It's The Fiat 500 Keys Case Study You'll Never Forget

fiat bravo key Panda Key Fob Replacement

fiat punto key programming Panda key fobs contain a transponder chip that sends a signal to your car to open the doors and start the engine. However, the fob could be inoperable due to various reasons.

The most commonly cited reason for key fob malfunction is a dead coin battery. Other causes include water damage a faulty receiver module, and signal interference.

Dead Coin Battery

Replace the battery in case your key fob is dead. Use a brand new button battery that is the same voltage, size and specification like the previous one.

If the key fob was exposed to water, for example a splash of rain or salt water on the beach, it's going to need to be cleaned before it is able to be used again. The best method is to use a paper towel that has been soaked in isopropyl or electronic cleaner.

If the key fob hasn't been exposed to water but it is still not working it could be a problem with the receiver module or an internal electronic chip. In these situations it is possible that reprogramming the key fob with an OBDII scanner can aid.

Water Damage

There could be water damage to your key fob if it was submerged in a pool, puddle or washing machine. It is usually possible to be able to get it back up and running by taking off the battery and then scrubbing the circuit board with isopropyl alcohol. It's a good idea allow the fob to dry completely before installing a new battery.

If your key fob stopped working, even after replacing the battery and changing the program, you could have a faulty receiver module. Reprogramming instructions are available for most vehicles' remote key fobs on YouTube or in your owner's guide. You could also try resetting the car's computer onboard using the OBDII scan tool.

Faulty Receiver Module

The key fob contains a chip that connects to the car's system. The chip will stop sending and receiving signals to the car if it becomes damaged. Dropping the key fob could cause this, as well as exposure to water. If the key fob you have purchased has stopped functioning due to water exposure and you are unable to fix it if you clean the chip with electronic cleaner or isopropyl alcohol.

If the key fob won't respond to cleaning, it is possible that the module has a fault and needs to be replaced. A defective receiver can cause the key to stop working. This is usually due to electromagnetic interference.

Faulty electronic chip

The electronic chip in your key fob is a vital role in the anti-theft security system in your car. It sends a signal to the immobiliser unit in your car to determine whether the key is legitimate. If the chip is damaged or broken, your car won't start.

A malfunctioning chip could be caused by interference signals from objects such as weather conditions, objects or transmitters on the same frequency near your vehicle. In this scenario you'll require a new key fob.

Contacts of the battery may be damaged.

The battery contacts of a key fob are very delicate and can get damaged by repeated use. If they're damaged or bent, the fob will not send any signals to the receiver modules inside the car.

Modern fobs have rubber seals that keep out water. Immersing them in water, even if it's only a light drizzle or repairer splash, can damage the chip's electronic circuit.

The key fob is equipped with chips that communicate with the vehicle's immobilizer system in order to activate it. The system utilizes the old red keys that were used in older vehicles, or the cryptocoding system that is used in newer vehicles. If the chip is defective, it will need to be replaced.

Problematic 12 Volt Battery

A malfunctioning battery could cause the remote to stop working. The car's computer may not recognize the remote if this happens.

Test the battery with an voltmeter prior to replacing it to determine its capacity. A fully charged battery should read 12.6 volts. If the reading drops dramatically the time is now to replace it.

Place an electrical load for a few moments on the battery to gauge its capacity. This will take off approximately 1 percent of the charge on the surface. Then, measure the voltage once more. The longer a battery is able to keep its voltage steady, the better its capacity. Ideal is that it stays at or near 12 volts for several minutes.

Radio Signal Faulty Radio Signal

This is the main reason for the key fob not sending signals to a car. The battery is able to be replaced to resolve this problem. But, it is essential to purchase a battery with the same voltage and size as the original.

Fobs can take a lot punishment, and aren't indestructible. Contacts and buttons on batteries can be damaged by rough handling.

Other transmitters or objects operating on the same frequency can also interfere with a signal. For instance, a light-control panel that is near your home could send interference over the same bandwidth that key fobs utilize. This could affect the remote control in your car.

Faulty OBDII Scan Tool

There are many reasons why a scanner tool may not perform. Some are more complicated than others.

Professional scan tools permit mechanics to look over the car's networks and conduct a variety self-tests. These tools can help save time, but are costly and not accessible where to get a fiat key cut the majority of DIYers.

If your OBD2 scan tool won't power on, make sure you check the voltage at terminals 16 (scantool power) and 4 (chassis earth). If these are OK it's possible that a fuse has been blown. This is one of the most frequent reasons for failure of the scanner. It is typically easy to fix the problem by replacing the fuse that has blown.