Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Cuda on June 13, 2013, 12:44:38 PM

Title: FOB problems ?
Post by: Cuda on June 13, 2013, 12:44:38 PM
OK I washed one of my FOBs put battery in good for three days?
and then goes dead ?  FOB repair anyone ???
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 13, 2013, 12:48:07 PM
I've washed mine before.  Let everything dry out and replace the battery and all was well.
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: Conrad on June 13, 2013, 01:34:36 PM
Take it apart completely and with the battery removed place it in a baggie with some UNCOOKED white rice. Or if you have a bunch of those lil desiccant packets around, use them instead of the rice. Let it dry out in the baggie for a couple of days and then try it again. 
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: chap on June 13, 2013, 01:37:22 PM
Hopefully you have a spare. So you don't haver to repalce the ECU. That is if it doesn't come back to life
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: B.D.F. on June 13, 2013, 01:43:25 PM
What Conrad said, also look on the circuit board for corrosion; any white or greenish- white, powdery looking stuff anywhere on the board, even under components if you can see under there. Everything on the board and the board itself should have a sheen or outright shine. If you do find any corrosion, use a small amount of 91% rubbing alcohol on a paper towel to gently wipe it off.

It is usually a small amount of corrosion between components or traces (the copper lines on the board) that causes electronics to drain batteries quickly, especially after they have gotten wet.

Even if you cannot get the RF or the remote part of the fob to work correctly, the fob will still function as an RFID unit if held against the ignition switch housing so DO NOT throw the fob away. The owner's manual has directions on how to use the fob this way (with a dead battery).

Brian

OK I washed one of my FOBs put battery in good for three days?
and then goes dead ?  FOB repair anyone ???
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: koval68 on June 13, 2013, 02:19:33 PM
^^^ what Brian said- after all, he is an " wet fob" expert... ;)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WLI9eQq0bco/TdqB18gmITI/AAAAAAAAABw/83TdT9XZHFs/d/Misc.mix+097.JPG)
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: stevewfl on June 13, 2013, 02:58:01 PM
the KiPass FOB has all mad pow-ah  8)
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 13, 2013, 03:02:19 PM
All hail KIPASS!
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 13, 2013, 03:04:45 PM
^^^ what Brian said- after all, he is an " wet fob" expert... ;)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WLI9eQq0bco/TdqB18gmITI/AAAAAAAAABw/83TdT9XZHFs/d/Misc.mix+097.JPG)

Yep, that ought to about do it for me.  Thanks, Brian.
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: stevewfl on June 13, 2013, 03:07:21 PM
Kirby wishes he was with that^^^   FOB too
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: B.D.F. on June 13, 2013, 05:02:28 PM
I still remember the look on the barkeep's face when I asked her to put more wine in the glass to cover the fob.... which I then dropped in the glass to show her how much more wine was needed. That fob still smells like Riesling by the way. I had that glass for a long time too- I remember sneaking the glass (with the wine and the fob in it) out of the restaurant. Violating state liquor laws and soaking my fob.... good times.  ;D

Brian

^^^ what Brian said- after all, he is an " wet fob" expert... ;)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WLI9eQq0bco/TdqB18gmITI/AAAAAAAAABw/83TdT9XZHFs/d/Misc.mix+097.JPG)
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: Pokey on June 13, 2013, 05:39:20 PM
All hail keys!!!!!!!  :hail:
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: PH14 on June 13, 2013, 05:53:37 PM
I washed the key for my old bike once and... nothing happened.  :yikes:

In fairness, I have also washed my FOB and... nothing happened.  :yikes:

I didn't do anything with the fob when I washed mine since it worked and the FOB has some weather sealing. Brian's suggestion of cleaning it with rubbing alcohol is good advice with the exception that rubbing alcohol is usually 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, what you want it a 99 percent isopropyl alcohol. Rubbing alcohol has too much water content for use in electronics.
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: B.D.F. on June 13, 2013, 06:07:14 PM
Ah, finally- proof that mechanical keys and electronic fobs are completely equal! Except, of course, for the fact that fobs are so much better.  ;D

I would agree with you on the alcohol but note that I recommended 91% rather than 70% for exactly the reason you mention. 99% would be even better but 91% is the purest readily available in local stores. 99% is an industrial mix and much harder to find and purchase in small quantities.

I also specifically recommenced rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol is called rubbing alcohol in the US) because it will not attack anything inside the fob, the electronics, the plastic or the rubber. Using something like denatured alcohol is risky because it is usually denatured with a fair dose (technical term) of acetone which attacks many kinds of plastics and is hard on some electrical components (anything coated, varnished, the silkscreen on the board itself, etc.) I have found that the 9% water in 91% alcohol will evaporate pretty fast and does not leave any water behind.

