Key Fob Replacement for the Seat Ibiza
The facelifted fifth generation Ibiza is an attractive contender in the supermini segment. It competes with the Renault Clio and Peugeot 208 as well as the Ford Fiesta.
Use a small flat-head screwdriver or a thumbnail (A) to open the battery compartment cover on the key fob (B). Replace the CR2025 battery and ensure that it is installed in the proper direction.
Dead Coin Battery
The most common reason for a key fob to not be able to lock or unlock your car is a dead battery. When it is dead you will see an increase in range, or no power. It is easy to replace with a new one (CR2025) from an area supermarket. It is important to be aware that using the wrong or unsuitable batteries could damage your key fob. Be sure that the replacement battery is the same size and voltage and has the same specification.
If your device was exposed to clean water like rain or soapy tap water it is likely that the electronic chip inside has been damaged by corrosion. You can clean the chip using isopropyl or electronic cleaners to determine if that helps, but the chip is damaged.
A new key fob is the easiest solution. Most major car dealers sell them and they can be installed by a seasoned mechanic. You can also buy them online, like on eBay. The best method is to work on a flat, level surface with adequate lighting. This makes it easier to work on the tiny parts inside. You will also be able to avoid placing things in the wrong spot. Always work on TheKeyLab in a secure and safe space.
Water Damage
You may think that your key fob is damaged if you drop it into the water or accidentally wash it. But there's still hope. The problem starts when the circuit board within the fob comes in contact with water - it creates an excellent conductor, and it shorts out the components. It also speeds up the process of rust and corrosion.
Luckily, this is simple to fix. Find something absorbent to put inside the fob. A tissue or paper towel will work. Then you can use a cotton swab that has been soaked in isopropyl alcohol to wipe down the circuit board and other components to clean out any battery acid residue or contamination. Let the circuit board dry for a few days in a dry and warm environment.
Once the fob is dried out it is time to replace the battery a new one of the same size and polarity ('+' that is pointing upwards). The fob may be difficult to open to get to the battery, however if you keep a flat-head screwdriver on hand, it should be easy to insert. After the fob is repaired, it should function like a normal. If it fails then you might need to re-program it or replace the module.
Radio Interference
When a keyfob is working properly, it transmits the radio frequency which is received by a receiver module in your car. However, if the signal is damaged in any way the key fob won't function as expected. This can be caused by objects or weather conditions, or other transmitters that operate at the same frequency as your vehicle.
This can cause your key fob not to be able to trigger the vehicle's functions, such as the ignition switch, or the security system. In this scenario it is best to replace the battery inside your key fob.
A few LED lighting products that utilizes the same frequencies as a remote control key fob can interfere with the signal, preventing it from reaching receiver modules. To avoid interference, the LED light must be turned off, or switched to a different frequency.
If the issue persists after installing a new battery, the antenna of your key fob could be damaged or is malfunctioning. This is important since the antenna is responsible for sending signals from the key fob to the receiver module. An OBDII scan can help diagnose the problem by telling you exactly what's wrong with the system. The scanner will ask you for details about the vehicle you own like the model and make as well as the engine type and VIN number.
Faulty Receiver Module
The key fob contains the receiver module which transmits the signals to lock and unlock. If the receiver module develops a fault that causes it to fail, the entire onboard electronics will stop working. If this happens then reprogramming the module using an OBDII scanner or replacing the key fob may help.
This issue could be caused by a dead coin-cell battery or a water damage or signal interference. You can reset the on-board computer by disconnecting the 12 Volt batteries for 15 mins. This will drain any remaining electrical energy that could be causing problems. Start by removing the cable from the negative terminal first, then the positive terminal. After 15 minutes, reconnect the battery in reverse order first: positive, then negative second.
The internal chip inside the key fob can be damaged by water or dirt. If the key fob you purchased stopped working after being soaked, clean it using isopropyl or an electronic cleaner. Then reinstall the battery. If it has stopped working after exposure to soapy or salty water the chip could be damaged and should be replaced.
A defective antenna module fuse could also be the cause. This is the fuse that transmits an alert to the vehicle to lock or unlock. The fuse can be found in a variety of places, based on the model. For instance, it could be under the rear seat or trunk, or the side of the dashboard.