What should you do if you washed your car key in the washing machine?

Foreign objects very often get into the washing machine drum; sometimes we are talking about expensive and important things, the damage of which leads to serious consequences. Quite often you can hear the question: what to do if I washed my car key in the washing machine. Unfortunately, this situation is not uncommon, and it is not always possible to save the key fob from damage, so it is important to act as quickly as possible.

What happens to the key?

An ordinary washing key will not be damaged, but if it is a key fob, then, most likely, the car owner will not get off with a slight fright. Under the influence of household chemicals, the contacts on the circuit board inside the unit undergo oxidative processes, and the car stops opening, even if the batteries are replaced.

Is it still possible to save a washed item? Yes, it is possible if you act immediately. This is the very moment when reaction speed decides everything.

Important! The sooner emergency measures are taken, the higher the likelihood of maintaining the functionality of the key fob.

Algorithm of actions

By following all the recommendations of specialists, the chance of a favorable outcome increases. Rescue measures must be approached not only quickly, but also wisely. What to do when washing is completed?

1. Take out the keychain, carefully examine it, and assess the “scale of the disaster.”
2. Disassemble the structure, remembering the sequence of actions.
3. Carefully clean the board, avoiding damage to the semiconductor elements.
4. Dry the “insides” thoroughly; there should be no traces of moisture left there.
5. Replace defective parts if necessary.

After completing all of the above steps, you need to assemble the key and check its functionality. It must function fully, performing all tasks. If you managed to remember the key fob during the washing process, you should not wait for it to finish. It is necessary to stop the cycle, drain the water and remove the item.

Disassembling and cleaning the key fob

When the key is removed from the machine drum, it is under no circumstances recommended to turn it on. When the device is de-energized, remove the battery and place it on a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Then you should immediately begin disassembly. What will you need for this?

• Screwdrivers for watches of different calibers.
• Sufficient artificial or natural lighting.
• Wire cutters.
• A special composition for processing and cleaning boards (if it is not possible to purchase such a product, medical alcohol will do).

How should I proceed?

• Open the “box”. The uncast structure is clinging with a knife in the joint areas. If the key fob is cast, then by carefully examining it under the light you can determine the location of the chip. It is carefully cut out of the plastic case.
• Unscrew the housing bolts, move the elements apart with a flat-head screwdriver and remove the chip.
• Unfasten the blade with the ejection mechanism. Get the buttons.

Then comes the most crucial moment, which requires an almost jewelry approach. It is necessary to clean the board as quickly as possible, which may oxidize after interacting with the washing composition. Oxidative processes have started, if the part has become cloudy, a shade of green has appeared. It is important to do everything carefully to prevent mechanical damage.

Which means are the most effective and safe:

• baking soda, which neutralizes oxidation and gets rid of pockets of corrosion;
• ammonia;
• aqueous solution of isopropyl alcohol in a ratio of 1:1;
• distilled water.

All liquids are applied using a cotton swab soaked in them. It is acceptable to use a household cleaner that does not contain phosphates. The best option for boards is JELT7251. The composition is applied using a sprayer, then the board is carefully wiped.

Must be dried

You cannot assemble and turn on the key fob immediately after cleaning. It is important to thoroughly dry the “insides” of the device. Drying is carried out under natural conditions at room temperature without the use of artificial heat sources. The longer the key is dried in a dry, warm place, the better. The optimal time is 12 hours.

When all the elements are dry, you can begin assembly, insert the battery and check the operation of the key. Sometimes only the battery oxidizes during the washing process. In this case, it is enough to simply replace it with a new one.

Key replacement required

If all manipulations do not show any result, you will have to replace the key fob. It is better to act without delay, because in some situations (for example, in the case of theft), law enforcement agencies may have questions about the owner of the car. Algorithm of actions:

• collect a complete package of documents for the car that are available;
• leave a request at a car dealership;
• wait for a new key to be produced (the period is about 2 weeks or more).

If the vehicle was recently purchased, a discount may be available for a key replacement. This is possible in the case where such a service falls under the terms of warranty service.The final cost depends on several factors: the complexity of the device, the car model, the salon’s pricing policy and other points. The motorist will have to pay at least several hundred dollars.

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