Another Key Fob question...

[NAZJeeper]

I know, sorry in advance, but I read a bunch of other threads on this and couldn't find my exact problem. SO yes, it went into the washing machine about 4 months ago....I was alerted quickly when the alarm starting going off, went and got the Fob out, took it apart and left it out in the hot AZ sun for a couple hours, threw in a new battery just to be safe. All well, no issues, worked just fine.

Until last week that is (so it worked fine for 3-4 months).....it just went dead, no response at all. So in went a new battery (even though it was only 3 months old) and I wiped some WD 40 around the inside and lifted the contacts a little in case that was it (it looked super clean inside, no corrosion or dirt).

Bingo! It worked again right after that......well for one day, and now I'm back to no bueno.

You would think that if you can get it to work, that would mean that 1) it's not a bad fob, 2) not the battery, 3) not the water issue....right?

Am I missing something? Any ideas? TIA...

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[Flip]

What bueno?

 

[GtX]

I'm stuck on the WD40.

 

[Terrymo]

I'm stuck on the WD40.

It does have water displacing properties (hence WD) and supposedly doesn’t conduct electricity. But I’m not sure I would spray it in a key fob. Maybe it’s ok IDK? I think I would use warm airflow like a hairdryer on a lower setting to try to evaporate any water.

 

[NAZJeeper]

No Bueno = No Good.
WD-40 is a water displacer and I sprayed it on a Q-Tip and cleaned the contact points....even though they were super clean....thought it couldn't hurt.

Any ideas? My first thought was the brief water exposure, but why did it work for 3 months afterwards and not crap out until now?

 

[ForgottenTaco]

how about trying some electric contact cleaner?

 

[Rhinebeck01]

@NAZJeeper

Suggest you open the fob and check fob battery placement...

It's not uncommon for a JL/JT owner to get a tad bit to forceful when inserting the battery and in the insertion process they bend the thin metal battery restraining band on the circuit board and the battery then ends up in a position where it does not make contact with the circuit board properly.... and thus no 12v to the circuit board.... so the fob is inoperative.

IF battery placement is lets call it borderline correct, one may see intermittent/random 12v power loss to circuit board ....

Do check the thin metal band on the circuit board itself. You can gently / with pressure on it, move it back in place..... back in proper position, where the battery provides 12v to the circuit board..

.

 

[Heimkehr]

WD-40 is a solvent. It can be a bit too strong for sensitive electronics, such as how the OP used it.

Next time, consider a made-for-purpose precision cleaner. While it may not resurrect a wonky fob, etc., when used in moderation it will otherwise be safe for use on such items.

 

[NAZJeeper]

Thank you @Heimkehr . You're probably right. I'll reserve the WD for gun cleaning.

 

[Heimkehr]

Thank you @Heimkehr . You're probably right. I'll reserve the WD for gun cleaning.

Ah, well, Sir! We can certainly wax poetic about other solvents, too.

 

[NAZJeeper]

Ah, well, Sir! We can certainly wax poetic about other solvents, too.

Lol, I was just kiddin around. A lot of folks freak out when they hear you use WD40 and guns in the same sentence. I use it only on occasion as a solvent cleaner. As appropriate.

 

[DonH63]

Carefully check the battery contacts first as mentioned above by @Rhinebeck01 .

Internal corrosion can occur long after immersion. That can be compounded by chemicals or dirt (contaminants) that get deep inside and stick to contacts when the water dries, slowly corrupting the connections. I agree with trying a regular contact cleaner (not WD40); spray it down, let it dry, then cross your fingers. Membrane switches can be very hard to clean (difficult to get to without completely disassembly). The battery and other contacts, in addition to potentially being bent, could have a thin layer of corrosion on them. Sometimes rubbing with a pencil eraser can help.

Read the label of contact cleaners; some do not play well with plastics. I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/Berryman-2206-Mass-Electronic-Cleaner/dp/B0002JM89A/ref=sr_1_21?crid=S1W5UA33PLYH&keywords=contact+cleaner+electronics&qid=1698544677&sprefix=contact+cleaner,aps,227&sr=8-21

HTH - Don

 

[NAZJeeper]

Thanks @DonH63 !!

 

[mardoudan]

how about trying some electric contact cleaner?

I had a similar issue. It worked for a while - then died - I sprayed with electrical contact cleaner- no go. Going to see about warranty…

 

[NAZJeeper]

I had a similar issue. It worked for a while - then died - I sprayed with electrical contact cleaner- no go. Going to see about warranty…

Hmmm, I just bought this (used) about 6 months ago and got a 5 yr/50,000 mi 'bumper-to-bumper' warranty with it. I wonder if they will cover this.....? Doubt it, but I'll call tomorrow.

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