cleaning keys?

[bananana]

so i lost my key in the snow last week.. a friend just called me saying he found it, but im scared that it wont work.

is there anything i should do before trying it out?
dry it off? that kinda stuff?

help me out! i dont wanna shell out another $270 for another key

thanks!

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by bananana

so i lost my key in the snow last week.. a friend just called me saying he found it, but im scared that it wont work.

is there anything i should do before trying it out?
dry it off? that kinda stuff?

help me out! i dont wanna shell out another $270 for another key

thanks!

If it was in the snow, chances are if the surrounding snow didn't melt, water may not have penetrated the key internals. I had a similar problem with a Lexus key, I put it in our toaster oven at 100 degrees for a while and it dried it out faster than letting it sit. Key continued to work for 4 years.

[TopDown]

Originally Posted by bananana

so i lost my key in the snow last week.. a friend just called me saying he found it, but im scared that it wont work.

is there anything i should do before trying it out?
dry it off? that kinda stuff?

help me out! i dont wanna shell out another $270 for another key

thanks!

Apologize...but be sincere. Remember, this is a smart key!

[BimmerZealot]

I dropped my key in the toilet once, took a hair drier to it for a few minutes and then just let it sit. Worked/works fine

[GeorgeT]

Try it before doing anything - in all likelyhood it will work. If you try drying it with heat, you may damage something inside that wasn't damaged before. At most, open it and let it air dry.

GT

[jragan]

If you're really concerned, put it in a jar and pack rice around it and seal the lid. The rice will draw out any moisture.

[ATX750i]

Originally Posted by GeorgeT

At most, open it and let it air dry.

GT

WADR, Our keys are sealed, they will never need a battery because they charge while in the ignition of the car while the car is running, If you open the key, It will not work again. Saw it done on an E39 M5, the guy had to tape the 3 parts of the key together so he did not loose one of them.

Instructions that came with my dell computer said that if it gets wet, remove all parts and let it set at room temperature with a fan blowing on it for atleast 24 hours. I would assume the same would apply here except for the fact that you cant remove anything from the key, I would let it set at room temperature for a few hours with a fan blowing on it and then try it. Good luck!

[thekurgan]

Low heat around 100 degrees won't hurt, that's just above body temp.

[Graham M]

Originally Posted by jragan

If you're really concerned, put it in a jar and pack rice around it and seal the lid. The rice will draw out any moisture.

hmm great idea, I'll have to remember that one.
I myself have had moisture on the key before, and no problems. Mind you it wasn't soaked, just a quick spray of water on it.