Any key fob experts here? Can I save this water damaged fob?

[Kurtatron]

I dropped my fob into the pool. I was too ignorant to clean it immediately after dropping it. The thing corroded inside and isn’t working correctly.

1) lock function works
2) unlock works via door handle button
3) unlock button and panic button do not work.
and most importantly, the car cannot detect the fob, so the immobilize feature doesn’t turn off!

I've already followed YouTube cleaning tutorials. No improvement.
Got a new battery also. No change.

Any hope for this?

 

[nomas]

Throw that junk away .

 

[GMBoy]

It is probably no good BUT if you haven't cleaned it with electrical cleaner (like CRC in the spray can) try that and flood it well to clean it. If this was already done or you do this and it does not fix it - then get a new one.

 

[dishdude]

Chlorinated water is highly corrosive, if it was fresh water you'd probably be okay. Agree with the CRC recommendation.

 

[Analog-1]

Chlorinated water is highly corrosive, if it was fresh water you'd probably be okay. Agree with the CRC recommendation.

This ^ That's the bottom line.

 

[Kurtatron]

This ^ That's the bottom line.

Seems this thing is toast. What’s the cheapest way to replace it? Dealer wants $400

 

[JayhawkRoy]

Check around and see if there are locksmiths who can get you a new one and program it. I have such a locksmith locally that I have used to get a second and/or third key fob. He is substantially cheaper than dealers.

 

[oil pan 4]

When they get too wet for too long not much can be done to save them.

 

[Analog-1]

Seems this thing is toast. What’s the cheapest way to replace it? Dealer wants $400

In Michigan Ace hardware are claiming they can replace and activate new fobs. Dealer is the easiest but also most expensive. Do some research you will find a way.

 

[Hall]

What’s the cheapest way to replace it?

Try https://www.carandtruckremotes.com/

 

[Nukeman7]

Seems this thing is toast. What’s the cheapest way to replace it? Dealer wants $400

What year, make & model vehicle is it for?

 

[mr_boring]

I've had Ace clone one in the past, but the one I used no longer offers that service (and you had to have a working one to clone). Locksmith charged me 150 to program and cut a new one about 3-4 months ago for a Ford Fusion (switchblade key that snapped, only had 1). I had to buy the blank. Expect to spend $40-75 for a non-branded generic aftermarket fob.

 

[jsean]

Seems this thing is toast. What’s the cheapest way to replace it? Dealer wants $400

If this is for the Rogue/Nissan product with their intellikey, you’re SOL. I haven’t found a local locksmith yet who’ll make a duplicate for me

 

[Kurtatron]

If this is for the Rogue/Nissan product with their intellikey, you’re SOL. I haven’t found a local locksmith yet who’ll make a duplicate for me

It is. I bought a used OEM from some website called remotekeylessentryid. Im still going to have to cough up $250 for reprogramming at dealership. So stupid. I am so over this car.

 

[michaelluscher]

I've been getting pretty good with programming smart keys and fobiks

Year/make/model and or a picture of the damaged fob would help immensely

Edit: Is it the wife's rebuilt '14 Rogue?
If so, try pressing the engine start button WITH the fob, like holding it back to back, that might get it started
A demonstration



Aftermarket smart keys are in the ~$40 range, Autel makes a look alike iKey, those are pretty good
1 hour labor, if you provide the keys is reasonable I suppose
Might as well get a spare, just for material price

https://www.uhs-hardware.com/produc...5s180144106-oem?rq=mk_nissan~md_rogue~yr_2014

https://www.uhs-hardware.com/produc...06-rsk-nis-4106?rq=mk_nissan~md_rogue~yr_2014

There's also an alleged BCM glitch on certain Rogues of that vintage, but think positive

Shame you're on the other end of the coast, an Autel iKey Nissan fob is ~$25, add maybe $5 for cutting
Programming takes literally 60 seconds with a KM100 or IM series scan tool
Shop around, in Miami of all places there should be a mobile key service that wants less than the dealer

Here's the process I'd go through, if you're interested

 

[VersatileGuy]

Deoxit products can be attempted.
you go nuclear and put it in the dishwasher.
Alcohol drench can dehyrate pesky remaining bits of water. 91 percent is better than 70 wait time wise. 99.9 percent Anhydrous isopropyl alcohol is a computer cleaning product.
Anecdotal revival of motherboards have happened after a wash.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I dropped my fob into the pool. I was too ignorant to clean it immediately after dropping it. The thing corroded inside and isn’t working correctly.

1) lock function works
2) unlock works via door handle button
3) unlock button and panic button do not work.
and most importantly, the car cannot detect the fob, so the immobilize feature doesn’t turn off!

I've already followed YouTube cleaning tutorials. No improvement.
Got a new battery also. No change.

Any hope for this?

Sounds like the buttons are internally corroded but the circuit board is working. Maybe. Its possible the bottons are OK and the board itself has shorted from corrosion.

Do you have it apart? Can you see both sides of the board? How do the buttons seat in the board - are there pins or are they surface mount?

Pics?

Possible the circuit board has a short from the corrosion. You can clean a circuit board with baking soda and distilled water, and a very delicate brush or q-tip. You need to also rinse it with distilled water. You also want to try to keep the distilled water out of the buttons themselves on the first go around at least. If the buttons themselves are done you might be SOL but it depends on if there open on the bottom. If so you might be able to flush them with baking soda mixture followed by distilled followed by submersion in rice to get all the water out.

I have fixed lots of things your not supposed to be able to fix. I consider it a challenge. You have zero to loose from trying. At worst case you learn something.

 

[JTK]

I watched a mobile locksmith outfit make a FOB for my 2017 Nissan Quest for me. This was on the Nissan dealer's dime as they wanted to sell me this used van with one FOB. Back in 2017, this was a $250 job for the aftermarket FOB and programming. It took a scan tool and another device plugged into the DLC to get the job done, then the cutting of the key of course. I would search for a locksmith shop that can do later model Nissans.

One of the FOBs for our 2019 Nissan Pathfinder made it through a clothes wash and dry cycle and was no worse for wear miraculously.

 

[Kurtatron]

Sounds like the buttons are internally corroded but the circuit board is working. Maybe. Its possible the bottons are OK and the board itself has shorted from corrosion.

Do you have it apart? Can you see both sides of the board? How do the buttons seat in the board - are there pins or are they surface mount?

Pics?

Possible the circuit board has a short from the corrosion. You can clean a circuit board with baking soda and distilled water, and a very delicate brush or q-tip. You need to also rinse it with distilled water. You also want to try to keep the distilled water out of the buttons themselves on the first go around at least. If the buttons themselves are done you might be SOL but it depends on if there open on the bottom. If so you might be able to flush them with baking soda mixture followed by distilled followed by submersion in rice to get all the water out.

I have fixed lots of things your not supposed to be able to fix. I consider it a challenge. You have zero to loose from trying. At worst case you learn something.

I’ve cleaned it with an electronics cleaner and 97% alcohol. Used a toothbrush. If it is the button, I have no idea how to fix that.

 

[Kurtatron]

Buttons ARE working. I tested the pins around the buttons for continuity. When I press them, continuity closes.