I washed my car keys and now it wont start

I washed my car keys and now it wont start

We all know what happens if we drop a smartphone in water, but what about keys? Standard, older car keys won't be a concern, but there could be issues if you drop key remotes or smart keys in water.

In the Tampa Bay area, between pools, lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, and even washing machines, there are many scenarios where your keys could accidentally end up wet. Learn about steps you can try to take if you drop your car keys in water in areas such as Tampa, Brandon, Wesley Chapel, and nearby areas.


Don't wait to remove your keys—acting quickly is vital.

I washed my car keys and now it wont start

If your keys fall out of your pocket into a body of water, it's vital that you act quickly and remove them. Waiting can make the problem much worse. The key fob will need to be dried out as soon as you possibly can. Reasons to dry out your car key remote include:

  • It's an electronic device. Water and electricity generally don't mix. If it's left wet, you could end up with a rusted-out, corroded key that won't work at all.
  • The battery could also die. A dead battery, or one that leaks or explodes, will also leave you with a non-working key.

Take steps to dry out the key and remove any water that's left.

The first thing you should do is take the key and shake out any water. Leave the remote resting with the button side facing down so water can drain out of it. Once you've let it drain for a few minutes, take an absorbent cloth and wipe the remote with it to remove any water from the crevices or surface.

After that, you will have to open up the key remote. For this, you may need a small screwdriver to access the interior of the key. Depending on the make of your car, it could be a flathead, Phillips head, or another type of screw holding it together.

Wipe the inside of the remote with a cloth and then carefully wipe the circuit board and battery off as well. If your battery seems damaged at all, then it's best to go ahead and replace it at this time. It's recommended to use a bit of rubbing alcohol to remove any battery acid residue and let the area dry before installing a new battery.


Reassemble the key and try to see if it will still function.

I washed my car keys and now it wont start

After these steps, you'll have to reassemble the key and head out to your car to see if the key is still functioning. Test out each button to ensure none were damaged in the process. If one isn't working, you may need to take the fob apart again to clean it more. If the entire key has stopped working, then you'll have to get a replacement key, which will cost you money.

Save money on key replacement by going to a locksmith instead of the car dealership.


If your keys aren't working after dropping them in water, then give our mobile locksmiths a call now.

At Cheap Lock & Key, we have the tools and experience needed to replace most types of car keys and car key remotes. If yours stops working after you drop them in water in areas such as Wesley Chapel, Tampa, Brandon, and more, then call our mobile locksmiths now at (813) 545-5462!

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  1. 01-01-2021 02:03 PM #1

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    Active Member One Ring



    My car keys got washed!

    Hello Guys! Long story short, my car keys got washed in the washing machine... I was looking for the keys like 2 days, i thought i lost them but unfortunately they were in jeans all this time. i ran to car straight up to check it. It works. I still left it in bowl full of rice. I was doing some googling about this issue and my question is: Do i have to dissemble the key (Remove the battery and Motherboard/circuit) and dry it? It was "drying" with jeans for two days and i already used them.. Give me advice please :( they are hella expensive at the dealer. i paid 300$ for them in september. Also, i read somewhere that after removing battery, key needs to "re-sync" and only way to do that is to open car with "Metal key" and then press open with keyless remote.. i dont have metal key.. so i dont want to lock my car


  2. 01-01-2021 02:14 PM #2

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    Established Member Two Rings

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start



    I washed my car keys and now it wont start
    Originally Posted by Mchedlo
    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    Hello Guys! Long story short, my car keys got washed in the washing machine... I was looking for the keys like 2 days, i thought i lost them but unfortunately they were in jeans all this time. i ran to car straight up to check it. It works. I still left it in bowl full of rice. I was doing some googling about this issue and my question is: Do i have to dissemble the key (Remove the battery and Motherboard/circuit) and dry it? It was "drying" with jeans for two days and i already used them.. Give me advice please :( they are hella expensive at the dealer. i paid 300$ for them in september. Also, i read somewhere that after removing battery, key needs to "re-sync" and only way to do that is to open car with "Metal key" and then press open with keyless remote.. i dont have metal key.. so i dont want to lock my car

    Does your key fob not have a pull out key? You could just open it up, leave the battery in, just to let it air out more.

    Sent from my Pixel 5 using Audizine Forum mobile app


  3. 01-01-2021 03:50 PM #3

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    Veteran Member Four Rings



    I'd pull out the inside (like you were changing the battery) and just let it sit that way until it's dry. It's not going to dry as quickly while it's all assembled.

    The key isn't going to lose it's identity with the battery out, and the car isn't going to forget about the key. Take the battery out, make sure it and the contacts are not wet, put it back, let the assembly sit and dry. If it's all dry, then move on.

    2009 A4 Avant 2.0T quattro Prestige, 243k miles


  4. 01-01-2021 04:16 PM #4

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    Active Member One Ring



    No it doesnt. Audi dealer asked me 100$ for it. I found one on ebay (just for 9$) but i didn't buy it yet :( unfortunately


  5. 01-01-2021 04:18 PM #5

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    Active Member One Ring



    I washed my car keys and now it wont start
    Originally Posted by Smac770
    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    I'd pull out the inside (like you were changing the battery) and just let it sit that way until it's dry. It's not going to dry as quickly while it's all assembled.

