Glass Key not unlocking after wash!

[captaintom]

Yes you read right. Somehow my glass key (ECU DB9 2008-onwards) got left in a pair of pants pocket and made it’s way through wash, spin, rinse and dry cycle.

I immediately dried it out after taking it apart, removing battery (3V charge ok) and dowsing it with isopropanol and subjecting it to various rounds with the aquavac. The visible part of the inside shows no water damage and key buttons click as normal.

During disassembly the alarm went off as you expect so signal travels from key to car. I remained hopeful...

When testing it, the car was unlocked in the garage, and inserting the key the car starts no problem. Then I came to testing lock and lights when I realised none of the pushbuttons get a reaction. Just as if the key was out of battery. So I checked voltage again and it is fine.

Any ideas what steps I could take to diagnose/repair further? The inside housing seems moulded so would not want to break it open unless you guys recommend it and the idea of shelling out £750 for a new key seems precipitous before hearing your considered opinion.

Thanks for your help!
Tom

[JonnyCJ]

I reckon there’s moisture under the microswitch contacts. Only a thorough drying out will sort that. Maybe in a warm oven 40deg or so for 30mins ? The water will have been around the same temperature ish so should do any harm.

What you want to do is evaporate the water off the contacts and then have it disperse from the unit.

[bullet7]

Doesn't it say in the handbook about not pressing any buttons when replacing the battery. Is that what happened?

[Busterbulldog]

Hairdryer.

[CrgT16]

Keep it in a bowl of dry uncooked rice to get all moisture out. Overnight should do it. If moisture is the problem that’s the better fix.

[phumy]

CrgT16 said:

Keep it in a bowl of dry uncooked rice to get all moisture out. Overnight should do it. If moisture is the problem that’s the better fix.

Do this and put the in the airing cupboard, if you have one.

[AstonV]

Unfortunately it's toast. I have done this will another car, fortunately not my Aston key. But it never worked again.

[captaintom]

Sorry was not able to reply yesterday.

I had kept the key on the radiator on low heat for about 2 days so I figured it would be dry enough.

I got some epoxy glue here so feel like the Dremel and me will pry the key open to see what else is going on. Cannot do more harm...

[captaintom]

AstonV said:

Unfortunately it's toast. I have done this will another car, fortunately not my Aston key. But it never worked again.

When you say “never worked again”, did the engine start? What did you try to make it work?

Thx

[Jon39]

captaintom said:

I got some epoxy glue here so feel like the Dremel and me will pry the key open to see what else is going on. Cannot do more harm...

I remember seeing previous topics describing various key work. Replacing the rubber buttons, fitting new innards etc.
Sorry cannot help with any links, but a Google search including the words pistonheads Aston forum, might find them.
May help dismantle without damage.

[captaintom]

UPDATE:
So I took the key apart, slid out the plastic enclosing and used a scalpel to score the welds until I felt I weakened them enough, then used a modelling spatula to pry it open.

Looking under a magnifying glass I could see tiny corrosion crystals forming around some solder points on the PCB, used some IPA 99% and a toothbrush plus some compressed air to clean it off. Gave the micro switches a good run in to check they work mechanically before subjecting them to battery power.

Reassembled the key but not glueing it, inserted the battery and took outside. Hey presto all is well and working. Realised also in sun that the key buttons are flourescent, who would have thought...?

There is a 5th microswitch in the key that cannot be pressed without taking it apart. Did not dare press it with battery activated, anyone know what it does?

But all in all good result, hope this helps someone else who is foolish enough not to check the pockets before washing.

Edited by captaintom on Sunday 19th April 11:33

[captaintom]

Jon39 said:

I remember seeing previous topics describing various key work. Replacing the rubber buttons, fitting new innards etc.
Sorry cannot help with any links, but a Google search including the words pistonheads Aston forum, might find them.
May help dismantle without damage.

Thanks Jon39, that is spot on!

[Handyman2009]

Sorry I am late on this as I had written a DIY to convert a plastic key to Crystal on the 6speed forum... on a side note, I believe that the 5th micro switch is for panic button in other application (Volvo) not sure if it does anything on the Aston Martin

[AstonV]

captaintom said:

When you say “never worked again”, did the engine start? What did you try to make it work?

Thx

Very glad you were able to fix yours. I dropped my glass key first week on the pavement, slipped out of my hand, put a tiny chip on, so I’ve never used it again. Only use the plastic one.

The one I washed was only a remote that locked and unlocked my truck, as well as turn on the lights etc. It still has the key to start. But that remote would never work again.

[captaintom]

sorry for the late reply but the forum does not allow me to post outside office hours as I am a new member

Thanks for the explanation on the 5th key, that makes sense. So far I have been content with the key working so my worst fears have not materialised.

Thanks for all your input. Until we meet again.

Tom