So, you washed your car key fob? Don’t reach for that bag of rice just yet! As a car repair expert at keyfobx.com, I’m here to tell you there’s a much more effective way to deal with a waterlogged key fob and save you from potential headaches. The old rice trick is a myth when it comes to modern electronics, especially when corrosion is the real enemy.
The Real Problem: Water Damage and Corrosion
When your key fob takes an unexpected swim, the immediate danger isn’t just the water itself, but what it causes: corrosion. Water, especially if it’s not distilled, contains minerals that can lead to corrosion on the delicate circuits inside your key fob. This corrosion can create shorts in the tiny pins of the integrated circuits (ICs), leading to malfunctions. That’s also why removing the battery quickly is often advised – to prevent further electrical damage from short circuits caused by the water. Corrosion can even drain or damage your battery.
Why Rice is a Waste of Time
The idea that rice draws out moisture is a common misconception. While rice might absorb some surface moisture, it’s incredibly ineffective at pulling moisture out from inside a sealed electronic device like a key fob. Furthermore, rice grains and dust can actually get into the crevices of your key fob, causing more problems than they solve. You need a method that effectively removes moisture from the internal components before corrosion sets in.
Baking: A Surprisingly Effective Solution
Here’s where a little heat comes in handy – specifically, baking. If you understand how silicon chips are made, you’ll know that manufacturers actually “bake” them to remove moisture before packaging. This is because any moisture trapped in the chips can cause them to crack under high operating temperatures. We can apply a similar principle here, but at a safe, low temperature to dry out your Washed Key Fob.
Baking gently warms the components, allowing moisture to evaporate effectively. Think of it as a controlled drying process. While a hairdryer could work, it’s often too slow and uneven. An oven provides a consistent, low heat environment that is much more effective.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Washed Key Fob
- Disassemble as much as possible: Carefully open your key fob. Remove the battery immediately! Take out any rubber seals or plastic parts that might be sensitive to heat. The more you can expose the internal components, the better the drying process will be.
- Set your oven to a low temperature: Preheat your oven to around 170-180°F (approximately 77-82°C). Once it reaches temperature, turn it OFF.
- Let the temperature drop slightly: Open the oven door for a few minutes to let the temperature drop down a bit. You want it to be around 110-130°F (43-54°C) for key fobs because of the plastic components. If you have a thermometer, use it to ensure accuracy.
- Bake your key fob: Place the disassembled key fob components on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. For key fobs specifically (due to batteries and plastic), I recommend the lower end of the temperature range (110-120°F or 43-49°C) and a slightly longer baking time.
- Reassemble and test: After baking, let everything cool down completely before reassembling your key fob. Insert a fresh battery and test if it’s working.
I’ve personally saved numerous phones and even cameras using this baking method. For a washed key fob, it’s definitely worth trying before you consider replacement.
Considering Rubbing Alcohol (Advanced Tip)
For devices dropped in something like saltwater or sugary drinks, consider this: submerging the components in high percentage (90% or higher) rubbing alcohol after rinsing with distilled water (if needed). Rubbing alcohol displaces water and helps to clean away residues. It also evaporates quickly. However, this is an advanced technique, so research it thoroughly before attempting.
Ditch the Rice, Embrace the Bake!
Forget the bag of rice when you wash your key fob. For effective water damage repair, gentle baking is a far superior solution. Give this method a try – it might just bring your key fob back to life!
