Key fob is NOT waterproof

[Surfari6969]

Sad to report that the JL key fob is in fact not waterproof, despite the rubber gasket. I took my key into the water for the first time with it in my wetsuit key pocket for about 2 hours. I was long boarding so bear in mind that they key was above the surface of the water 95% of the time and only slightly submerged the other 5% of the time. When I came in it worked fine at first then stopped working. Pooped the door off of the key and was greeted with an ounce of black/brown and green fluids. The battery looked like it was short circuiting and forming a weird growing crust, so I chucked it. No indication where the water was intruding from, but I also noticed at purchase that they keys both had that sub millimeter gap other users reported. I rinsed the key internals thoroughly with tap water at home and let it dry a few days. Just now I swapped a good battery into it and despite the massive corrosion that is formed on all the contacts, it still works for now.

So takeaway, ITS NOT WATERPROOF! Sad because I was really looking forward to keeping my key on me for surfing rather than stashing it on the beach and praying a hobo didn’t find it and peel off in my Jeep.

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[Jebiruph]

So takeaway, ITS NOT WATERPROOF! Sad because I was really looking forward to keeping my key on me for surfing rather than stashing it on the beach and praying a hobo didn’t find it and peel off in my Jeep.

Lack of key portability is one of the issues that lead to this thread. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/fobless-key.9256/

 

[Surfari6969]

I think that will have to be my solution, or a RFID blocking key lockbox attached to the frame or hitch.

 

[Arterius2]

I think that will have to be my solution, or a RFID blocking key lockbox attached to the frame or hitch.

Why didn’t you keep your key inside a ziplock bag (or 2) (while surfing) at least.That would have solved your issue...
I also do a lot of water sports and this has worked for me.

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

Wife put hers in the washing machine for 4 minutes. Took it out. Worked fine ever since.

 

[Surfari6969]

Washing machine was probably fine since it’s tap water and few dissolved electrolytes to short or corrode the internals. I surfed without any bags because I was assured by the dealer it was waterproof, kind of same as how you wouldn’t need to bag up a GoPro in the water.

 

[KCC_703]

The waterproof bags for phones should do the trick. Get all the air out and it should fit close to the body under a wetsuit...

 

[Swagger]

Fob is supposed to be somewhat waterproof. There is a test to simulate going through the wash cycle in your washing machine it is supposed to pass, as well as a 3 feet underwater dunk test. Wouldn't be waterproof like a watch, but should survive what you described. Would not press buttons while underwater though; breaking the seal would allow water in. May be worth seeing if it would be covered under warranty. Also, be careful with the lithium batteries if they get wet. Gunk inside is pretty toxic if battery leaks (which it will if water gets in and shorts it).

 

[johnparjr]

I had asked my dealer as well they said it was water resistant not water proof.

 

[TJ2018]

I think that will have to be my solution, or a RFID blocking key lockbox attached to the frame or hitch.

Unless you have the proximity locks, the RFID blocking is irrelevant. The standard keyfob only transmits when a button is pushed.

Why not get a waterproof case for the key to keep on you? To large maybe?
https://www.amazon.com/Witz-Keep-Wa...roof+key+case&qid=1559575479&s=gateway&sr=8-3

 

[Chrysler-Factory-Warranty]

Sad to report that the JL key fob is in fact not waterproof, despite the rubber gasket. I took my key into the water for the first time with it in my wetsuit key pocket for about 2 hours. I was long boarding so bear in mind that they key was above the surface of the water 95% of the time and only slightly submerged the other 5% of the time. When I came in it worked fine at first then stopped working. Pooped the door off of the key and was greeted with an ounce of black/brown and green fluids. The battery looked like it was short circuiting and forming a weird growing crust, so I chucked it. No indication where the water was intruding from, but I also noticed at purchase that they keys both had that sub millimeter gap other users reported. I rinsed the key internals thoroughly with tap water at home and let it dry a few days. Just now I swapped a good battery into it and despite the massive corrosion that is formed on all the contacts, it still works for now.

So takeaway, ITS NOT WATERPROOF! Sad because I was really looking forward to keeping my key on me for surfing rather than stashing it on the beach and praying a hobo didn’t find it and peel off in my Jeep.

Great article on this.

Are Key Fobs Waterproof? Hope someone gets something from this

 

[Terrymo]

…Sad because I was really looking forward to keeping my key on me for surfing rather than stashing it on the beach and praying a hobo didn’t find it…

We don’t have hobos in CA, we have a “voluntarily unhoused segment of the population“

 

[Renenal]

Wife put hers in the washing machine for 4 minutes. Took it out. Worked fine ever since.

What he said. short dunk in washing machine seemed to not hurt it.

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