Short answer: get the fob out of the water fast, dry it, and do not press the buttons. Pop it open, take out the battery, and let it dry for a day or two. Sometimes a fob survives a quick dunk; if it does not, a mobile locksmith can program a brand-new fob to your car on-site.
What to do right away
- Get it out and dry it as soon as possible — the longer it sits in water, the worse the damage.
- Do not press the buttons while it is wet; that can push water deeper into the circuit.
- Open the fob and remove the battery, then gently dry the inside and let it air-dry for a day or two before testing.
- Lake or salt water is worse than clean water — minerals and salt corrode the electronics.
Will the fob still work?
A quick drop in clean water that you dry right away often survives. Longer soaks, lake water, or a fob that was pressed while wet are more likely to fail — sometimes right away, sometimes weeks later as corrosion sets in. If your fob is glitchy, only works up close, or stops responding after a swim, the electronics are likely damaged.
If the fob is dead: a mobile locksmith can replace it
If the fob will not recover, you do not need to tow your car to the dealer. Gaucho Keys is a mobile auto locksmith — I come to you in Winnipeg and the surrounding area and program a brand-new fob or smart key to your car on-site, usually 20 to 60 minutes of work once I arrive, for most makes and models, older cars included. Fobs start from $160 and smart keys from $170, with the exact price given up front, and you pay only once it works. I drive out to lake towns like Gimli and Winnipeg Beach too, and to Selkirk and nearby Interlake towns; outside Winnipeg a distance-based travel fee is part of the all-in price I give you before I set out.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a wet key fob be saved?
- Sometimes. A quick dunk in clean water that you dry right away, with the battery removed, often recovers. Long soaks, lake or salt water, or pressing the buttons while wet usually cause lasting damage.
- How much does it cost to replace a water-damaged fob?
- Fob replacement starts from $160 and smart-key replacement from $170; the exact number depends on your vehicle and key type. I give you the exact price up front before any work, and you pay only once the new fob works.
- Do you need my old fob to program a new one?
- Not always. If you have another working key it can be faster, but even with no working fob I can program a brand-new one from scratch on-site for most vehicles, older cars included.
Fob ruined by water? I program a new one.
Mobile auto locksmith serving Winnipeg & nearby, 7 days a week.
Save my number to your phone — so it is there next time.
No Fix = No Pay · 1-year warranty on my work · exact all-in price up front
Not sure what you have? Send a photo of your key or VIN on WhatsApp or Messenger for an exact quote.