But by all means, if 99% isopropyl alcohol is available, it would be better than 91% for cleaning anything electronic for exactly the reason you mentioned; less water is always better around anything electronic.

Brian

I washed the key for my old bike once and... nothing happened.  :yikes:

In fairness, I have also washed my FOB and... nothing happened.  :yikes:

I didn't do anything with the fob when I washed mine since it worked and the FOB has some weather sealing. Brian's suggestion of cleaning it with rubbing alcohol is good advice with the exception that rubbing alcohol is usually 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, what you want it a 99 percent isopropyl alcohol. Rubbing alcohol has too much water content for use in electronics.
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: koval68 on June 13, 2013, 08:35:19 PM
. Violating state liquor laws,soaking my fob and torturing Cap'n Bob.... good times.  ;D

Brian
I fixed that for you... ;)
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: PH14 on June 13, 2013, 08:37:55 PM
Ah, finally- proof that mechanical keys and electronic fobs are completely equal! Except, of course, for the fact that fobs are so much better.  ;D

I would agree with you on the alcohol but note that I recommended 91% rather than 70% for exactly the reason you mention. 99% would be even better but 91% is the purest readily available in local stores. 99% is an industrial mix and much harder to find and purchase in small quantities.

I also specifically recommenced rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol is called rubbing alcohol in the US)
Brian

I saw that you recommended 91 percent, I was only clarifying since most people see rubbing alcohol and simply buy what they usually see, which is 70 percent. Most places I shop have regular rubbing alcohol and anything above 70 percent is labeled isoproplyl.
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: Cuda on June 13, 2013, 09:41:35 PM
I'll have to get some tomorrow all I have is 50% on hand
I washed it about a month ago and thought all was well  :'(
So dielectric silicone compound is a no no ?
I screwed up my truck key door opener type thing (Dodge) while kayaking (salt water ) does the same thing, works for a while then _____
Where do you get 99%
Glad this one is my spare .
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: maxtog on June 13, 2013, 11:03:12 PM
I'll have to get some tomorrow all I have is 50% on hand
So dielectric silicone compound is a no no ?

I wouldn't

Quote
Where do you get 99%

I have NEVER seen 99%.  But I use 91% all the time.  You can get it at Walmart or pretty much any drug store.  I never use anything less than 91% when doing stuff like electronics, cleaning magnetic read heads, and many other uses.  In fact, I just don't buy anything else now.
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: Conrad on June 14, 2013, 05:41:59 AM
Instead of using alcohol I'd recommend using a good contact cleaner. Hands down the best contact cleaner/restorative that I've used is Cramolin. It'll clean the contacts and keep them from oxidizing.

It ain't cheap though...

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51R5-3PskcL._SX300_.jpg)

(http://www.siber-sonic.com/electronics/etc/caigcans.jpeg)
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: Cuda on June 14, 2013, 06:50:29 AM
So will that stuff help corrosion on the board?
or is that just contact cleaner.
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: Conrad on June 14, 2013, 07:20:06 AM
So will that stuff help corrosion on the board?
or is that just contact cleaner.

Yep, it'll clean up the corrosion too. I used it at work and at home all the time.

The Caig Laboratories D100L-2DB is a DeoxIT® contact cleaner and rejuvenator in a 7.4ml bottle with a brush applicator.

Caig Laboratories D100L-2DB Features:
Acts as a unique contact cleaner, rejuvenator, conductivity enhancer, and lubricant
Dissolves oxidation and corrosion on metal surfaces
Fills in microscopic gaps and reseals surface for better contact to improve flow of electricity
Reduces intermittent connections, arcing, wear, and abrasion
Temperature Range: -29°F to 392°F
7.4ml bottle with brush applicator
RoHS and VOC compliant

http://www.all-spec.com/products/D100L-2DB.html (http://www.all-spec.com/products/D100L-2DB.html)

See this .pdf for more info on what DeoxIT can do for water damage.

http://www.zggtr.org/MGalleryItem.php?id=488 (http://www.zggtr.org/MGalleryItem.php?id=488)
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: PH14 on June 14, 2013, 08:33:10 AM
I'll have to get some tomorrow all I have is 50% on hand
I washed it about a month ago and thought all was well  :'(
So dielectric silicone compound is a no no ?
I screwed up my truck key door opener type thing (Dodge) while kayaking (salt water ) does the same thing, works for a while then _____
Where do you get 99%
Glad this one is my spare .

