Fiat Panda Key Fob Replacement
Fiat Panda key fobs contain an transponder chip that transmits signals to your car to unlock the doors or start the engine. However, the key fob may be inoperable due to various reasons.
The most common reason for key fob failure is an inoperable coin battery. Other reasons include water damage, a faulty receiver module, and signal interference.
Dead Coin Battery
Replace the battery if your key fob has gone out of service. Choose a button battery with the same voltage, size and specification as your 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. The trick is to use a paper towel that has been soaked in isopropyl, or electronic cleaner.
If the key fob has not been exposed to water but remains inoperable it could be an issue with the receiver module or an internal electronic chip. In these cases, reprogramming the key fob using an OBDII scanner can assist.
Water Damage
If your key fob's battery has taken a bath in the pool or puddle, or taken a trip down the wash machine, you may have some water damage. It's possible to get it back in working order by taking the batteries off and cleaning the circuit board using rubbing alcohol. It is recommended to allow the device to completely dry prior to installing batteries.
You could have a damaged module in the event that your key fob stops working after replacing the battery or changing the programming. You can find information on the reprogramming of most remote keys on YouTube or in 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 a chip which communicates with the vehicle's system. This chip will stop sending and receiving signals to the car if it becomes damaged. Dropping the key fob could cause this, as could water exposure. If the key fob you have purchased has stopped functioning due to water exposure it is possible to fix it if clean the chip using electronic cleaner or isopropylethanol.
However, if the key fob continues to not respond even after cleaning it it is likely that the component is damaged and needs to be replaced. A malfunctioning receiver could cause the key to cease to function. This is usually due to electromagnetic interference.
Faulty Electronic Chip
The electronic chip inside your key fob plays an important part in the anti-theft security system in your car. It sends a message to the immobiliser in your car that tells it whether the key is legitimate. If the chip is damaged or broken, your car will not start.
A faulty chip may also be caused by interference from other objects, weather conditions or transmitters located near your vehicle. In this instance you'll need an entirely new key fob.
Contacts for the battery that are defective
The battery contacts of the fob's battery can be damaged by heavy usage. If they are bent, or broken, the fob won't transmit any signals to receiver modules in the vehicle.
Modern fobs are designed with rubber seals to keep out water. Immersing them in water, even if it's just a light drizzle or splash can harm the chip's electronic components.
The key fob has an electronic chip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer in order to allow it to start. This system utilizes cryptocoding systems in newer vehicles or the red key system for older models. If the chip is defective it will have to be replaced.
Faulty 12 Volt Batterie
A malfunctioning battery could cause the remote to cease to function. When this happens, the car's computer system will not be able to recognize that the remote is within the vehicle.
Before you replace the battery, test it using a an voltmeter to gauge its capacity. A fully charged battery will read 12.6 volts. If the reading decreases significantly then it's time to replace it.
To test a battery's capacity to determine its capacity, put an electric load on it for a few minutes. This will remove 1% of the surface charges. Then measure the voltage again. The longer a battery is able to hold its voltage, the better its capacity. Ideally, replacement fiat key will remain at 12 volts or less for several minutes.
Problems with Radio Signal
This is the most frequent reason for keys not sending signals to a car. The issue can be fixed by replacing the battery. It is essential to purchase an identical battery voltage and dimensions as the original.
Fobs endure a lot of abuse, and they aren't indestructible. The battery buttons and contacts are brittle which means they could be bent or broken with the force of.
The signal could also be interrupted by other transmitters or objects who use the same frequency. A light control panel in your home, for example can interfere with key fobs that have the same bandwidth. This can interfere with the remote control of your car.
Problems with OBDII Scan Tool
There are many reasons scanners may not perform. Some are more complicated than others.
Professional scan tools let mechanics to monitor the car's network, and run various self-tests. These tools can save time, but they're expensive and out of reach for the majority of DIYers.
If your OBD2 scan tool doesn't turn on, test the voltage at terminals 16 (scantool power) and 4 (chassis earth). If they are all OK there is a chance that a fuse has ruptured. This is the main cause of scan tool failure. It is often simple to fix the issue by replacing the blown fuse.