LarryJa

I inadvertently left my key in my slacks in the wash a few days ago.
After retrieving them, wet, they actually worked ok.
Then, I had to leave home for a few days. In my haste, I didn't take my spare key. Over the next day or so, the key buttons began to malfunction to where only the metal key would lock or unlock the car, but the car started with it.
Last night, I returned home. This morning neither my spare key or the original key will operate anything on the car.
The metal keys still lock & unlock the door & trunk locks, but do nothing else.
The ignition turns with no response.
There are ESP, brake & engine warning indicator lights displayed on the dash.
Obviously, vcds will not connect.
A locksmith is on his way...my wallet hurts.

plat27265

As an electronics engineer, I suspect that the key worked for a while after getting wet because corrosion has not reared its ugly head yet until after a few days. If I were you, what I should have done is disassemble the key to remove as much moisture (cotton swab to absorb the water and hair dryer on low heat) on the circuit board and electronic components. Then let the assembly pieces dry up before putting stuff back together.

A trip to the dealer is required so they can defeat the immobilizer and determine if the water-damaged key is still salvageable. If not, you have to buy a replacement key FOB. I personally keep any keys, whether car or house, in a key box/organizer inside my home as soon as I arrive. I never leave anything in my pant pocket. It is a habit that has been in me for years.

superswiss

Not sure why your spare key doesn't work either. I'm not sure that's related to getting your primary key wet, perhaps coincidentally the battery just died in your spare key. It makes sense that the primary key eventfully stopped working. Water and electronics don't go together. Next time if something like this happens, submerge the key or other electronic device in rice and let it there for a few days. The rice will absorb the moisture. If you can, take out the battery first or at least turn the device off immediatly.

LarryJa

As an update, it turns out that subsequent to my key's bath, my vehicle battery has been failing. That is the reason for my car's failure to respond early today. The car's battery was barely providing power.
So, after battery replacement, what was my spare key is now my key, as I let my original dry out for a few days.
I do have full key security operations resumed, once I had full system electrical power.
I feeling more than a little set back at myself for not initially seeing that i could be dealing with two separate issues at the same time.
Thank you for all the consideration, guidance & suggestions...!

plat27265

I am glad to know that it is just the battery going flat on you. It could have been worse. Good for you!

superswiss

As the old saying goes, bad luck comes in threes. Two down, one to go :-(.