Rep: 25
1
after spilling water on the steam deck some buttons like the volume buttons don't work and the screen scrolls to the right on its own. also the deck turns on by its self.
Is this a good question?
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The impurities in the water causes corrosion and provides circuit paths for the electricity which were not in the console's operating design and could damage the components. The corrosion starts immediately and is ongoing until it is completely cleaned away.
Using rice to fix water damaged electronics is a myth. Rice does not fix the problems caused by corrosion. Rice is for dinner, not repair
First do not try to charge or to turn on your console and then remove the battery as soon as possible from the console to minimize any further damage.
Then you need to dis-assemble the rest of the device and clean all the affected parts using Isopropyl Alcohol 99%+ (available at electronics parts stores) to remove all traces of corrosion and water. If possible do not use "rubbing alcohol" as in some cases this is only 70% IPA or less, can contain additives and is not as effective. If you do have to use it check the label to verify the amount of IPA. The higher the percentage of IPA the better
Here is a link that describes the process. Electronics Water Damage
As always with electronics, especially surface mounted pcb be gentle when handling and especially when brushing away the corrosion. You do not want to remove any components from the board. Remove the shields that may be covering some components as the water may have got in under there. The ends of any flex cables and their connectors need to be cleaned as well
Hopefully after you have done all this the device might possibly work correctly again.
Here is the ifixit Steam Deck guide that may help
If this process seems too daunting, take your game console to a reputable, professional electronics repair service, experienced in liquid damage repair and ask for a quote for a repair. If you decide to do this, do it sooner than later.
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4 Comments
@davidville34772 how did you clean the water damage? What have you checked?
by oldturkey03
Definitely sounds like some internal inspection is needed if you have not already done so. There could be some corrosion in the buttons.
by Alisha C
I dried it as much as possible and put it in rice. I am unsure if to open it and fix it my self or send it too valve so they can fix it.
by david villegas
@davidville34772 Rice does not work. It does absolutely nothing to help you with this repair. All it does is waste time and waste food. Check here https://www.ifixit.com/News/30047/rice-i... for more on this. Follow the great advice given by @jayeff to get your Steam Deck back in working order.
by oldturkey03