What to Do When Your Car Key Gets Wet and Stops Working?
3 Answers
The solutions for a wet and malfunctioning car key are: 1. Stop using it immediately; 2. Wipe off the water on the surface of the key; 3. Use a screwdriver to open the key cover; 4. Remove the battery and clean the circuit board; 5. Dry the circuit board and reassemble it. The components of a car key include: transmitter, remote central locking control module, driving authorization system control module, and the control system composed of related wiring harnesses. Precautions for using car keys are: 1. Avoid contact with metal objects; 2. Do not place it together with electronic devices; 3. Do not leave the spare key in the car; 4. Avoid throwing or dropping it carelessly.
If my car key accidentally gets soaked in water, I will take immediate emergency measures. First, remove the key from the water, quickly take out the battery to prevent short circuits, and dry the surface with a cloth or paper towel. Then, place it in a sealed bag with some drying agents like rice or silica gel packets, seal it, and leave it for 24 to 48 hours to absorb moisture. Avoid using a hairdryer for heating, as it can easily damage the internal circuits. After it dries, try pressing the buttons. If it doesn't work, the chip or circuits might be damaged, and you'll need to take it to a repair shop. If you don't have a spare key, you can temporarily use a mobile app to unlock the car or call a towing service. A water-damaged key not treated promptly can become completely unusable, and replacing a new key can cost hundreds of dollars. That's why I always make it a habit to avoid placing my keys in damp places.
Last time my car key fell into a puddle and stopped working immediately. I quickly fished it out and dried the exterior first. I then placed it in an old rice bag, sealed it for a day, and miraculously it returned to normal! From then on, I learned that the key contains tiny circuits inside, which can corrode or short-circuit when submerged, causing unresponsive buttons or signal failure. Quick drying after water exposure is crucial, but avoid DIY heating methods like microwaving—it's too risky. Without a spare key, I temporarily use the mechanical key to open the car door or contact my insurance company for emergency roadside assistance. In the long run, keeping a spare key hidden in the car or with family is a smart move; repair costs might be a few hundred dollars, but timely action saves money and ensures safety.
