Fiat Panda Key Fob Replacement

fiat 500 key Panda keyfobs are equipped with a transponder that transmits signals from the fob to the car that allows it to unlock doors or start the motor. The fob could stop working for a variety of reasons.

The most commonly cited reason for key fob malfunction is a dead coin battery. Other reasons include water damage, the receiver module is defective and signal interference.

Dead Coin Battery

Replace the battery in case your key fob has died. Use a button cell battery that has the same voltage, size and specifications as your previous one.

If the key fob has been exposed to water, for example a splash of rain or salt water on the beach, it will need to be cleaned before it is able to be used again. The trick is to use an old towel soaked in isopropyl or an electronic cleaner.

If the key fob has not been exposed to water, but isn't working it could be due to a problem with the receiver module or an internal electronic chip. Reprogramming the keyfob with an OBDII scan may help in these instances.

Water Damage

It is possible to get water damage if your key fob was submerged in a pool, puddle or washing machine. It is 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 prior to installing a new battery.

You could have a damaged module in the event that your remote stops working after replacing the battery or reprogramming. Reprogramming instructions are available for the majority of vehicles' remote key fobs on YouTube or in the owner's guide. You can also reset the computer of your vehicle using the OBDII scanner tool.

Faulty Receiver Module

The key fob has an electronic chip that communicates with the car's system. The chip will stop sending and receiving signals to the car when it is damaged. This can be caused by dropping the key fob or through exposure to water. If the key fob stopped working after exposure to water, it could be possible to fix it by cleaning the chip with isopropyl alcohol or an electronic cleaner.

If the key fob doesn't respond to cleaning, it's possible that the module has an issue and must be replaced. A faulty receiver can also cause the key to cease to function. This usually happens due to electromagnetic interference.

Faulty Electronic Chip

The chip that is embedded in the key fob is an important element of the anti-theft device in your car. It sends a message to the immobiliser inside your car to determine whether the key is genuine. Your car will not start when the chip is damaged.

A damaged chip could be caused by interference from objects, bad weather or transmitters in the vicinity of your vehicle. In this scenario you'll require an entirely new key fob.

Faulty battery contacts

The battery contacts of the key fob could be damaged through heavy use. If they're broken or bent, the fob will not be able to send any signals to the receiver modules in the car.

Modern fobs have rubber seals that block out water. Submerging them in water even if it's just a light drizzle or splash could damage the electronic chip.

The key fob contains chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of the vehicle in order to start it. The system relies on cryptocoding systems in newer vehicles or the red replacement key for fiat 500 system in older models. If this chip is faulty it must be replaced.

Poor 12 Volt Battery

A malfunctioning battery could cause the key fob not to function. When this happens the car's computer will not recognize that the remote is inside the vehicle.

Test the battery using the help of a voltmeter to determine its capacity. A fully charged battery should read 12.6 volts. If the reading drops significantly then it's time to replace the battery.

To test a battery's capacity put an electrical load on it for a few minutes. This will eliminate one percent of the surface charges. After that, measure the voltage. The longer the battery is able to hold its voltage greater is its capacity. Ideally, it should remain at 12 volts or less for several minutes.

Faulty Radio Signal

This is the most typical reason behind a key fob that ceases to send signals to the car. This issue can be fixed by replacing the battery. However, it is crucial to choose a battery with the same voltage and size as the original.

Fobs are not indestructible and can take a lot. The battery buttons and the contacts are fragile and can be bent or broken by rough usage.

Other objects or transmitters using the same frequency can also interfere with a signal. For instance, a lighting control panel close to your home can send interference on the same bandwidth that key fobs utilize. This could affect the remote control of your car.

Problems with OBDII Scan Tool

There are many reasons why scanners don't work. Certain are more complicated than others.

Professional scan tools enable mechanics to look over the car's networks and run various self-tests. They can be huge time savers but they are also extremely expensive and are out of the budget of most DIYers.

If your OBD2 scanner won't start Check the voltage on terminal 16 (scan tool power) and terminal 4 (chassis ground). If both are in good condition it's possible that a fuse has been blown. This is the most common reason for failure of the scan tool. The easiest fix is to replace the blown fuse.