It’s a familiar sinking feeling for many car owners: you’ve just dropped your car key fob into water. Whether it was a puddle, a spill, or even a trip through the washing machine, a wet key fob can be a real problem. If you’re facing the frustration of a “key fob got wet now car won’t start” situation, don’t panic. You might be able to salvage your key and avoid the hassle of immediate replacement.
Before you jump to conclusions about needing a costly replacement key, there are steps you can take to try and dry out your water-damaged key fob and potentially get your car starting again. Having a spare car key is always a good idea for situations like this, providing you with immediate access to your vehicle while you deal with the wet fob.
Immediate Actions for a Wet Key Fob
Water and electronics are not friends. When your key fob encounters moisture – whether it’s plain water, juice, or another liquid – quick action is crucial to minimize potential damage. For this guide, we’ll focus on the most common scenario: a key fob that’s been dropped in water.
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Initial Drying and Water Removal: The first step is to act fast to remove as much surface water as possible. Grab a paper towel or any absorbent cloth you have on hand. Before you start wiping, try to get any trapped water out of the fob itself. Turn the key fob buttons downwards and gently shake it. This will help dislodge water that may have seeped inside through the buttons and seams. After shaking, thoroughly dry the outer casing and pay special attention to the areas around the buttons where water might be trapped.
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Battery Removal (If Possible): If you feel comfortable and have the tools, removing the battery is highly recommended. Most key fobs can be carefully opened using a small screwdriver or a similar thin, flat tool. Car key fob batteries are typically small, silver, disc-shaped batteries, similar to those found in watches. They are usually easy to pop out once the fob is open. If you’re not confident in opening your fob, you can still proceed with the drying process, but removing the battery reduces the risk of short circuits. Crucially, if you do remove the battery, do not replace it with a fresh one until you are absolutely certain the key fob is completely dry inside and out.
Drying Your Water Damaged Key Fob Effectively
Now that you’ve addressed the immediate surface water, the next critical step is thorough drying. There are several methods you can use, but some are more effective and safer than others.
Silica gel packets, those small packets often found in packaging to absorb moisture, are excellent for drying electronics. If you have silica gel available, place your key fob and several packets in a sealed plastic bag. The silica gel will draw moisture out of the fob. Even if you use silica gel, it’s still wise to continue with further drying methods to ensure all moisture is removed.
While some suggest using uncooked rice, we advise against this. Rice is not as effective a drying agent as silica gel, and starch from the rice can potentially get inside the key fob and cause further problems with the delicate electronics.
The safest and most reliable way to dry a wet key fob is simply to allow it to air dry in a warm, dry room for at least 48 hours.
Important Drying Don’ts: Avoid the temptation to use direct heat. Do not place your key fob on a radiator or use a hairdryer. Excessive heat can damage the electronic components within the key fob. Patience is key here. To slightly speed up the natural drying process, you can place the key fob on a high shelf in a room. Warm air naturally rises, so the air higher up in a room tends to be warmer and drier, which can aid in evaporation.
After waiting at least two days, and ensuring the fob feels completely dry to the touch, try reinserting the battery (if you removed it) or replacing it with a new battery. Then, attempt to use your key fob as you normally would to start your car.
Key Fob Still Not Working After Drying?
If you’ve diligently followed these drying steps, but your “key fob got wet now car won’t start” problem persists, it’s possible that water damage has affected the internal electronics beyond repair. In this case, getting a replacement is likely necessary.
Keys 4 Cars offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for car key replacement. Often faster and more affordable than dealerships, mobile key replacement services can even come to your location, saving you the inconvenience of towing your car or traveling to a dealership when your key fob is not functioning.
