Fiat Panda Key Fob Replacement
Fiat Panda key fobs contain a transponder chip which sends signals to your car to open the doors or start the engine. The fob could stop working due to a variety of reasons.
The most common cause of key fob failure is a dead coin battery. Other causes are water damage, a faulty module, and interference signals.
Dead Coin Battery
Replace the battery if the key fob has failed. Choose a new button battery that has the same voltage, size and specifications as the original.
If the key fob was exposed to water, such as a splash of rain or salt water on the beach, it needs to be cleaned before it is able to be used again. The best way to do this is using an old towel soaked in isopropyl, or electronic cleaner.
If the key fob has not been exposed to water but it is still not working it could be due to a problem with the receiver module or an internal electronic chip. In these situations you can reprogramme the key fob using an OBDII scanner can aid.
Water Damage
If your key fob has gotten an immersion in the puddle or pool or gone through the washing machine, you might have some water damage. It's generally possible to get it back in working order by getting rid of the batteries and cleaning the circuit board with rubbing alcohol. It's a good idea allow the fob to dry completely before putting in a new battery.
If your key fob stopped working, even after replacing the battery and reprogramming it, you may have a faulty receiver module. You can find instructions for reprogramming most vehicles' remote keys on YouTube or in the owner's manual. You can also try resetting the car's onboard computer with the OBDII scan tool.
Faulty Receiver Module
The key fob contains an electronic chip that communicates with the vehicle's system. If the chip is damaged, it can no longer transmit and receive signals to the vehicle. This could be due to dropping the key fob or due to exposure to water. If the key fob you have purchased has stopped functioning due to exposure to water it is possible to fix it if you clean the chip with electronic cleaner or isopropyl ethanol.
If the key fob won't respond to cleaning, it's possible that the module has an issue and should be replaced. A defective receiver module could also cause the remote control key to cease functioning. This is typically caused by electromagnetic interference.
Faulty Electronic Chip
The electronic chip in your key fob plays a vital role in the anti-theft security system in your car. It transmits a message to the immobiliser in your car that tells it whether the key is legitimate. Your car will not start when the chip is damaged.
A faulty chip may also be caused by interference from objects, bad weather or transmitters in the vicinity of your vehicle. In this instance, a new fob will be required.
Faulty battery contacts
The battery contacts on the key fob could be damaged by heavy usage. If they're broken or bent, the fob will not transmit any signals to the receiver modules in the car.
Modern fobs are designed with rubber seals in order to keep out water. A splash of water or a light rain is fine, but submerging them in salt water could cause damage to the electronic chip.
The key fob houses the chip that connects to the vehicle's immobilizer system to activate it. This system utilizes cryptocoding systems in the latest vehicles and the older red key system for older models. This chip will need to be changed if it is malfunctioning.
Poor 12 Volt Battery
A malfunctioning battery could cause the key fob not to work. If this happens, the car's computer system cannot recognize that the remote is inside the vehicle.
Test the battery with a voltmeter before replacing it to determine its capacity. A fully charged battery should display 12.6 volts. If the reading drops significantly then it's time to replace the battery.
Put an electrical load for a short time on the battery to gauge its capacity. This will remove 1percent of the surface charges. Then measure the voltage again. The longer a battery is able to keep its voltage steady greater is its capacity. Ideal is to hold at or near 12 volts for several minutes.
Faulty Radio Signal
This is the main reason for a key fob to stop sending signals to the car. The battery could be replaced to fix this issue. However, it is crucial to choose a battery that has the same voltage and size as the original one.
Fobs are subject to a lot of abuse, but they're also not impervious to destruction. The battery buttons and the contacts are fragile and are susceptible to being bent or damaged by rough use.
A signal may also be impacted by other transmitters or objects who use the same frequency. For instance, a light-control panel in your home could send interference on the same frequency that key fobs use. This could affect the remote control of your car.
Afflicted OBDII Scan Tool
There are many reasons why scanner tools may not function. Certain are more complicated than others.
Professional scan tools allow a mechanic to examine the car's systems and run a variety of self-tests. These tools can help save time, but are costly and are out of reach for most DIYers.
If thekeylab.co.uk OBD2 scan tool isn't turning on, test the voltage at the terminals 16 (scantool power) and 4 (chassis earth). If both are in good condition, a fuse may have been blown. This is among the most common causes of a scan tool failing. The simple fix is usually to replace the fuse that has been blown.