What to Do When Your Car Remote Key Gets Wet
4 Answers
Here are the steps to handle a soaked car remote key: 1. Wipe the exterior dry. You can open its casing, remove the battery, insert a screwdriver into the slot, and turn it clockwise to fully separate the two parts of the remote. 2. Use a cotton swab or anhydrous alcohol to clean the circuit board. The 95% concentration alcohol sold in pharmacies is suitable, as anhydrous alcohol has strong water-absorbing properties. Then, blow it dry. 3. Use highly absorbent paper towels to dry the internal components. Do not immediately test any remote functions, as the chip in the wet remote key might short-circuit and burn out.
Oh no, my car key got soaked in the rain last month and I totally panicked. I immediately took it out of my pocket, used a small screwdriver to pry open the back cover, and removed the battery to prevent short-circuit damage. Then I wiped the exterior dry with a clean towel, making sure to thoroughly remove water droplets from the button crevices. Remember not to use a high-power hair dryer - only low heat to slowly dry the components, which took me half an hour of patient work. A friend suggested putting it in a sealed bag with rice to absorb moisture, which I tried overnight. When I reinstalled the battery the next day for testing, it didn't work at first, but after repeatedly pressing the buttons several times, it finally returned to normal. Now I've developed a habit of putting my key in a waterproof pouch on rainy days to avoid trouble. If your key gets severely water-damaged beyond repair, it's better to get a new one from the dealership for peace of mind.
As a frequent driver, I recommend removing the battery immediately when the key gets wet to avoid permanent damage from internal circuit short circuits. Use a soft cloth to dry the exterior, and if time permits, let it air dry in a shaded area for over 12 hours. If in a hurry, you can try using a hairdryer on low heat for a few minutes while maintaining a safe distance. Additionally, placing it with desiccants or in a rice container can speed up moisture absorption. I once didn't handle a wet key properly, resulting in button failure and a full replacement costing 500 yuan. Therefore, preventive measures like key covers or waterproof cases are crucial. Lastly, remember not to test the key immediately after it gets wet, as it might damage the vehicle's computer system. Repair shops have professional diagnostic equipment to fix minor issues at a lower cost.
If the key gets soaked in water, immediately turn off the car, disconnect the power, and remove the battery. Use highly absorbent paper towels to dry off all moisture. The longer the air-drying time, the better—ideally 48 hours to ensure the interior is completely dry. Afterward, reinstall and test the button functions. If they don't work, go directly to an auto repair shop for inspection or consider replacing the key as a precaution. From my experience, timely action can save it 90% of the time.
