Accidentally washing your key fob doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ruined. Follow these steps carefully to maximize your chances of recovery.
Contents
1. Immediate Actions (First 5 Minutes After Retrieval)
- DO NOT PRESS ANY BUTTONS. This can push water deeper into the device or cause a short circuit.
- Remove the key fob from water immediately and gently shake off excess liquid.
- If your key fob has a removable battery, take it out carefully to prevent corrosion. Use a plastic tool if necessary to avoid scratching the contacts.
- Remove any other removable parts (like the key blade if detachable).
2. Disassembly (If Applicable)
- Check for screws: Some key fobs have tiny screws (usually Phillips #00 size) holding them together.
- If no screws are visible, use a plastic pry tool (like a guitar pick or spudger) to gently separate the halves. Work slowly around the edges.
- For stubborn cases, apply gentle pressure at the seam while working your way around.
3. Drying Process
- Pat dry any visible moisture with a lint-free microfiber cloth or paper towel.
- If disassembled, gently clean internal components with 90 %+ isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush to remove residue.
- For best results, place all parts in a sealed container with silica gel packets (they absorb moisture better than rice).
- If silica isn’t available, uncooked rice will work as a last resort (change it every few hours).
Drying Time: Wait at least 24-48 hours before attempting to test the key fob.
4. Reassembly & Testing
- After thorough drying, reassemble the key fob carefully, ensuring all components are properly seated.
- Insert a new battery (even if the old one seems fine, as water can damage batteries).
- Test basic functions:
- Try locking/unlocking your car from close range
- Check all buttons for responsiveness
- Listen for faint sounds (some fobs emit a quiet beep when buttons work)
5. Last-Resort Solutions
If the key fob still doesn’t work after 48 hours:
- Contact your dealership: They can often reprogram a water-damaged fob or provide a replacement.
- Try a locksmith: Many automotive locksmiths can reprogram key fobs at a lower cost than dealerships.
- Aftermarket options: Some online services sell pre-programmed fobs at reduced prices.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a hairdryer to speed up drying?
A: Not recommended. The heat can be too intense and may warp plastic components or solder joints. If you must, use only the cool setting from at least 12 inches away.
Q: What if I washed my key fob in salt water?
A: Salt accelerates corrosion. Follow all steps above, but be extra thorough with isopropyl alcohol cleaning. The recovery chances are lower.
Q: My car won’t start even with the key fob. What now?
A: Many vehicles have backup methods to start without the fob (check your manual). Some allow you to hold the fob near the start button if the battery is dead.
Final Encouragement
Don’t panic! Many key fobs survive water immersion if dried properly. Even if it seems dead at first, give it the full drying time before giving up. Thousands of key fobs are revived each year using these exact methods.
