Remote key acting strangely - after going through washing machine

[headache56]

It may be a coincidence - but my remote key fob key is acting strangely. This happened after I sadly put my Golf Mark 7 remote and keys through a 30c cycle washing machine wash.

Initially, the remote fob wouldn't turn off the twin internal lights above the back seats and wouldn't lock the doors.

So I brushed the key fob's electronics with Isopropanol alcohol, left the keys and fob in a jar of rice overnight, in a warm cupboard. The remote now works OK except for two issues:

• while the key will manually lock the driver's door it won't unlock it and
• if I lock the car with the remote and if I stay in close proximity the central locking will unlock the doors automatically as if by magic

I've tried the "re synchronisation of key" process shown in the owner's manual but without success.

I've got VCDS but Ross Tech tells me that my remote will have the more complex "Challenge" matching protocol which means VCDS cannot be used to match et keys. I'm really not sure what's the difference between synchronisation of keys, key coding and key matching. Ross Tech mentions control modules 9 and 17 but I'm not
sure whey sinnce VCDS cannot currently repropgram "Challenge" coded keys at present.

I assume the worst and I'll need a new remote. But is there anything else I can try before shelling out for a new remote Fob?

[Scott K]

Use the spare!! Keep the other as a back up. Could also try a new battery in it.