What to Do When Your Car Key Gets Wet and the Remote Control Stops Working?
3 Answers
First, make sure there is no moisture inside the key. You can choose to use a hairdryer to dry it or let it air dry naturally. Never dry it under direct sunlight or with hot air. Then, replace the battery and test the buttons. If it still doesn't work, you may need to visit a 4S dealership to get a new one. Here are some precautions to take when your car key gets wet: 1. Avoid pressing the buttons randomly: Do not press any buttons immediately after the car key gets wet, as this may cause moisture to penetrate deeper into the key. Wipe the surface dry, and if you know how to disassemble it, open the casing, remove the battery, and use absorbent paper towels to clean the internal components. 2. Use cold air to dry: Use a hairdryer on the cold setting to dry the key. Avoid using hot air, as the internal circuit board should not be exposed to excessive heat. You can also place the key in a breathable bag and then put it in a dry rice container. 3. Clean with alcohol: Use high-concentration alcohol to gently wipe the internal button contacts and other parts, then let it dry before reinstalling the battery.
Yesterday, my car key fell into a bucket of water—what bad luck! I quickly took it apart, removed the battery, and first used dry paper towels to absorb the surface water. Then, I used the cool setting on a hairdryer to blow it back and forth for over ten minutes. I left it to air out on the balcony, replacing the desiccant three times in between. In the afternoon, I reassembled the battery and tested it—surprisingly, it still worked! If you encounter a similar situation, never press the remote buttons directly, as water conducts electricity and can fry the circuit board. If you're in a real hurry, some cars come with a mechanical keyhole for temporary access, and newer models can be unlocked remotely via a mobile app. Remember not to reinsert the battery until it's completely dry—placing it in a sealed container with food-grade desiccant packets works wonders.
Last week when I was getting my car repaired, I happened to see a car owner seeking help with a water-damaged key. If the key gets wet, you must immediately remove the back cover to take out the battery, then wipe the entire key dry and place it in a rice container to absorb moisture for at least 24 hours. Special reminder: don't use hot air to dry the plastic casing as it may deform, and definitely avoid absurd actions like putting it in a microwave. It's safer to use a spare key first, since water damage can easily corrode the contacts of the remote chip. If the buttons don't respond after thorough drying, it usually means the motherboard is damaged. Many older car keys cost only a few hundred yuan to replace, but for newer models with keyless entry systems, an original replacement key can cost over a thousand. Sometimes, mobile phone repair technicians can salvage the circuit board of a water-damaged key, with costs as low as a few dozen yuan.
