I forgot my key fob in my pants and it went in the washing machine. It's now very clean! Perhaps, after you finish chuckling at my stupidity, you could help me. My Jaguar is a 2008 XKR, and now the key fob does not work properly. I've taken it apart and sprayed it with contact cleaner and canned air, and these actions seemed to help: All the buttons except the trunk (boot) button now, unlike immediately after the laundry, unlock the trunk (boot), but don't unlock or lock what they should, the doors. Plus, the car will now start with the fob in proximity instead of having to insert it in the slot. However, the trunk (boot) button doesn't unlock anything, including the trunk (boot). Any ideas as to what I could try to have my fob work the way it should? Thanks.

 

You shouldn't have to put it in the slot unless the keyfob battery is dying/dead, so looks like the wash has cleaned out your contacts.

I've only had this happen once before (another car) the best way is to open it up and put it in a warm room on some kitchen towel and leave it for a couple of days with the innards facing downwards.

Change the battery with a good quality one before you put it back together and report back!

 

Not sure how much time has passed and you probably have done all you can but consider putting it in a bag of uncooked rice like you would if you dropped your cell phone on water. Might be too late. Costs a bag of rice to find out.

 

stick it in a bag of rice.

but your contacts probably rusted corroded, so you might have to clean those

 

I’ve done the same. Fob still works but battery only lasts about 30
days.

 

The remote buttons are still reacting as previously stated. However, the trunk (boot) button on the trunk (boot) lid now unlocks the trunk (boot). Plus, the door unlock button on the door handle makes the horn beep twice, but it neither locks nor unlocks the doors.
The fob is definitely dry, and I inserted a new Energizer 2032 battery. I have no way to lock the car though except with the interior door handle, and so I can’t secure the car when the roof is up. I believe the doors must be closed to lock the car with the interior door handle.
As an aside, I now realize I rarely used the fob; I carried it with me and used the buttons on the car, those on the door handle and the trunk (boot).
Any further ideas or suggestions?

 

I can now start the car without having to put the key in the slot. Maybe the fob heals itself!

 

Still, drop it in a bag of rice each night. Who knows?

 

Answer to “Who knows?”

The one who tries knows. Tonight I’ll try rice. If it doesn’t work though I’ll send you the rice!

 

Don't try to dry it in your microwave!

A hair dryer might work, but remove the battery and don't let the keyfob get hot, just warm for at least 20 minutes.

You might have to get your keyfob reprogrammed.