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.
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.
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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- My car keys got washed!
01-01-2021 02:03 PM #1
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
01-01-2021 02:14 PM #2
Established Member Two Rings
Originally Posted by MchedloHello 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.
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01-01-2021 03:50 PM #3
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
01-01-2021 04:16 PM #4
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
01-01-2021 04:18 PM #5
Active Member One Ring
Originally Posted by Smac770I'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?
01-01-2021 04:22 PM #6
Senior Member Three Rings
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 corolla01-01-2021 05:34 PM #7
Veteran Member Four Rings
Audi keys are water proof lol
01-01-2021 05:36 PM #8
Established Member Two Rings
Originally Posted by Slick_B8Audi keys are water proof lol
Based on what documentation...8XrngQQ.jpg
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01-01-2021 06:14 PM #9
Senior Member Three Rings
Originally Posted by MchedloIt 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.01-02-2021 09:07 PM #10
Veteran Member Four Rings
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.
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2014 A4 2.0TQ Technik
2006 A4 2.0TQ 6spd
1978 Porsche 911SC Targa
1976 Yamaha XS 36001-02-2021 09:11 PM #11
Veteran Member Four Rings
Originally Posted by elpetersonThis 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.
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2014 A4 2.0TQ Technik
2006 A4 2.0TQ 6spd
1978 Porsche 911SC Targa
1976 Yamaha XS 36001-03-2021 08:57 AM #12
Established Member Two Rings
Originally Posted by TheicemanThis 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.
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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.
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01-03-2021 09:54 AM #13
Established Member Two Rings
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
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2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster MT601-05-2021 01:02 PM #14
Veteran Member Four Rings
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)
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