It’s a familiar scenario for many car owners: the dreaded moment when your car key fob takes an unexpected swim. Whether it’s a plunge into a puddle, a spill in the kitchen sink, or an accidental cycle in the washing machine, a wet key fob can cause panic. But don’t worry, all hope is not lost! If your Key Fob Got Wet, there are steps you can take to try and salvage it and potentially avoid the expense of a replacement.
Having a spare key is always a smart move, especially in situations like this. A spare ensures you’re not stranded while you attempt to dry out your waterlogged fob. Even if you successfully dry it, having a backup during the drying process is invaluable.
Immediate First Aid for a Wet Key Fob
Water and electronics are a disastrous combination. When your key fob got wet, quick action is crucial to minimize potential damage. For this guide, we’ll focus on the most common incident: dropping your fob in water. However, these steps are also relevant if your fob encounters other liquids like spills from drinks.
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Dry the Exterior: Immediately grab a highly absorbent material such as a paper towel or a clean tissue. Before you start wiping, try to remove any loose water trapped inside. Turn the key fob got wet buttons downwards and gently shake it. This helps expel water through the button openings. Thoroughly dry the entire outer casing and pay close attention to the areas around the buttons to absorb as much surface water as possible.
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Consider Battery Removal (If Possible): If you’re comfortable with basic electronics, removing the battery is highly recommended. Gently pry open the fob casing using a small screwdriver or a similar tool. Inside, you’ll typically find a small, circular, silver battery, similar to those in watches. These batteries are usually easy to pop out. If you’re unsure about this step, you can still proceed without removing the battery, but removing it can significantly improve your chances of recovery. Crucially, do not insert a new battery until you are absolutely certain the fob is completely dry.
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The Drying Process – Patience is Key
Now for the most important step: drying the internal components of your key fob got wet. There are a few methods you can use, but the safest and most effective is simply time and a dry environment.
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Warm, Dry Location: The best approach is to place your key fob got wet in a warm, dry room for a couple of days. Avoid direct heat sources like radiators or hair dryers, as excessive heat can cause further damage to the delicate electronics. Patience is essential here.
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Silica Gel: If you happen to have silica gel packets (those small packets found in shoe boxes or electronics packaging), these are excellent for absorbing moisture. Place your key fob got wet and several silica gel packets in a sealed plastic bag. While helpful, silica gel alone might not be sufficient, so continue the drying process even when using them.
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Avoid Rice: While some suggest uncooked rice, it’s not recommended. Rice starch can actually introduce contaminants into the fob’s sensitive internal components, potentially causing more harm than good.
To slightly accelerate the drying, you can place the key fob got wet on a high shelf in the room. Warm air naturally rises, making the air higher up in the room warmer and drier. After allowing ample time for drying (at least 48 hours, or until you are sure it’s bone dry), try reinserting the battery and testing the fob.
Testing and What If It Doesn’t Work?
Once you’re confident your key fob got wet is completely dry, insert a fresh battery (if you removed the old one). Try using your key fob as you normally would. If it works – congratulations! You’ve successfully revived your fob.
If, unfortunately, your key fob got wet and still doesn’t function after drying, don’t worry. Keys 4 Cars offers a convenient and cost-effective replacement key fob service. We are often faster and more affordable than dealerships, and our mobile service means we can come directly to you, saving you time and hassle. Getting your key fob got wet replaced doesn’t have to be a major ordeal.
