Key Fob Replacement for the Seat Ibiza
The refreshed fifth-generation Ibiza is an interesting contender in the supermini segment. TheKeyLab goes toe-to-toe with the Renault Clio, Peugeot 208 and Ford Fiesta.
With a thumb nail or small screwdriver with a flat head (A) to lift up the key fob compartment cover (B). Replace the CR2025 coin battery to ensure that it is fitted in the correct direction and in the right polarity.
Dead Coin Battery
The most common reason for a key fob that does not be able to lock or unlock your vehicle is a dead coin battery. Before it dies, you will notice the decrease in range or no power. It is simple to replace it with a brand new (CR2025) one from a local retailer. Be aware that incorrect or defective batteries could cause damage to the key fob. Make sure the battery you replace has the same size and voltage and also the same specification.
If your fob was exposed to clean water, like rain or soapy tap water it is likely that the chip inside has been damaged due to corrosion. You could try cleaning the chip with isopropyl Alcohol or an electronic cleaner to check if it works but it is most likely that the chip is damaged.
A new key fob is the simplest solution. Most major car dealers offer key fobs and they can be installed by a skilled mechanic. They can also be bought on the internet through sites like ebay. The best option is to work on a flat surface with good lighting. It makes it easier to work with the smaller parts. This can also help to avoid putting something back into the wrong place. Always keep the key fob in a secured and safe place.
Water Damage
If your fob's key gets soaked by dropping it in the pool or fumbling it in the wash you might think that it's gone but there's a chance. When the circuit board inside the fob is exposed to water, it develops conductor that shorts the components. It also accelerates the process of rust and corrosion.
This is an easy solution. Find something absorbent to place inside the fob. A tissue or paper towel will be a good choice. Use a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl to wash the circuit board, and any other components. The fob should dry for several days in a dry, warm environment.
Once the fob is been drained it is time to replace the battery a new one of the same size and the same polarity ('+' pointing upwards). The fob might be difficult to open in order to access the battery, however If you have a flat-head screwdriver in your toolbox it will be a breeze to insert. Once the fob is reassembled it should function as normal. If it doesn't work you may need to program it again or replace the module.
Radio Interference
When a keyfob is working properly, it sends out a radio frequency that is absorbed by a receiver module in your car. If the signal is interrupted, your key fob will not work. This could be due to objects or weather conditions, or other transmitters that operate on the same frequency near your vehicle.
This could cause your key fob not to be able to trigger the vehicle's systems for example, the ignition switch or the security system. In this case it is best to replace the battery inside your key fob.
Some LED lighting accessories that utilizes the same frequency as the remote control key fob can interfere with the signal, preventing it from reaching receiver modules. To prevent interference, the LED lights must be turned off or switched to the opposite frequency.
If you have a new battery on your key fob but the problem persists, it's possible that the antenna on your key fob is damaged or not functioning properly. The antenna is responsible to transmit a signal between the key fob and the receiver module. Using an OBDII scanner can aid in diagnosing the issue by revealing what's wrong with the system. The scanner will ask you to provide information about your vehicle, including the make, model and engine type as well as the VIN number.
Faulty Receiver Module
The key fob has the receiver module which transmits the signals for lock and unlock. All on-board electronic components will stop working if this module is affected by a malfunction. If this is the case then reprogramming the module using an OBDII scanner or replacing the key fob itself could help.
There are several possibilities for the cause of this problem which could be due to an empty coin battery, water damage or signal interference. You can reset the on-board computer if you disconnect the 12 Volt batteries for 15 minutes. This will eliminate any remaining electrical energy that could cause issues. Start by removing the cable from the negative terminal of the battery first, followed by the positive terminal. After 15 minutes, connect the battery in reverse order: positive first, negative second.
The internal chip in the key fob can also be damaged by dirt or water. If your key fob stops working after getting wet, wipe it with isopropyl or electronic cleaner. Then, you can reinstall the battery. If it stopped working after exposure to soapy or salty water the chip is likely damaged and should be replaced.
Another possibility is a faulty antenna module fuse that transmits the lock and unlock signal to the vehicle. Based on the model you have the fuse can be located in one of several locations such as the engine bay, side of the dashboard, under the rear seat, or trunk.