And if so to what degree. If I get soaking wet at the gym from spin class, is the key safe? If some one pushes me in to the pool, is the key safe? If I go to the beach and put the key in a zipper pocket when I go in the water, is they key safe? If I go 20,000 leagues under the sea and a monster attacks me, is the key safe?
Spin Class requires "weatherproof" not "waterproof" generally and the key should be fine. Moisture on the outside while not great, shouldn't make its way into the case by light pressure by wet pants. In the pool, it is not safe. It is fully submerged. The pressure will push the air out and water in. At the beach, not safe. Under the sea, not safe. But you could use the slide out mechanical key to help fend off the monster.
If the key goes through the washer or swimming in salt water, your best bet is to rinse it in distilled water. Open up the case like you would to change the battery, remove the circuit board, and rinse everything in distilled water. There are circuit board cleaning sprays available at Radio Shack and the like, which might work better. The electronics industry has cut down on their use of toxic chemicals by substituting ultra clean water for many chemical cleaners. You might also replace the battery while the fob is open. This all assumes Gen3+ keyfobs. Gen2 are sealed with glue and are much more difficult to open. But the circuit board is just as vulnerable to salt water. The Gen2 keyfob has a fully sealed transponder in it, which should work even if the circuit board is toast. So the "key in the dash" function would not be impacted.
The GII FOB is NOT "sealed". It has a "water repellant seal" but that's it. The GII FOB will still fill with water when immersed. If you can foresee the FOB being immersed in water and have time, remove the battery. If you didn't have time to do so remove the battery ASAP. The battery will drive electrolysis, which will destroy the FOB. You should NEVER -plan- to immerse the FOB in water except when cleaning it - and then only without the battery installed. -I- wouldn't even use a "waterproof carrying device". It's just a chance you usually don't need to take. If you're canoeing fine. Carry the -key- (remove from FOB) in your swimming trunks yes, leave the FOB in a metal case in the car. The metal case is there to prevent the car from sensing the FOB inside and preventing you from locking the doors. Use the key to open the drivers door to retrieve the FOB. Do remember that, if thieves find the FOB in the car the car is theirs. Key or not. The FOB is designed to "repel" water but not to be immersed in it.
I'd say the fob would survive a quick dip underwater, but it's not designed for depth or duration under water. Sweat, water spills, drops in the sink...no problem.
My battery did not survive a trip through the wash. Remote worked after drying and replacing the battery.
Yea but.... I want to know if the Sea monster at 20,000 leagues under the sea, ate the poor baby keys or not? Good thread...
I've been swimming in atlantic with the Gen II fob for like 30 min until I realized I had a fob in my pocket. At the end of the beach day it worked. Do not test its limits.
Regardless of individual testaments to the survival of the fob in various water logged situations, my advice is to treat the fob as if it is entirely NOT water proof. It is an expensive piece of equipment and I simply think it best to default to the wisdom of keeping it as dry and secure as possible. If you are accidently forced to test it's survival capabilities? Then hope for the best. But if the question is how to treat the fob? I suggest treating it like ammunition. Keep it dry, safe and secure. If the ship over turns? Listen to Gene Hackman and climb up the Christmas tree and head for the propeller area. But keep the fob dry.
Lol. Nothing is water-proof! However...... Your fob should be Maytag/pool-side/toilet "resistant". ...er....as long as you don't flush the toilet. Try to keep it away from salt-water, and don't worry about 20,000 leagues thing. Verne's book title is misunderstood by many to mean a submarine operating at 20,000 leagues of keel depth, which on earth is not possible. 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea refers instead to traveling that distance (69,000 miles) while under water, which is not only possible, but I've done it myself----just not all at once. If your Keyfob is inside the sub? It'll be OK. Even if you wash it in the ships' laundry while at test depth..... However (comma!) the FOB won't do you much good underwater, under-way. Life is like that sometimes..... Good Luck!!!
