Key Fob stripped screws repair

[TXSunDevil]

My key fob became intermittent. I attempted to change the battery, but I stripped the screws on the battery retaining plate. I was using a jewelers phillips head and it didn't seem to help. I tried scoring a straight line in the head of the screw, but it was too small for my Dremel. I attempted using a Torx head bit and a hex head bit. Neither one of these was able to budge these stripped screws. I tried penetrating oil and heat and I still could not get them off. I got frustrated and just figured I would live without the keyless entry. After a month I was fed up. It was going to be $200 for a new OEM fob. I decided I would see if I could repair the one I have. I went down to my local Toyota dealership and asked if they sold screws for the battery retaining plate for my fob. They said they did, but they would have to order them and they were $3 each. Now that I knew I could replace them I decided to use an extractor instead of drilling them out. I figured these screws were so tiny I may not be able to get a grip on them if I drilled them out. I went down to my local Harbor Freight, they had an extractor set. The smallest I had was a #1, this set had a #0. The set was $10, it is part # 70472

Here is a photo of what the wallowed out screws looked like.

I used a 5/64" bit and drilled out the heads prior to using the extractor. One screw I ended up drilling a smidge too far and the head broke off.

I was still able to use the extractor to remove the drilled out screw. I attempted to grab it with pliers and forceps, but it was too small. The extractor was able to remove both screws without issue. Today my screws arrived. Toyota part #89759-40010

My dealer also had the CR1616 battery.

The battery went in fine and the new screws held the battery plate on as designed. I now have a functioning key fob with a new battery. Parts and the extractor around $17 total. Beats the $200 for a new fob. I could not find anything on this repair prior to doing it, so I am posting hoping it helps the community.

 

[jackstrawatx]

Brother. You may have saved my life. On my way to HF!

Edit: It worked! life saver!