Today my key went through the washing machine and i was unaware. Shortly after i used it from my balcony on the 20th floor and held the unlock down. It opened the windows and there was no problem. Then, when i went downstairs to use the car, the key stopped working. I couldnt unlock or lock the doors, trunk, or roll down the windows. I cant find anything about a "Valet Mode" and i have no idea what happened. Did it short circuit? Is there something im missing?
Thanks
Mike

 

What type of key do you have? Do you have comfort access? Do you have a start/stop button or a regular keyhole?

 

Its a regular key, not comfort access. Any ideas?
Thanks
Mike

 

Well certainly if it went through the wash, it could have shorted out. The keys are powered by a rechargeable battery that is charged when the key is in the keyhole or slot. It's possible that you just need to recharge the battery but it's more likely that your battery or other electronics are shot.

When something electronic gets wet, the best thing to do is remove the battery right away. (That is if the battery is removable -- in the case of a non-comfort access key, it's not.) After the battery is removed, patience is the key to the next step -- the electronics have to dry completely. Drying completely could take a week or so depending on how much water got in, how sealed the case is, etc. Some people recommend putting the wet item in a bowl of rice or around those "silica gel -- do not eat" packets that you always see packed with products.

Again, you'd be surprised how an electronic device that got wet will function again if it's dried properly before any attempt to use it has taken place. In the case of your key, you might have killed it by trying to use it too soon. At the very least, it might be a dead (killed) battery but since I don't think they're replaceable, you might have to get a new key anyway.

If it's possible to put the key into the slot and start the car, it will try to charge it back up. (I'm not sure if the car will charge the key if it's sleeping or not turned on.) If that doesn't work, you might need help from the dealership...

 

Don't fret. The coded diode likely died. I had one die on me too - from dropping it though. The key would unlock the car via remote, etc... but the car wouldn't start.


The dealer replaced my broken key under warranty. You'll need to take them your registration and ID - I think within 2 days or so the dealer will have a new one for you.

 

Just don't tell them it went through the wash..............

 

Im am out of warranty now though ... I will try anyways. Either way, a new key is 185 bucks.
HMM
Mike

 

Whoa! Not sure if the same but I replaced two of the remotes for Mrs. sixcard's 06 E90 for $128.50. That did not include the slide in. They were $57.50 for the two of them.

 

It may have just lost the pair with the car because after the key stopped working, all my radio presets were gone and the eq was flat? does anyone know how to repair the old remote from 04 with the car again? Any other ideas?
thanks
Mike

 

Your car a 2004? that means you still have the metal "key" right? if so try these steps... <--- this is the reason people need to add their car information in their signature. Otherwise we cannot answer questions correctly...

Get in your car
press unlock button 4 times
make sure car is unlocked w/ doors closed

turn on ignition
turn ignition back off and take they key out
hold down unlock button and press lock button 3 times
and the locks will cycle if you did it right
for 2nd key just hold down the unlock and press lock 3 times
no need to cycle ign for the second or third keys