Accidentally running your Hyundai smart key fob through the washing machine is a surprisingly common mishap. Discovering your key fob has taken an unexpected swim can be frustrating, especially when you find the buttons unresponsive afterwards. Before assuming the worst, know that you might be able to revive your waterlogged Hyundai smart key fob with a bit of careful DIY. This guide will walk you through the steps to disassemble, dry, and potentially restore your Hyundai smart key fob to full working order.
Opening Your Hyundai Smart Key Fob
The first step to rescuing your fob is to open it up and assess the damage. While your Hyundai owner’s manual might suggest using a slim tool or utility blade from the outside, many find this method difficult and potentially damaging. A more effective approach involves gently separating the two halves of the fob using your fingernails or a plastic pry tool. Start at the seam where the two pieces join and carefully work your way around the perimeter until the fob pops open. Inside, you’ll typically find the two halves of the casing, the circuit board, and rubber gaskets that provide some level of water resistance.
Drying and Cleaning the Components
Upon opening your washed Hyundai smart key fob, you’ll likely find water in various compartments. Remove the battery immediately. It’s important to let all the components air dry thoroughly. While air drying is helpful, for a more effective drying process, especially for the circuit board, using isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) is highly recommended. Submerge the circuit board and other internal parts (excluding the battery) in isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol helps to displace the water and speeds up the drying process. After soaking, gently use compressed air to blow off any excess alcohol and ensure all parts are completely dry. Allowing the components to dry for a couple of days is a good measure to ensure all moisture is gone before reassembly.
Reassembly and Battery Replacement
Once you are confident that all parts are completely dry, it’s time to reassemble your Hyundai smart key fob. Carefully place the circuit board and gaskets back into their original positions within one half of the fob casing. Before closing it up, replace the old battery with a new one of the correct type (usually CR2032). Ensure the battery is inserted with the correct polarity. Finally, snap the two halves of the fob casing back together until they are securely closed.
After reassembly and battery replacement, test the buttons on your Hyundai smart key fob. In many cases, following these steps can successfully restore your fob to its original functionality, saving you the cost and hassle of a replacement. If your buttons are now working, you’ve successfully revived your Hyundai smart key fob after its unexpected laundry cycle!
UPDATE:
It’s worth noting that if your Hyundai smart key fob takes another trip through the washing machine, these same steps can be applied again with a high chance of success.
