What to Do When Your Car Key Gets Wet and the Remote Control Stops Working?
3 Answers
Dry the surface first. If you know how to disassemble it, open the casing, remove the battery, and use absorbent paper towels to wipe the internal components. Use a hairdryer on the cool setting to dry it out—avoid using hot air. You can also place it in dry rice (as rice is quite dry and can absorb moisture effectively). Use high-concentration alcohol to gently clean the internal button contacts and other parts, then let it air dry before reinserting the battery. If the key still doesn’t work after following these steps, the issue is likely a damaged circuit board. In this case, you may need to visit a 4S dealership to get a replacement key.
I'm the type who often has minor mishaps. Last time when my key got soaked in the rain and the remote completely failed, I immediately opened the key casing, took out the battery, and dried it with tissue paper. Then I placed it in a bowl of raw rice and sealed it for a day—rice is great at absorbing moisture. After that, I put the battery back in and tried it, and it usually works again. If that doesn't work, I usually take it to a roadside repair shop to see if the technician can clean and fix the circuit board, saving me the hassle and high cost of replacing it at a dealership. If your key gets wet, don't press any buttons—this could short-circuit the system and completely ruin it. The remote is like the heart of your car; if it fails, you can't even open the door, which is quite a hassle. Keeping a spare mechanical key in your wallet is also practical for emergencies. These small things can easily cause trouble if you're not careful, so checking your key before driving is a must-have habit.
I've fixed many key issues, and water-damaged keys malfunctioning isn't a big problem. The first step is to quickly remove the battery and wipe off the water, then use a hairdryer on low heat to blow-dry the internal circuit board to prevent short circuits. After it's completely dry, reassemble and test it—it often works fine. If that doesn't do the trick, try gently cleaning the contacts with an alcohol swab to remove dirt. Don't panic if the remote stops working; many times, it's a temporary glitch, and fixing it yourself can save you hundreds in replacement costs. If you really can't fix it, then take it to a professional shop for diagnosis—they'll use equipment to detect short circuits and reprogram it. For daily use, I recommend using a waterproof key cover for protection, so you won't have to worry about rain or splashes. Remember, don't use heat to dry the circuit board, or you might melt the components—it's not worth the risk.
