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

Fiat Panda Key Fob replacement key for fiat 500 fiat 500 key fob (click over here)

Fiat Panda keyfobs are equipped with a transponder which transmits signals from the fob to the car in order to unlock doors or start the motor. However, the fob can stop working due to a variety of causes.

A dead coin battery is the most common reason for key fob malfunctions. Other causes are water damage, the receiver module is defective and signal interference.

Dead Coin Battery

If your key fob's battery has died, the first step is to replace it. Use a button cell battery that has the same voltage, size, and specifications as the old one.

If the key fob was exposed to water (such as rain or saltwater at the beach) it should be cleaned before being used again. The best solution is to use a paper towel that has been soaked in isopropyl or an electronic cleaner.

If the key fob isn't working despite being not exposed to water it could be due to a glitch in the receiver module or an internal electronic chip. In these instances it is possible that reprogramming the key fob using an OBDII scanner might help.

Water Damage

If your key fob has taken submerged in a pool or puddle, or taken a trip to the washing machine, you may have some water damage. It is usually possible to restore it's functionality by removing the battery and scrubbing the circuit board with isopropyl alcohol. It's a good idea let the fob dry completely prior to installing a new battery.

If your key fob stopped working, even after replacing the battery and reconfiguring it, you may have a problem with the receiver module. There are instructions for the reprogramming of most remote keys on YouTube, or consult your owner's manual. You can also reset your computer in your car with the OBDII scanner tool.

Faulty Receiver Module

The key fob is equipped with a chip that connects to the vehicle's system. If the chip is damaged, it can no longer transmit or receive signals to the vehicle. This could be due to dropping the key fob or by exposure to water. If the key fob stops working after exposure to water, it could be possible to repair the issue by cleaning or cleaning the chip with isopropyl alcohol or an electronic cleaner.

If the key fob does not respond to cleaning, it is possible that the module has an issue and should be replaced. A damaged receiver can cause the key to stop working. This is usually caused by electromagnetic interference.

Faulty Electronic Chip

The chip that is embedded in your key fob is an essential element of the anti-theft device in your car. It sends out a signal the immobiliser unit inside your car to determine whether or not the key is valid. If the chip is damaged or damaged, your car won't start.

A defective chip could be caused by interference from other objects, weather conditions or transmitters located near your vehicle. In this instance you'll need a new key fob.

Contacts with the battery may be damaged.

The battery contacts on a key fob can be damaged by excessive usage. If they are bent, or damaged, the fob will not send any signals to receiver modules inside the vehicle.

Modern fobs are equipped with rubber seals that keep out water. A splash of water or light rain should be fine however, submerging them in saltwater can harm the electronic chip.

The key fob contains an embedded chip that communicates to the immobilizer system of the vehicle to begin it. This system utilizes cryptocoding systems in modern vehicles as well as the traditional red key system for older ones. If this chip is faulty and needs to be replaced.

A faulty 12 Volt battery

A defective battery can cause the key fob to cease working. The car's computer may not recognize the remote when this occurs.

Before replacing the battery, test it with the voltmeter to determine its capacity. A fully charged battery should display 12.6 volts. If the reading decreases significantly the time is now to replace it.

Place an electrical load for a short time on the battery to determine its capacity. This will remove one percent of the surface charges. Then, you can measure the voltage. The higher the capacity of the battery, the longer it can maintain its voltage. It is ideal to maintain close to 12 volts during several minutes.

Problems with Radio Signal

This is the main reason for keys not sending signals to vehicles. This problem can be solved by replacing the battery. However, it is important to select a replacement battery with the same size and voltage as the original.

Fobs are subject to a lot of abuse, and they aren't impervious to destruction. The battery contacts and buttons could be damaged through rough handling.

Other transmitters or objects that use the same frequency may also disrupt a signal. For instance, a light control panel near your home may send interference on the same bandwidth that key fobs use. This could cause interference with the remote control of your car.

Incorrect OBDII scan tool

There are many reasons why a scan tool could not function. Certain are more complicated than others.

Professional scan tools let a mechanic observe the car's network and perform various self-tests. These tools can save a lot of time, but they are costly and out of reach for the majority of DIYers.

If your OBD2 scan tool doesn't turn on, make sure you check the voltage at terminals 16 (scantool power) and 4 (chassis earth). If they're all fine it could be that a fuse has ruptured. This is one of the most common causes of failures in the scan tool. The simple fix is usually to replace the blown fuse.