key blank in lighted head

[randywebb]

Is there a way to remove the metal key blank from the black lighted key heads? I bought one on eBay (used) but now it looks like there is no way to remove the metal part (it can't be cut because it is used - i.e. already cut for some car).

The plastic head part seems to be molded around the metal, and I can't figure out how to get it apart.

[Slant930]

If you take the battery out, you should be able to get to the end of the blank from the inside. I believe there is a tab in there that you can lift and it should come out.

oops, maybe thats why mine didn't go back together so well.

[steve911]

Randy--
on the side of the key head there is a small locking tab, which you need to depress using a small screwdriver. Once released, the head comes apart. Careful - there are many small parts.

IIRC, I don't think removing the battery gets you access to the key blank.

I don't have my key handy - its on a separate key ring at home.

[randywebb]

Hmmm.. I'm not understanding what tab and what depress means. IF you take the battery "lid" off then on the RH side is a small spring with a black plastic tab below it (close to the metal keyed insert part). It does not depress by pushing down on it, but if I stab it with a sharp blade I can push it diagonally upwards. But that doesn't seem to do anything. ????

[R. Aster]

Randy,

If you push it far enough back it will finally pull a little tab out of a slot in the metal key head and release it. I used a sharp tool (like an awl) and stabbed the plastic part a little to pull it back. It has to be 101% retracted to release the head.

RA

[MuffinMan]

Here's a picture of the key blank, itself:

[thabaer]

The spring-loaded latch drops into that V on the bottom left edge. On mine, I was able to push the blank into the housing without opening it after getting the key cut.

[kqw]

Help me understand....

You bought a "used" key on Ebay???

OOOOOK

[Por_sha911]

Maybe thinks the key can't be cut without the blank taken out.

[grmnxtc]

although it's for the switchblade remote, the "fixing" method is the same.

Look at the third picture down here"

http://p-car.com/diy/key/

[randywebb]

You bought a "used" key on Ebay???

- Yes, it was quite cheap too - gives me the nice head rather than the plastic hoop.

[randywebb]

Gott in Himmel!!

Well, I finally got it out - had to use a vice as a third hand and a 90o sharp pick....

No wonder those guys started two world wars...

Thanks for all your help!