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Key fob stopped after rain or a car wash — dry it before buying a battery

Key fob

Key fob quit after it got wet? Open it, dry the board and coin cell for a day, then test. Often it works again without a new battery.

Illustration of a generic key fob, an old coin cell covered with tape, and a lidded bin
Photo: CoraCo Studio™ original (generated)

A key fob that dies right after rain, a car wash, or a trip through the laundry is often just wet inside, not out of battery. Drying it first can save you a trip to the store.

How to dry a wet key fob

  1. Use the metal key to get in the car if you need to.
  2. Open the fob shell with a plastic pry tool and take the coin cell out.
  3. Pat the board and the cell dry with a soft lint-free cloth. Do not use a hair dryer on high heat.
  4. Leave the open shell, board and cell on a towel in a warm, dry room for 24 hours.
  5. Put the cell back, close the shell, and test the buttons. If it is still dead, try a fresh coin cell of the same size.

If you see green or white crust on the contacts, or it still fails with a new cell, have a locksmith or the dealer check it.

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