Keyfob durability :-)
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Today, just for fun (and maybe a little bit of protection), I took the battery out of the keyfob and filled the keyfob with WD-40. It holds a surprising amount. Put the battery back in and the cover on. Some of the WD-40 will migrate out of the bottom of the keyfob for a while.
Probably would have been best to do that as soon as I took it out of the washer.
As expected, it still works fine. Tested all the keyfob functions - door lock/unlock, motorized rear hatch open/close, panic alarm, Keyless Go start and physical key start. Now my key smells like WD-40. Thought about washing the key again but I kind of like the smell.
Probably would have been best to do that as soon as I took it out of the washer.
As expected, it still works fine. Tested all the keyfob functions - door lock/unlock, motorized rear hatch open/close, panic alarm, Keyless Go start and physical key start. Now my key smells like WD-40. Thought about washing the key again but I kind of like the smell.
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2013 glk 350
Wd40 will leave a residue that will very likely lead to a short. Or collect dust and gum it up . The push switches are two metal plates , if the wd migrates there it will be junk . I would soak it in alcohol or an oil base cleaner since WD is oil based. You dried it correctly at first, alcohol actually absorbs water , that should have been done first when wet . That’s why Alcohol fixes a bad tank of water in gasoline, it absorbs about 8% water by alcohol volume . Or get an electronics cleaner and remove the WD oil residues , alcohol may not affect and remove whatever oil base is in WD 40
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Wd40 will leave a residue that will very likely lead to a short. Or collect dust and gum it up . The push switches are two metal plates , if the wd migrates there it will be junk . I would soak it in alcohol or an oil base cleaner since WD is oil based. You dried it correctly at first, alcohol actually absorbs water , that should have been done first when wet . That’s why Alcohol fixes a bad tank of water in gasoline, it absorbs about 8% water by alcohol volume . Or get an electronics cleaner and remove the WD oil residues , alcohol may not affect and remove whatever oil base is in WD 40
I've sprayed WD-40 into automotive electrical connectors, on circuit boards and inside of damp distributor caps for many, many years. No problems yet.
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2013 glk 350
Your lucky to not have issues, googling WD it says Do not use for bi metallic switches and that it’s oily residue attracts dust. Your pocket has dust, if a switch fails , your out hundreds . The problem is the oil residue it leaves . Wd makes an electronic cleaner. I bought it a few weeks ago, it does not leave behind a residue.
Last edited by Mmr1; Apr 6, 2025 at 09:09 AM.
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2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
Yea, for me, way back when, wd40 was the go-to for different situations. Because it's petroleum-based lubricant and cleaner, I'd avoid using on delicate electronics. And that sticky residue can attract dust and grime.
I always have a can each of CRC Electronic Cleaner and CRC Contact Cleaner. Lots of other choices out there.
I always have a can each of CRC Electronic Cleaner and CRC Contact Cleaner. Lots of other choices out there.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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Wd40 will leave a residue that will very likely lead to a short. Or collect dust and gum it up . The push switches are two metal plates , if the wd migrates there it will be junk . I would soak it in alcohol or an oil base cleaner since WD is oil based. You dried it correctly at first, alcohol actually absorbs water , that should have been done first when wet . That’s why Alcohol fixes a bad tank of water in gasoline, it absorbs about 8% water by alcohol volume . Or get an electronics cleaner and remove the WD oil residues , alcohol may not affect and remove whatever oil base is in WD 40
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Yea, for me, way back when, wd40 was the go-to for different situations. Because it's petroleum-based lubricant and cleaner, I'd avoid using on delicate electronics. And that sticky residue can attract dust and grime.
I always have a can each of CRC Electronic Cleaner and CRC Contact Cleaner. Lots of other choices out there.
I always have a can each of CRC Electronic Cleaner and CRC Contact Cleaner. Lots of other choices out there.
I have a full arsenal of CRC and other electronic cleaners/contact sprays along with every product from the DeoxIT line, dielectric greases etc. I'm well-stocked.
