The Fiat 500 Keys Case Study You'll Never Forget

Fiat Panda Key Fob Replacement

fiat 500 spare key Panda keyfobs are equipped with a transponder that transmits signals from the fob to the car to unlock doors or start the motor. However, the fob could not function due to a variety of reasons.

A dead coin battery is the most frequent cause of the malfunction of a key fob. Other causes are water damage or a malfunctioning module and interference signals.

Dead Coin Battery

If the battery in your key fob is dead, the first thing to do is replace it. Make use of a button cell battery with the same voltage, size, and specifications as the old one.

If the key fob has been exposed to water, such as a splash of rain or salt water on the beach, it will have to be cleaned before it is able to be used again. A paper towel soaked with isopropyl alcohol or electronic cleaner can work wonders.

If the key fob hasn't been exposed to water, but remains inoperable, there may be a problem with the receiver module or an internal electronic chip. Reprogramming the keyfob through an OBDII scan may assist in these situations.

Water Damage

You could have water damage if your key fob was submerged in a puddle, pool or washing machine. It is usually possible to restore it's functionality by taking the battery off and cleaning the circuit board with isopropyl alcohol. It is a good idea to let the fob dry completely before installing a new battery.

There could be a problem with the module in the event that your remote stops working after replacing the battery or updating. You can find instructions for the reprogramming of most remote fiat keys on YouTube or in the owner's manual. You can also reset your car's computer using the OBDII scanner tool.

Faulty Receiver Module

The key fob contains the chip that communicates with the car's system. The chip will stop sending and receiving signals to the car when it is damaged. Dropping the key fob can cause this, as can exposure to water. If your key fob isn't functioning due to water exposure or water exposure, you might be able to fix it if you clean the chip using electronic cleaner or isopropylethanol.

However, if the key fob still does not respond even after cleaning it it is likely that the module is defective and will need to be replaced. A defective receiver module could also cause the remote control key to stop functioning. This is typically caused by electromagnetic interference.

Faulty Electronic Chip

The electronic chip in your key fob plays a vital function in the anti-theft security system of your car. It sends a message to the immobiliser inside your car to tell it whether the key is legitimate. Your car won't start in the event that the chip is damaged.

A malfunctioning chip can be caused by interference caused by objects, bad weather or transmitters close to your vehicle. In this instance you'll need an entirely new key fob.

Faulty Battery Contacts

The battery contacts on the fob's battery can be damaged by excessive usage. If they're bent or broken, the fob won't send any signals to the receiver modules inside the vehicle.

Modern fobs have rubber seals that block out water. A splash of water or a light rain should be fine, but submerging them in saltwater may harm the electronic chip.

The key fob contains a chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of the vehicle, allowing it to start it. This system utilizes cryptocoding systems in newer vehicles or the red key system used in older models. If the chip is not working properly it must be replaced.

A faulty 12 Volt battery

A malfunctioning battery could cause the key fob to stop working. When this happens the car's computer won't recognize that the remote is within the vehicle.

Test the battery with a voltmeter before replacing it to determine its capacity. A fully charged battery will display 12.6 volts. If the reading drops dramatically it's time to change it.

To test the battery's power put an electrical load on it for a few minutes. This will take away approximately 1% of the charge on the surface. Then measure the voltage again. The longer a battery can keep its voltage steady and the higher its capacity. Ideal is that it stays close to 12 volts for several minutes.

Problems with Radio Signal

This is the most common reason for the key fob not sending signals to cars. This issue can be resolved by replacing the battery. However, it is important to choose a battery that is the same voltage and size as the original one.

Fobs take a lot of abuse, but they're not indestructible. The battery buttons and the contacts are fragile which means they could be bent or broken with excessive use.

A signal can also be affected by other transmitters or objects which use the same frequency. A light-control panel in your home, for instance can interfere with key fobs using the same frequency. This could interfere with the remote control of your car.

Problems with OBDII Scan Tool

There are a number of reasons why a scan tool may not work. Some are more complex than others.

Professional scan tools allow a mechanic to monitor the car's network and run a variety of self-tests. These can be real time savers but they're also expensive and are out of the budget of most DIYers.

If your OBD2 scanner isn't turning on examine the voltage at terminal 16 (scan tool power) and terminal 4 (chassis ground). If all is fine there is a chance that a fuse has ruptured. This is one of the most common causes of a scan tool failing. The easiest fix is to replace the fuse which has blown.