91 percent is available at most drug stores. 99 percent is available on Amazon but unless you have a Prime account and have it shipped quickly at no cost there is no real advantage. Get the 91 percent and use it. If you actually see corrosion you can use an electronics cleaner but be sure it says it is safe on plastics. I have some from Radio Shack that is, but whatever you do don't use the kind with a lubricant in it. I personally think you could simply wipe off the connections, replace the battery and all would work fine after the water dries up.
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 14, 2013, 06:06:05 PM
Instead of using alcohol I'd recommend using a good contact cleaner. Hands down the best contact cleaner/restorative that I've used is Cramolin. It'll clean the contacts and keep them from oxidizing.

Cramolin?  Interesting name.
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: gPink on June 14, 2013, 06:25:41 PM
Will that stuff clean the white crud from around the gashole?
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 14, 2013, 06:35:59 PM
You'll have to ask Conrad, but I suspect that it will.
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: gPink on June 14, 2013, 06:38:22 PM
You think he'd know?
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 14, 2013, 07:10:44 PM
He recommended it highly.
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: Cuda on June 14, 2013, 07:18:16 PM
Thanks Conrad
Radio Shack part # 640-4338 $14.99 two little cans
DeoxIT  Mini -Sprays Connector Cleaner & GOLD G-series contact conditioner/protector
 
www.caig.com (http://www.caig.com)
Just what I was looking for
Amen brother
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: B.D.F. on June 14, 2013, 08:21:39 PM
Assuming that white crud around your gashole is corrosion, I bet it would. It that white crud is something else you may need a different type of.... er, cleanser.

But on a serious note, that white crud almost certainly is corrosion. I use a light oil to clean it up and leave a touch of oil behind (no pun intended) wherever I find any corrosion. For some strange reason, I have had good results using automatic transmission fluid (ATF)- I have used it in a pinch quite a few times only to find it seems to last. Works great around battery terminals without leaving gobs of grease behind (again, no pun intended).

Brian

Will that stuff clean the white crud from around the gashole?
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 15, 2013, 01:32:58 AM
Assuming that white crud around your gashole is corrosion, I bet it would. It that white crud is something else you may need a different type of.... er, cleanser.

But on a serious note, that white crud almost certainly is corrosion. I use a light oil to clean it up and leave a touch of oil behind (no pun intended) wherever I find any corrosion. For some strange reason, I have had good results using automatic transmission fluid (ATF)- I have used it in a pinch quite a few times only to find it seems to last. Works great around battery terminals without leaving gobs of grease behind (again, no pun intended).

Brian

Yeah, right.  No pun intended.  I don't believe that for a second.
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: Conrad on June 15, 2013, 07:00:24 AM
Will that stuff clean the white crud from around the gashole?

I keep my gashole very clean so I wouldn't know about this.    :-X
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: Conrad on June 15, 2013, 07:01:07 AM
Thanks Conrad
Radio Shack part # 640-4338 $14.99 two little cans
DeoxIT  Mini -Sprays Connector Cleaner & GOLD G-series contact conditioner/protector
 
www.caig.com (http://www.caig.com)
Just what I was looking for
Amen brother

 :thumbs:
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: Pokey on June 15, 2013, 07:11:18 AM
I always keep wet wipes in the side case for the gashole, you never know when it might need to be cleaned up.
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 15, 2013, 07:42:53 AM
Thank you for that.  Now can you make him clap his hands?    Ah, the good ole days...  :)
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: Pokey on June 15, 2013, 07:51:36 AM
Thank you for that.  Now can you make him clap his hands?    Ah, the good ole days...  :)


Let me try to find that Joker with the clap.
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: Cuda on June 15, 2013, 08:24:10 AM
Word for the day Hyperbole

http://youtu.be/qLezXLuvNgc (http://youtu.be/qLezXLuvNgc)
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: Pokey on June 15, 2013, 04:57:48 PM
For some strange reason I cannot get the clap.  :(
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: Conrad on June 15, 2013, 04:57:55 PM

Let me try to find that Joker with the clap.

A shot of penicillin with clear that right up.
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: Pokey on June 15, 2013, 04:58:48 PM
A shot of penicillin with clear that right up.


How about a shot of bourbon?
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: Conrad on June 15, 2013, 05:04:23 PM

How about a shot of bourbon?

If you're buyin I'm drinkin.    :chugbeer:
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 15, 2013, 05:26:52 PM
For some strange reason I cannot get the clap.  :(

And it's probably a good thing as I think your wife would whup up on your a**.
Title: Re: FOB problems ?
Post by: Pokey on June 15, 2013, 06:34:28 PM
And it's probably a good thing as I think your wife would whup up on your a**.


I would for sure be in deep doo doo. No more FOB for me, oh what to do.  :P