Key Fob Replacement for the Seat Ibiza
This facelifted fifth-generation Ibiza is a contender in the crowded supermini segment. It competes with Renault Clio and Peugeot 208 as well as the Ford Fiesta.
Use a small screwdriver or a thumbnail (A) to remove the battery compartment cover on the key fob (B). Replace the CR2025 coin battery by ensuring it's in the correct direction and in the right polarity.
Dead Coin Battery
A dead battery for a coin is the most common cause of a key fob that isn't locking or unlocking your vehicle. It will usually show symptoms before it dies like a decrease in range or no power at any time. It is easy to replace it with a brand new (CR2025) one from your local store. Be aware that using the wrong or incompatible batteries could cause damage to your key fob. Make sure that the replacement battery is the same size and voltage as well as the same specification.
If your fob has been exposed to clean water, such as rainwater or soapy water from the tap It is likely that corrosion has damaged the electronic chip. You can clean the chip with isopropyl or electronic cleaners to determine if that helps, but it's likely that the chip is fried.
The most efficient solution is to purchase a new key fob. Major car dealers sell key fobs and they can be installed by an experienced mechanic. You can also buy them on the internet, for instance on eBay. It is recommended to work on a surface that has adequate lighting. It is easier to work with the smaller parts. This also helps you to avoid placing anything back in the wrong place. Always keep your key fob in a location that is safe and secure.
Water Damage
You may think that your key fob is damaged if you drop it into a pool or accidentally wash it. But there's still hope. The issue begins when the circuit board inside the fob comes in contact with water - it creates a fantastic conductor and shorts components. It also increases corrosion and rust.
This is a simple solution. Find something absorbent to place inside the fob. A tissue or paper towel would be a good choice. Then you can use the cotton swab, dipped in isopropyl ethanol to wipe down the circuit board and other components to get rid of any battery acid residue or contamination. Allow the board to dry for several days in a dry, warm environment.
Once the fob is dried out, replace the battery with another one of the same size and the same polarity ('+' that is pointing upwards). car seat key can be difficult to open up the fob to reach the battery, but if you have a small screwdriver with a flat head handy it should slide in easily. After the fob is reassembled and working, it should operate just as normal. If it doesn't, you may have to reprogramme it or replace the receiver module.
Radio Interference
If a keyfob functions properly, it broadcasts an audio frequency that is received by a receiver module inside your car. If the signal is not received the 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.
In this scenario, it is best to replace the battery in your key fob. In this scenario it is recommended to replace the battery on your key fob.
Some aftermarket LED lighting that uses the same frequency as a remote key fob might interfere with the signal and stop it from reaching the receiver modules. To avoid interference, the LED light should be turned off or switched to the opposite frequency.
If the issue continues to persist after replacing the battery, the antenna on your key fob could be damaged or not functioning properly. The antenna is responsible for transmitting a signal between the key fob and the receiver module. An OBDII scan will assist in diagnosing the issue by telling you exactly what's wrong with the system. The scanner will ask for details about your particular vehicle including the make and model as well as the engine type and VIN number.
Faulty Receiver Module
The key fob has a receiver module that transmits signals for locking and unlocking. All electronic components that are on-board will cease to function if this module has a problem. Reprogramming the key fob by an OBDII scan or replacing it might help.
This issue could be caused by a dead coin-cell battery or water damage, or signal interference. Try resetting the on-board computer by disconnecting the 12 volt battery for 15 minutes. This will drain any residual electricity that could be causing problems. Take the cable off first of the negative terminal, then from the positive terminal. After 15 minutes, connect the battery in reverse order first, positive second.
Water or dirt can also harm the internal chip of the key fob. If your key stopped working after it got wet, you need to clean the electronic component with isopropyl ethanol or an electronic cleaner prior to reinstalling the battery. If it stopped working after exposure to soapy or salty water, the chip is probably fried and will need to be replaced.
Another possibility is a defective antenna module fuse that sends the lock and unlock signal to the vehicle. The fuse could be found in various places, based on the model. For example it could be located under the rear seat or trunk, or on the side of the dashboard.