Fiat Panda Key Fob Replacement
Fiat Panda key fobs contain an transponder chip that transmits a signal to your car to unlock the doors or start the engine. However, the fob could stop working due to a variety of causes.
The most common cause of key fob malfunction is an inoperable coin battery. Other causes include water damage, an inoperative receiver module and signal interference.
Dead Coin Battery
If the battery in your key fob is dead, the first step is to replace it. Make use of a new button battery with exactly the same size, voltage and specification as the old one.
If the key fob was exposed to water (such as saltwater or rain at the beach), it must be cleaned prior to being used again. A paper towel that has been soaked in isopropyl alcohol or electronic cleaner will do the trick.
If the key fob hasn't been exposed to water but it is still not working, there may be an issue with the receiver module or an internal electronic chip. In these situations it is possible that reprogramming the key fob with an OBDII scanner might assist.
Water Damage
You could have water damage to your key fob if it was submerged in a pool, puddle or washing machine. It's usually possible to get it back to working by taking off the battery and then scrubbing the circuit board with isopropyl alcohol. It is best to let the board completely dry before putting in batteries.
You may have a faulty module if your key fob stops working after replacing the battery or updating. There are instructions for changing the programming of most remote keys on YouTube, or consult your owner's manual. You can also try resetting the car's computer onboard using the OBDII scan tool.
Faulty Receiver Module
The key fob's chip is a chip that connects to the vehicle's system. If the chip is damaged, it will be unable to longer send and receive signals to the vehicle. A key fob falling off can cause this, as could exposure to water. If the key fob you have purchased has stopped working due to water exposure, you may be able to fix it if clean the chip using electronic cleaner or isopropyl ethanol.
If the key fob continues to not respond even after cleaning it there is a good chance that the module is faulty and needs to be replaced. A faulty receiver module can also cause the remote control key to not function. This is usually due to electromagnetic interference.
car key cover fiat 500 that is malfunctioning
The electronic chip that is in your key fob plays an important role in the anti-theft system of your car. It sends out a signal the immobiliser unit inside your vehicle to tell it whether or not the key is valid. If the chip is damaged or broken, your car won't start.
A damaged chip could be caused by interference signals from objects or weather conditions that are bad, or transmitters on the same frequency close to your car. In this scenario it is likely that a new fob would be needed.
Contacts of the battery may be damaged.
The battery contacts on the fob's key can be damaged by heavy usage. If they are bent, or damaged, the fob will not transmit any signals to receiver modules inside the vehicle.
Modern fobs feature rubber seals that block out water. A splash of water or light rain is acceptable however, submerging them in saltwater could cause damage to the electronic chip.
The key fob contains a chip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer in order to allow it to start. The system utilizes the red keys of older vehicles, or the cryptocoding system that is used in the latest vehicles. If the chip is defective, it will need to be replaced.
A faulty 12 Volt battery
A defective battery can cause the key fob to cease to function. The car's computer may not recognize the remote if this happens.
Before replacing the battery, you should test it with a an voltmeter for determining its capacity. A fully charged battery should read 12.6 volts. If the reading drops significantly it is time to replace the battery.
To test a battery's capacity put an electrical load on it for a few minutes. This will take off approximately 1 percent of the surface charge. Then, test the voltage again. The longer a battery is able to hold its voltage more effectively, the greater its capacity. Ideal is that it stays close to 12 volts over several minutes.
The radio signal is not working properly. Radio Signal
This is the main reason behind a key fob that stops sending signals to the car. The battery could be replaced to fix this issue. It is however important to choose a battery that has the same voltage and size as the original.
Fobs aren't impervious to damage and can be damaged by a lot. Contacts and buttons on batteries can be damaged through rough handling.
A signal may also be disrupted by other objects or transmitters who use the same frequency. For instance, a light control panel in your home could send interference on the same bandwidth that key fobs utilize. This could interfere with your car's remote control.
Afflicted OBDII Scan Tool
There are many reasons scanners may not work. Some are more complex than others.
Professional scan tools let a mechanic observe the car's network and run various self-tests. These tools can save you a lot of time, but they're expensive and are out of reach for most DIYers.
If your OBD2 scanner won't turn on examine the voltage at terminal 16 (scan tool power) and terminal 4 (chassis ground). If they are all OK there is a chance that a fuse has ruptured. This is one of the most frequent reasons for failure of the scanner. It is usually easy to fix the problem by replacing the fuse blowing up.