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Washed my key fob

Discussion in 'Model X' started by andrewdtran, Jan 16, 2021.

  1. andrewdtran

    andrewdtran Member

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    My dad accidentally washed my key fob yesterday... anyone have any luck with this or do I have to buy a new one?
     
  2. jeffbco

    jeffbco Member

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    You didn't say whether it worked or not - if not, then probably a new one is needed. Why's your dad doing your laundry:)
     
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  3. TSLA Pilot

    TSLA Pilot Active Member

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    Follow the various YouTube videos to remove the battery cover.

    Let it dry out or place in bag of rice for a day or three.

    See if it works . . . and hope it does.

    And/or, order a new fob.
     
    • Like x 1
  4. TSLA Pilot

    TSLA Pilot Active Member

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    Also, forgot to mention the idea of placing the key (w/rice) in the freezer too--hoping for sublimation I'd guess, or at least reduced damage.

    Search Google for "drying electronics" ideas for more background.

    Best of luck!
     
  5. pereiks

    pereiks Member

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    To encourage you, mine is working fine after going through the drying procedure
     
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  6. tomas

    tomas Out of warranty...

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    No! Rice good, freezer bad! Water expands when frozen and will cause damage!
     
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  7. andrewdtran

    andrewdtran Member

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    Because he used my key fob instead of his and left it in his jacket
     
  8. Akikiki

    Akikiki A'-Lo-HA ! y'all

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    No, you do not have to buy a new one. But dad does.
     
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  9. jeffbco

    jeffbco Member

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    Just trade with him then and let him deal with the problem.
     
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  10. andrewdtran

    andrewdtran Member

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    Might make him get me the Model X refresh....
     
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  11. bob_p

    bob_p Active Member

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    I had this happen to one of our keyfobs - I believe it even went through the dryer in the pocket.

    Once I discovered this - took off the rubber cover, removed the plastic battery cover, disassembled the key fob completely - and then just let all of the pieces sit out for an extended period to ensure everything was dry.

    And after putting it all back together, haven't had any problems...
     
  12. Yinn

    Yinn Active Member

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    Just let it fully dry out. I've washed and dried mine before and it still works. I took it apart and forgot about it - must have been weeks. Put it back together, changed the battery and decided to give it a try before chucking it. It ended up working - and still is.
     
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  13. scaesare

    scaesare Well-Known Member

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    Mine went in to the swimming pool with me.

    Still worked, even while wet. However I recommend that any electronics (excepting LCD screens and similar) that get exposed to water or other liquids (coffee, etc...) be flushed with alcohol or electronic component cleaner.

    While things may work initially, residue left over (soap, acids, etc...) and dried on to the components can corrode them over time.

    Open the battery compartment and spray component cleaner in the nooks and crannies with a fine spray straw. Or, dunk the whole thing in a bowl of rubbing alcohol a few times.

    Both also displace moisture and dry quickly, and generally don't harm them... as a matter of fact during manufacturing they are cleaned with similar substances.
     
    • Like x 1
  14. rgedad

    rgedad Member

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    Last week my wife washed my pants with my FOB still in it. Took the FOB and removed the battery and put the FOB in the warm desiccant dehumidifier I use for my hearing aid for about 4 days. Alas - to no avail - With a new battery does not operate the car. It does however still open the door and start the car when placed in the magic positions on the car.
    After reading these articles, I think I will try placing the unit in my ultrasonic cleaner (assuming I can find it) with some alcohol and see if that cleans it up and makes it work. If not - Tesla Home Service is coming on Sunday morning to sell/program the new one (and reprogram the other FOB we have)
    In the mean time - have to figure out how to get my phone to work as a key - or steal my wife's FOB (and get crushed each time when the seat moves forward...)
     
  15. andrewdtran

    andrewdtran Member

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    Yeah I ended up having Mobile Service come over and replace the fob
     

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