It’s a scenario many car owners dread but often experience: accidentally dropping your car key fob into water. Whether it’s a puddle, a sink full of water, or the dreaded washing machine cycle, a Wet Key Fob can cause panic. Don’t worry, it might not be a complete disaster. With quick action, you might be able to save your key fob and avoid the need for a costly replacement.
Having a spare key is always a smart move, especially in situations like this. A spare key will keep you mobile while you attempt to rescue your water-damaged fob, and it’s a good backup even if you successfully dry out your original.
Steps to Dry Out Your Wet Key Fob
Water and electronics are a notoriously bad combination. When your key fob encounters moisture from water or other liquids like drinks, acting fast is crucial to minimize potential damage. For this guide, we’ll focus on water submersion as it’s the most common cause of a wet key fob.
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Initial Drying: Quickly grab a paper towel or any absorbent cloth. The first step is to remove as much surface water as possible. Turn the wet key fob button-side down to encourage water to drain out. Gently shake the fob to help expel water trapped inside. Thoroughly dry the exterior casing and around all buttons, ensuring no visible water remains on the surface.
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Battery Removal (Optional but Recommended): If you feel comfortable, opening the key fob to remove the battery is highly recommended. Most key fobs can be carefully pried open using a small screwdriver or a similar thin tool. Car key fob batteries are typically small, silver, button-shaped batteries, similar to those found in watches. They are usually easy to identify and remove. If you are hesitant about opening the fob, you can proceed without this step, but removing the battery significantly reduces the risk of electrical damage. Crucially, do not insert a new battery until you are absolutely certain the fob is completely dry.
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Thorough Drying Methods: Now, the goal is to dry the internal components of your wet key fob completely. Several methods can be effective. Silica gel packets, often found in packaging to absorb moisture, are excellent if you have them available. Place the key fob and several silica gel packets in a sealed plastic bag. While silica gel is very effective, it’s still advisable to continue the drying process further to ensure all moisture is removed.
While some suggest using uncooked rice, it’s not the best solution. Rice starch can sometimes get into the fob and cause more problems. The safest and most reliable method for drying your wet key fob is to simply leave it in a warm, dry room for at least 48 hours.
Avoid using high heat sources like radiators or hair dryers. Excessive heat can damage the electronic components within the key fob. Patience is key here. To slightly accelerate the drying process, place the fob on a high shelf in the room. Warm air naturally rises, making the air higher up drier and warmer. After allowing ample drying time (two days or more, to be safe), insert a fresh battery and test the key fob to see if it functions correctly.
If your key fob works after drying, congratulations! You’ve successfully salvaged it. If it doesn’t, don’t worry. Keys 4 Cars offers a convenient and cost-effective replacement service. We are generally faster and more affordable than dealerships, and our mobile service means we can come to your location, saving you the hassle of going to a shop for a replacement.
