Fiat Panda Key Fob Replacement
Fiat Panda key fobs contain an transponder chip that transmits an alert to your car to unlock the doors or start the engine. However, the fob can stop working due to a variety of causes.
A dead coin battery is the most frequent reason for key fob malfunctions. Other causes include water damage malfunctioning receiver modules and signal interference.
Dead Coin Battery
Replace the battery if the key fob has failed. Use a button cell battery with the same voltage, size, and specifications as the previous one.
If the key fob was exposed to water (such as rain or saltwater at the beach) it must be cleaned prior to using it again. A paper towel soaked with isopropyl alcohol or electronic cleaner can be the solution.
If the key fob is not working despite not being exposed water it could be due to a malfunction in the receiver module, or even in the internal electronic chip. In these situations, reprogramming the key fob using an OBDII scanner may assist.
Water Damage
There could be water damage if your key fob was submerged in a puddle, pool or washing machine. It's usually possible to get it back in working order by getting rid of the batteries and cleaning the circuit board with ruby alcohol. It is best to allow the device to completely dry prior to installing batteries.
If your key fob stopped working even after replacing the battery and reprogramming it, you may have a malfunctioning receiver module. You can find reprogramming instructions for most vehicles' remote key fobs on YouTube or in the owner's manual. You can also reset the computer of your vehicle using the OBDII scanner tool.
Faulty Receiver Module
The key fob's chip is a chip which communicates with the vehicle's system. If this chip becomes damaged, it cannot longer transmit and receive signals to the vehicle. Dropping the key fob could result in this, as can water exposure. If your key fob isn't functioning due to exposure to water it is possible to fix it by attempting to clean the chip with electronic cleaner or isopropylethanol.
If the key fob doesn't respond to cleaning, it's possible that the receiver module has an issue and must be replaced. A defective receiver can cause the key to stop working. This is typically caused by electromagnetic interference.
Faulty Electronic Chip
The chip that is embedded in your key fob is a vital component of the anti-theft system in your vehicle. It transmits a message to the immobiliser in your car to determine whether the key is genuine. The car will not start in the event that the chip is damaged.
A damaged chip could be caused by interference signals from other objects or weather conditions that are bad, or transmitters operating on the same frequency as your car. In this situation it is likely that a new fob would be needed.
Contacts with the battery may be damaged.
The battery contacts of a key fob can be damaged by excessive usage. If fiat car key bent or damaged, the fob will not send any signals to the receiver modules in the vehicle.
Modern fobs feature rubber seals that keep out water. Immersing them in water, even if it's only a light drizzle or splash, can damage the chip's electronic circuit.
The key fob has the chip that connects to the vehicle's immobilizer system to start it. It uses the old red keys for older vehicles, or the cryptocoding system found in newer vehicles. The chip must be replaced if malfunctioning.
The 12 Volt Battery is faulty
A faulty battery may cause the key fob to function. The car's computer may not recognize the remote if this occurs.
Before you replace the battery, test it using a an voltmeter for determining its capacity. A fully charged battery should read 12.6 volts. If the reading decreases significantly then it's time to replace it.
To test the battery's power put an electrical load on it for a few minutes. This will take away about 1 percent of the charge on the surface. Then, you can measure the voltage again. The higher the capacity of the battery is, the longer it will maintain its voltage. Ideally, it will remain at or near 12 volts for several minutes.
Problems with Radio Signal
This is the most frequent reason for a key fob that ceases to send signals to the car. This issue can be fixed by replacing the battery. It is essential to purchase an identical battery voltage and dimensions as the original.
Fobs take a lot of abuse, but they're also not indestructible. The battery buttons and contacts are delicate, so they can get bent or damaged by excessive use.
Other objects or transmitters using the same frequency may also interfere with the signal. For example, a light-control panel close to your home can send interference over the same frequency as key fobs use. This could affect the remote control of your car.
Problems with OBDII Scan Tool
There are a number of reasons why a scan tool might not work. Certain are more complicated than others.
Professional scan tools enable mechanics to monitor the car's network and run various self-tests. These can be real time-savers, but they can be expensive, and beyond the budget of many DIYers.
If your OBD2 scanner doesn't work, check the voltage on terminal 16 (scan tool power) and terminal 4 (chassis ground). If they're all fine it could be that a fuse has been blown. This is one of the most frequent causes of scan tool failure. It is often easy to fix the problem by replacing the blown fuse.