I got my key wet and it won't work - not even when i press it against the start button. The battery looks like it's leaked. If i replace the battery will it work again or do i need to get it reprogrammed or something? Cheers.

Didn't realise keys could get that excited about being handled.

Electrical components don't like liquids. I'd probably try taking it apart and giving it time to properly dry. If the PCB has any signs of damage or corrosion (rust, or green material) then it may be toast, or at least would require component level repair. If it looks okay, pop a new battery in and try, see if you get a light on the key at all when pressing buttons. New batteries cost pence.

 

In the future if you get it wet, don't use it... remove the battery asap and take it apart to dry the PCB 100%. Less chance of it frying itself.

Thanks for the suggestion - will try it.

Further to the above, after removing the battery, put the key in a bag with some rice overnight. This will help dry it out.

24 minutes ago, KenONeill said:

Further to the above, after removing the battery, put the key in a bag with some rice overnight. This will help dry it out.

 

Pretty sure thats a complete urban myth. You'd be better off drying it on a counter top after opening it up. Faster you get the water off the better. For example: https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2014/05/06/gazelles-guide-water-damage-truth-rice-galaxy-everything/

Edited 15 July, 20196 yr by Confused_Cheese

1 minute ago, Confused_Cheese said:

 

Pretty sure thats a complete urban myth. You'd be better off drying it on a counter top. For example: https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2014/05/06/gazelles-guide-water-damage-truth-rice-galaxy-everything/

I have USB pens that say otherwise.

Just now, KenONeill said:

I have USB pens that say otherwise.

That probably would of worked if you'd left them on the side to dry 😉

Clearly it doesn't work because the key has a female name and is upset probably the wrong time of the month. Trying to de-escalate your conflict of opinions guys.

Ha is all good  Its not going to hurt to anyway, but I wouldn't say its worth going out of your way to buy a bag of rice for. If you have a cat, their litter is more absorbent than rice  just don't put it in the litter tray

1 minute ago, Confused_Cheese said:

Ha is all good  Its not going to hurt to anyway, but I wouldn't say its worth going out of your way to buy a bag of rice for. If you have a cat, their litter is more absorbent than rice  just don't put it in the litter tray

We bulk buy our Basmati in 10kg bags. Probably get lost in there.

Unsure why the key has a female name, but anyway, I left it (him) in the sun, popped a new battery in, and it works again. I know someone who tried the rice trick on a mobile phone and it totally effed it up. So thanks Confused_Cheese. 

Ouch. When I once accidentally washed a key it survived because all the electronics are in a watertight compartment (there's a rubber seal around the battery door which must've failed in your case). To be on the safe side I popped out the battery, blasted it with air to get rid of most of the water, and left it 48 hours. Worked again no problem.