3rd Gen push start - Key fob through washing machine

Has anyone run their push button start key fob through the washing machine? Or jumped in the lake with it in your pocket? I haven't, but I know I will. Wondering if it's going to survive, or if there is a trick to save it once you realize it's been fully submerged. As I understand these things are spendy.

I'm asking because I had my 2nd Gen 13 years and lost track how many times it was washed. I never had any issues with it, it was sealed tight.

Before the inevitable happens, just wondering your experiences.

 

Lol. I'd admit it. And I know I will eventually..... I did it so often with the 2nd gen fob, but there wasn't much to it. Seems like the new one would be a bigger deal if it got wet.

 

In for answers.

 

Generally with any electronic, you want to dry out it before turning/activating any buttons. If the servos aren't dry and you put current through it, you will most likely short circuit the board. If it's dropped in water, open up the case and take out the battery then dab it with a cloth. Be careful not to push any buttons during this process. Let the rest air dry for at least 36 hours or use the rice bag method. Put everything back together then pray for the best.

 

If you have done it multiple times, you could always try to waterproof it yourself. Just pay attention to the area where the antenna is.

There shouldn't be a whole lot of difference between key fobs. The one's with the push button might have more risk of water intrusion because of the key inside the FOB. As mentioned above just make sure you don't use it while wet and remove the battery.

 

Was your old well laundered unit just a keyless entry?

And your new one is a proximity key?

Proximity key is certainly more complex.

And as you suggest, very spendy.

I recommend just letting it stay dirty.

 

Are the proximity key FOBs operate similar to an active RFID or passive RFID or something else? Just interested to know.

 

You could probably tear it apart and spray it w conformal coating while making sure to avoid the button contacts. I have no idea what the internals look like tho so take it w a grain of salt.

 

the best stuff I've found is hairspray.

 

Interesting, doesn't stay sticky, eh?

 

nope

 

Just do what I do...
https://ziploc.com/en/products/bags/sandwich-and-snack/snack-bags
Works great, key works through the plastic, bag is small enough to fit in pocket and you can put on a fresh one every week for cheap. I always put my keys in a snack ziploc bag when there is a threat of rain while riding my mtn bike. I then just put it in my pocket in a bag.

 

I’ve run mine through the washer and it worked fine right after.
I’ve heard the fobs are waterproof ...

 

This is what I was hoping to hear. That's how my 05 was.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5dMpDZCDcE

even if the battery runs out you can still start the car. by touching the remote to the push button. It looks like there is a RFID/prox sensor there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbsbwZBb5Xs&feature=youtu.be&t=1m50s

 

Good to know.

 

Buy a can of neverwet, take the fob apart, remove battery, spray it down. Scrape off any neverwet from the battery contacts and reassemble. Enjoy your waterproof fob.

More info: https://learn.adafruit.com/neverwet-electronics/overview

 

I was at over 50 feet deep in the ocean while scuba diving when I realized I had my key fob and cell phone in my pockets. The fob was fine, the cell phone not so much. I was extremely impressed at it surviving almost 3 atmospheres. I would have been completely stuck if it leaked even just a few drops of salt water.

 

Maybe don't buy a smart key? My wife's Camry has a smart key, she loves it and I hate it. I always lose track of where the key is. When I have to move her car I have to take her purse with me because she leaves her key in the purse. My neighbour has given me a few strange looks when he sees me carrying a purse.