If you think putting your car key through the washing machine is bad...

[Rolfe]

Still unsure. On Sunday afternoon the key was still working, but when I clicked on the buttons the centre one wasn't clicking cleanly. I became concerned that the plastic tab was still sticking. I opened the key and sorted it so that it was clicking cleanly, but that was nearly at the point where I would have been expecting a failure, time-wise.

Monday morning the key wasn't working. So I decided to sacrifice another battery to see what happened. The button is certainly working correctly now. I'm going off road-tripping tomorrow, leaving the dodgy key behind, obviously, so the jury will stay out for a bit longer.

 

[Rolfe]

I've had and implemented another idea, hopefully not too late this time . I've removed the piece of white plastic with the tabs on it completely. The key still works otherwise, if it's in my pocket the car opens. So if the battery drains this time it's definitely not that.

 

[Rolfe]

I suppose I ought to confess that the key is still draining the battery so it must be some issue with the PCB. Can't think of anything else to try. Might have to shell out for a new one.

 

[decrep]

Have you left it in a hydroscopic environment?
There's a few ways of drying stuff out, silica gel amongst them.

 

[Rolfe]

It was never wet. I think it's mechanical damage.

 

[decrep]

Throw away then unfortunately

 

[Rolfe]

Looks like that's the verdict.

 

[Everest]

Have you left it in a hydroscopic environment?

I suspect that @Rolfe doesn't even own a hydroscope, let alone put her key in it

 

[Rolfe]

I do own a jar of rice! But the seal on the fob seemed to be intact, it was only the physical key that had come away, and when I opened the fob there was no sign of moisture inside. Anyway, a bit late now.