Fiat Panda Key Fob Replacement
Fiat Panda key fobs contain a transponder chip that sends a signal to your car to unlock the doors or start the engine. However, the fob can be inoperable due to various reasons.
The most common cause of key fob failure is an inoperable coin battery. Other causes include water damage a faulty receiver module, and signal interference.
Dead Coin Battery
If your key fob battery has failed, the initial step is to replace it. Choose a button battery that has the same voltage, size, and specifications 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 using it again. A paper towel soaked in alcohol or electronic cleaner will be the solution.
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. Reprogramming the keyfob using an OBDII scan can help in these instances.
Water Damage
If your key fob's battery has taken a bath in the puddle or pool or even a trip to the washing machine, it could have some water damage. Highly recommended Site 's usually possible to be able to get it back up and running by removing the battery and scrubbing the circuit board with isopropyl alcohol. It's best to let the fob dry completely before putting in a new battery.
If your key fob has stopped working even after replacing the battery and reprogramming it, you may have a problem with the receiver module. You can find instructions for the reprogramming 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 has the chip that communicates with the vehicle's system. This chip will stop sending and receiving signals to the car when it is damaged. Dropping the key fob could cause this, as could water exposure. If the key fob stopped working after water exposure it may be possible to fix it by cleaning the chip using isopropyl alcohol or electronic cleaner.
If the key fob does not 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 stop working. This is usually due to electromagnetic interference.
Faulty Electronic Chip
The electronic chip that is in your key fob plays a crucial part in the anti-theft security system of your vehicle. It sends a message to the immobiliser inside your car that tells it whether the key is legitimate. The car won't start when the chip is damaged.
A malfunctioning chip can be caused by interference caused by objects, bad weather or transmitters near your vehicle. In this situation the replacement fob will be needed.
Contacts for the battery that are damaged
The battery contacts of the fob's key can be damaged by excessive usage. If they're bent or broken, the fob won't transmit any signals to receiver modules inside the vehicle.
Modern fobs come with rubber seals to keep out water. Submerging them in water, even if it is just small splash or drizzle, can damage the electronic chip.
The key fob houses chips that communicate with the vehicle's immobilizer to allow it to begin it. This system makes use of cryptocoding systems in vehicles that are more modern as well as the traditional red key system in older models. The chip must be changed if it is malfunctioning.
Problematic 12 Volt Battery
A defective battery can cause the remote to cease working. When this occurs the car's computer won't recognize that the remote is within the vehicle.
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 drops dramatically the time is now to replace it.
To determine the capacity of a battery put an electrical load on it for a few minutes. This will take off approximately 1 percent of the surface charge. Then take another measurement of the voltage. The longer the battery can hold its voltage and the higher its capacity. Ideally, it will remain at 12 volts or less for several minutes.
Faulty Radio Signal
This is the main reason behind a key fob that ceases to send signals to the car. This issue can be fixed by replacing the battery. It is important to buy an identical battery voltage and dimensions as the original.
Fobs are not indestructible and can be damaged by a lot. The battery buttons and contacts are brittle which means they could be bent or damaged from rough use.
Other transmitters or objects operating on the same frequency can disrupt the signal. A light-control panel in your home, for example could interfere with key fobs using the same frequency. This could affect the remote control of your car.
Problems with OBDII Scan Tool
There are many reasons why scanner tools may not perform. Some are more complex than others.
Professional scan tools permit mechanics to observe the car's networks and run a variety of self-tests. These tools can help save time, but are costly and not accessible to the majority of DIYers.
If your OBD2 scanner doesn't work make sure you check the voltage at terminal 16 (scan tool power) and terminal 4 (chassis ground). If these are both present it's likely that a fuse has been blown. This is among the most common causes of a scan tool failing. The easiest solution is to replace the fuse which has blown.