The end result isn’t necessarily pretty but it works.
There are other options. You can purchase replacement key fobs for $10-$20 each. The key fobs have to be programmed to the vehicle. The process is a little tricky. The fobs come with instructions. I wasn’t sure if I would have to reprogram all of my fobs or not so I just fixed the key ring part.
Update November 2019
My repair finally failed. I found a set of two fobs on Amazon for about $10. The programming was easier than I expected. Considering that the epoxy could cost 5-10 dollars, the replacement fobs were a great deal. Fobs for other makes and models might be a lot more expensive though.
Update October 2023 – 3d printed fixes
If you have access to a 3d printer, there are some models available that will allow you to create a 3d printed fix for a broken key fob. For starters, you can look at the following 3 or 4 button printable fobs
- https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2455780 – Ford Key Fob – 3 and 4 button
- https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:354866 – 3 button fob
- https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:279023 – 4 button fob
- https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4975650 – 4 button fob
There are other fob designs available. Search Thingverse for `Ford key fob’. If you have a 3d printer or a friend who has one, printing the fob holder should cost pennies.
Summary
When I first wrote this article, 3d printing was in its infancy. Since then 3d Printing has opened up a whole range of possibilities for resolving problems.