Fiat Panda Key Fob Replacement
Fiat Panda key fobs contain a transponder chip that sends a signal to your car to open the doors or start the engine. However, the key fob may stop working for several reasons.
The most commonly cited reason for key fob malfunction is an inoperable coin battery. Other causes include water damage, a faulty receiver module and signal interference.
Dead Coin Battery
Replace the battery in case your key fob has failed. Use a brand new button battery with identical in size, voltage and specifications as the original.
If the key fob was exposed to water (such as saltwater or rain at the beach) it should be cleaned prior to using it again. A paper towel soaked in alcohol or electronic cleaner will do the trick.
If the key fob has not been exposed to water but isn't working it could be a problem with the receiver module or an internal electronic chip. Reprogramming the keyfob using an OBDII scan could aid in these situations.
Water Damage
If your key fob's battery has taken immersed in a puddle or pool, or taken a trip through the washing machine, you might have some water damage. It's usually possible to get it working again by getting rid of the battery and scrubbing the circuit board with isopropyl alcohol. It is best to let the fob completely dry before putting in a battery.
If your key fob isn't working, even after replacing the battery and reprogramming it, you may have a problem with the receiver module. There are instructions for reprograming the majority of remote keys on YouTube or consult your owner's manual. You could also try resetting the car's computer onboard using the OBDII scan 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 be able to send or receive signals to the vehicle. This can be caused by dropping the key fob or by exposure to water. If your key fob isn't working due to water exposure it is possible fix the issue if you clean the chip with electronic cleaner or isopropyl ethanol.
If the key fob does not respond to cleaning, it is possible that the receiver module has a fault and needs to be replaced. A damaged receiver module may also cause the remote control key to cease functioning. This usually happens due to electromagnetic interference.
Faulty Electronic Chip
The electronic chip in the key fob is a vital component of the anti-theft system in your vehicle. It sends a message to the immobiliser inside your car that tells it if the key is valid. Your car will not start in the event that the chip has been damaged.
A defective chip could be caused by interference from other objects, bad weather or transmitters located near your vehicle. In this instance an upgrade to the fob will be required.
Contacts for the battery that are damaged
The battery contacts on a key fob are very fragile and are susceptible to damage when used for long periods of time. If they're damaged or bent, the fob will not send any signals to the receiver modules in the car.
Modern fobs are made with rubber seals that keep out water. A splash of water or light rain should be fine but submerging them into saltwater may cause damage to the chip's electronic components.
The key fob has an electronic chip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer system in order to allow it to start. The system is based on the old red keys for older vehicles as well as the cryptocoding system found in newer vehicles. This chip needs to be replaced if it's defective.
Faulty 12 Volt Battery
A faulty battery may cause the key fob to function. The car's computer may not recognize the remote when this occurs.
Before replacing the battery, test it using a a voltmeter to determine its capacity. A fully charged battery will display 12.6 volts. If the reading drops significantly it's time to change it.
To test the battery's capacity, place an electrical load on it for a few minutes. This will remove 1% of the surface charges. Then measure the voltage again. The higher the capacity of the battery is, the longer it will keep its voltage. It should be close to 12 volts for several minutes.
Radio Signal Faulty Radio Signal
This is the most frequent reason for keys not sending signals to a car. The battery can be replaced to solve this issue. However, it is important to buy a new battery that has the same voltage and size as the original.
The Keylab endure a lot of abuse, but they're also not impervious to destruction. Contacts and buttons on batteries can be damaged by rough handling.
A signal may also be interrupted by other objects or transmitters that operate on the same frequency. A light-control panel at your home, for instance can interfere with key fobs using the same bandwidth. This could cause interference with the remote control in your car.
The tool is not working properly. OBDII scan tool
There are many reasons a scanner tool may not perform. Certain are more complicated than others.
Professional scan tools let mechanics to look over the car's network and perform various self-tests. These tools can save time, but are expensive and are out of reach for most 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 among the most common causes of a scan tool failing. It is typically easy to fix the issue by replacing the fuse that has blown.