Droppped my car key in the water........ What to do?
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From: San Francisco
2005 C230K, Lexus GS400
Droppped my car key in the water........ What to do?
I accidently dropped my car key in the water, and now, the key only works to open the doors and truck, but can't start the engine (can't even turn). 
Is the car key replaceable?? WHere can I get the replacement?? Helppppppp 
Is the car key replaceable?? WHere can I get the replacement?? Helppppppp
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From: www.Traben-Trarbach.de
MPG+ ROLFCOPTER
Originally Posted by LWL
I accidently dropped my car key in the water, and now, the key only works to open the doors and truck, but can't start the engine (can't even turn). Is the car key replaceable?? WHere can I get the replacement?? Helppppppp
Is the car key replaceable?? WHere can I get the replacement?? Helppppppp 
Dealer
:p
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From: Long Island, New York
'05 C230SS 6MT, 1966 Triumph TR4a IRS, Shelby Cobra 427 Supercharged
As the resident SCUBA diver at my yacht club, I have alot of experience with things falling in the water and retrieving them. If the key fell in saltwater, if you open it up and rinse it off in clean fresh water ASAP, then let it sit apart and dry, and replace the battery(s) its very likely it will work again. If it was fresh water, take the key apart, let it dry, and replace the battery. Its worth a shot. It worked with, numerous cell phones, beepers, a CD walkman, and a key for a Porsche!
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From: CA
Mercedes
The key is replaceable You can go to the dealer but I dont know how much you will pay and I am not sure if it will cover under your warranty. Mine happened last year and I got replacement under warranty.
HTH
HTH
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You can remove the battery and try to let the inside dry for a few days. If it still doesn't work, you may have a short inside.
For replacement, you are looking at a couple of hundred bucks to replace each key from the dealer. Call a number of dealer around and compare prices. I think they may need to activate the key (not sure) so you may have to pay some labor besides the parts.
For replacement, you are looking at a couple of hundred bucks to replace each key from the dealer. Call a number of dealer around and compare prices. I think they may need to activate the key (not sure) so you may have to pay some labor besides the parts.
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From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
my keys about 8 months apart from each other, "happened" to fall in salt water with the batteries removed. soaked for about 10 min. then were rinsed in fresh water. allowed to dry for a day, put the batteries back in, didnt work at all anymore. took it to the dealer and got a new key. one with a trunk button on it, and it was covered under warranty. :v
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: San Francisco
2005 C230K, Lexus GS400
Do you actually tell the dealer that your key was dropped into the water?? I mean, if you dropped it into water, how can it be cover under warranty? What did you actually tell the dealer to replace your key?
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Senior Member
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I accidentally washed my key before and it still works fine, but im also wondering if you told the dealer it was water damaged and they replaced it under warranty. If so, how long is the key replacable under warranty because to get a new one it runs 150.00. Thanks
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally Posted by brabusCcoupe
Thats what i thought Frank LOL I guess they dont check it for water damage then, huh?
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From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
Originally Posted by CitronC230K_03
my keys about 8 months apart from each other, "happened" to fall in salt water with the batteries removed. soaked for about 10 min. then were rinsed in fresh water. allowed to dry for a day, put the batteries back in, didnt work at all anymore. took it to the dealer and got a new key. one with a trunk button on it, and it was covered under warranty. :v
That exact thing "happened" to me too ! and I got a new 221 series key with trunk unlock button too for my Coupé replaced under warranty !
I think it's almost time for my other key to fall in some salt water with the batteries removed....
ssshhhhh
Originally Posted by brabusCcoupe
How long is the key actually covered?
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: San Francisco
2005 C230K, Lexus GS400
How exactly can you open the smart key?? is there any tricks or instructions that you guys can help me? Didn't want to break the keys and let the MB dealer has a chance to rip my $$$. Thanks alot
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From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
Smart Key disassembly directions....
Originally Posted by LWL
How exactly can you open the smart key??
2) you will then see a grey-colored spring mechanism that can be pushed back inside where the "handle" of the metal key would normally sit.
3) you kinda need 3 hands to do this, but with a small object (the metal key itself), push on that grey-colored piece, and with your fingernails, pull up on the seams (edges) of what looks like the lid or top of the SIEMENS smart key.
4) once that lid is pried open, you can pull it out, and you will see the 2 batteries held in place by a thin metal strip. (CR2025 3V)
5) to remove the batteries, look on the ( - ) side, and you will see a small tab that holds the thin metal strip in place. Carefully, depress this tab to release the thin metal strip that holds the batteries in place.
6) If you look inside the plastic casing of the Smart Key, you'll see the green circuitry card, that is very susceptible to "salt water".
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
