Accidentally putting your Hyundai smart key fob through the washing machine is a common mishap that can leave you with a malfunctioning device. If you’ve found yourself in this situation, don’t panic! Many times, you can revive your waterlogged key fob by opening it up, drying the internal components, and replacing the battery if necessary. This guide will walk you through the process of safely opening your Hyundai key fob and attempting to restore it to working order.
Step-by-Step Guide to Opening and Drying Your Hyundai Key Fob
When your Hyundai key fob takes an unexpected swim, immediate action is key. Here’s how to approach opening and drying it effectively.
Initial Steps After Water Exposure
First, retrieve your key fob from the water as quickly as possible. Once you have it, avoid pressing any buttons. Activating the buttons while the internal circuitry is wet can potentially cause further damage. Your next step is to prepare for opening the fob to dry the sensitive electronics inside.
Safely Opening Your Hyundai Key Fob
Hyundai owner’s manuals often suggest using a “slim tool or utility blade” to open the key fob. However, this vague instruction can be misleading and may lead to frustration or damage to the fob casing if you try to pry it open from the outside with a screwdriver. A more effective and gentler method involves using your mechanical key, which is typically housed within the smart fob itself.
-
Locate the Release Latch: Find the small release latch on your key fob. This latch is designed to release the mechanical key.
-
Release and Remove the Mechanical Key: Activate the latch to detach the mechanical key from the fob.
-
Insert Mechanical Key into the Slot: Once the mechanical key is removed, you’ll notice a small slot revealed on the key fob casing where the key was housed. Insert the tip of the mechanical key into this slot.
-
Gently Twist and Pry Open: Carefully twist the mechanical key within the slot. This action should begin to separate the two halves of the key fob. You may hear a click or feel the casing begin to give way. Gently pry along the seam created by twisting the key to fully separate the two halves of the fob.
