Can a Water-Damaged Car Key Be Repaired?
2 Answers
Water-damaged car keys can be repaired, but whether to repair or replace the key depends on the extent of damage to the key's circuit board. Below are some details about car key repair: 1. When a car key is damaged by water, the internal circuit board is usually short-circuited. 2. The circuit board contains many electronic components, and during repair, detailed measurements are required to determine the extent of the damage. If the damage is not severe, the key can be repaired. 3. If the damage is severe and the circuit board is completely burnt, repair is no longer a viable option.
I once had a situation where my car key got wet—it accidentally fell into a bucket of water while washing the car. I quickly picked it up, dried the exterior, then opened it to remove the battery. I used a hairdryer on low heat for about ten minutes and left it in a bag of rice overnight. Luckily, it worked again afterward. If it’s a remote key, water on the circuit board can easily cause a short circuit, so prompt action is necessary. Mechanical keys are simpler to handle. I also recommend buying a waterproof key case or a lanyard to avoid similar accidents. If it can’t be fixed, it’s best to visit a professional repair shop—you might need to replace the battery or circuit components, which is still cheaper than replacing the entire key.