    The key isn't going to lose it's identity with the battery out, and the car isn't going to forget about the key. Take the battery out, make sure it and the contacts are not wet, put it back, let the assembly sit and dry. If it's all dry, then move on.

    It wont? alright then i will pull out the battery. should i remove the circuit/motherboard as well?


  6. 01-01-2021 04:22 PM #6

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    Senior Member Three Rings

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start



    I like to watch this guy. Not sure how much it applies to small appliances like keys but I imagine the same premise still applies. I'd check the PCB for any corrosion.

    2013 Audi allroad

    2007 Toyota corolla


  7. 01-01-2021 05:34 PM #7

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    Veteran Member Four Rings



    Audi keys are water proof lol


  8. 01-01-2021 05:36 PM #8

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    Established Member Two Rings

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start



    I washed my car keys and now it wont start
    Originally Posted by Slick_B8
    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    Audi keys are water proof lol

    Based on what documentation...8XrngQQ.jpg

    Sent from my Pixel 5 using Audizine Forum mobile app


  9. 01-01-2021 06:14 PM #9

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    Senior Member Three Rings

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start



    I washed my car keys and now it wont start
    Originally Posted by Mchedlo
    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    It wont? alright then i will pull out the battery. should i remove the circuit/motherboard as well?

    As smac770 stated already it won�t loose it�s identity and yes you can remove the circuit-plate off your key by tapping gently and it will slide out.
    Make sure they are all dried out and and assemble your key once again.
    You�ll be alright it still worked when you first tried it so it won�t break all of a sudden now.


  10. 01-02-2021 09:07 PM #10

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    Veteran Member Four Rings

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start



    I have washed my keys many times. I just dig them out of the washer and move on. As a previous poster commented my b7 had a rubber seal. I'm sure the b8 does too.

    Sent from my SM-G973W using Audizine Forum mobile app

    2014 A4 2.0TQ Technik
    2006 A4 2.0TQ 6spd
    1978 Porsche 911SC Targa
    1976 Yamaha XS 360


  11. 01-02-2021 09:11 PM #11

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    Veteran Member Four Rings

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start



    I washed my car keys and now it wont start
    Originally Posted by elpeterson
    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    This is not redit, when you do that you come off like a douchebag. If you want to help just take your key apart and see if there is a rubber seal. confirm or discount the hypothesis.

    Sent from my SM-G973W using Audizine Forum mobile app

    2014 A4 2.0TQ Technik
    2006 A4 2.0TQ 6spd
    1978 Porsche 911SC Targa
    1976 Yamaha XS 360


  12. 01-03-2021 08:57 AM #12

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    Established Member Two Rings

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start



    I washed my car keys and now it wont start
    Originally Posted by Theiceman
    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    This is not redit, when you do that you come off like a douchebag. If you want to help just take your key apart and see if there is a rubber seal. confirm or discount the hypothesis.

    Sent from my SM-G973W using Audizine Forum mobile app

    Rubber seal does not mean it has an IP rating or has been tested for submersion. Stating something as fact with only anecdotal evidence doesn't provide any benefit. The keys are water resistant per the manual but nothing beyond that.

    Its on you to provide evidence supporting your claim, not on me to do the research to refute you.

    Sent from my Pixel 5 using Audizine Forum mobile app


  13. 01-03-2021 09:54 AM #13

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    Established Member Two Rings

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start



    If you open up the key to air dry, I suggest using a hair-dryer or paint-gun (on low) to speed up the drying. By now it is probably too late, but adding for the benefit of others.

    2011 A4 2.0T Premium Plus MT6
    Colgan Bra and Mirror Covers; stage 2 clutch
    2003 A6 2.7T MT6 - sold March 2015
    Premium-Cold Weather-Bose; GIAC-Bailey DVs-Samco TBB-K&N
    AWE Stage 2 Clutch+Lightweight Flywheel; Colgan Bra; SS Brakelines
    Billy Boat Downpipe Kit, Velocity RS4 Replica Rims
    2018 Maserati Ghibli SQ4
    2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT6
    2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster MT6


  14. 01-05-2021 01:02 PM #14

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start

    Veteran Member Four Rings

    I washed my car keys and now it wont start



    It does say on the back of it: "not dishwasher safe".

    ...but really, just dry it and see if there are any obvious dried spots on the circuit and use electrical cleaner, dry again and re-assemble.

    Current: 2016 Audi A4 Allroad (in progress)
    Past: 2005 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro Avant / 6-speed / Ultrasport - SOLD


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Can a wet key cause car not to start?

Water and electricity generally don't mix. If it's left wet, you could end up with a rusted-out, corroded key that won't work at all. The battery could also die. A dead battery, or one that leaks or explodes, will also leave you with a non-working key.

What happens if a car key goes through the wash?

Corrosion - A wet circuit board is also one that'll see its metal traces and other components succumb to rust and corrosion. Battery failure - A wet circuit board can also cause the key fob battery to dump its charge. At best, you'll end up with a dead battery. At worst, the battery could leak or even explode.

What happens if you put a wet key in the ignition?

This includes the starter, instrument cluster, fuel pump and so on. Water is an electrical conductor, so, if the switch gets wet, power can transfer to places it is not supposed to go. It may be possible for you or a technician to remove the ignition switch and dry it out; worst case: replace it.