What to Do If Your Seat Ibiza Key Fob Stopped Working
Check these things if your key fob suddenly stopped working or isn't locking or unlocking your vehicle. It may be that the battery needs to be replaced or the electronic chip may be defective.
The Ibiza is the most well-known model from Seat and is competing with the Renault Clio, Peugeot 208, Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa in the supermini mainstream market. It's also a great value.
Battery
A dead battery is the main reason why a key fob ceases functioning. The coin battery on the fob is an 3V lithium button cell battery (CR 2032), which is available in many retail stores and on the internet. Replace the battery you have with an alternative battery that is the same size, type and specifications. Using a different type of battery could cause damage to the fob.
Metal clips hold the battery in the fob, which completes an electrical circuit on activation of the remote. If they are damaged or dirty, they could cause a short, and stop the remote from functioning. Clean them with isopropyl alcohol or electronic cleaner.
To replace the battery, you need to open the fob and look for an opening in the sleeve where you can use a screwdriver or another instrument to remove it. Remove seat key transponder programming and replace it with a brand new one, making sure it is positioned in the same direction as the old one. The fob will then close automatically. It is vital to test the fob to be sure that it functions correctly after changing the battery.
Water Damage
Water damage could be the reason behind a key fob that stopped working after you dropped it in the pool or washed it in the washer. Rubber seals protect the electronic chip inside the key fob. However, long-term exposure to moisture can decrease the quality of the seals. Water is also a good conductor, causing short-circuits within the key fob.
Fortunately the key fob battery is easy to replace. By using a small flat screwdriver (or thumb nail) remove the cover of the key fob battery compartment. Insert a new button cell battery, CR2025. Ensure that the polarity faces upwards. Close the keyfob battery compartment to reprogram the remote so that it is compatible with your car.
If you are still having issues with your key fob even after replacing the battery or reprogramming, this could mean that the receiver module has failed. The receiver module is the component that receives signals from the key fob and transmits signals to your car to control the engine, ignition and central locking.
Faulty Chip
If your Seat Ibiza key fob stopped working, there could be a problem with the chip within it. It could happen if it is dropped or wet. It could also happen if the buttons are worn out or damaged. If this is the case, you'll require replacing the key fob or send it to a specialist for repair.
The key fob is made with rubber seals to stop water from reaching the electronic chip inside. It can be damaged if it is submerged in salt water or exposed to water for long time. This can be caused by swimming on the beach or during a storm.
If you're having issues with your Seat Ibiza key fob and have tried everything to fix it, you may need to purchase a new. Depending on the manufacturer and model of your car it could be inexpensive. However, it can still be a headache to install it. If you can, call your dealer to learn how to program the key.
Faulty Receiver Module
In rare instances when the key fob isn't working, and all other steps have been taken (including replacing batteries, reconfiguring) this could be a sign of a fault with the receiver module. It's the small black box that is inside the fob that transmits the signal to control the keyless entry system in your car.
Dead coin batteries are a frequent reason for receiver modules not working. This is the first thing to be replaced in the event of this happening. Check that the battery has the same size in terms of specifications, and voltage as the old one.
Water damage is another common problem. If your fob was exposed pure water, like tap or rainwater then this shouldn't be a problem. However should the water be dirty or soapy, or even salty or corrosive, it may have caused damage to the chip. It is recommended to open the fob and inspect the mechanical parts for indications of corrosion or damage before attempting to use it again. It is also worth checking the wiring and ensuring it is properly connected.
Radio Interference
The vehicle may not respond to the remote control if the signal of the key fob is distorted. This could be caused by a number of things like radio transmissions coming from other devices operating on the same frequency band as the key fob. The signal could be masked out by signals that are too high in power.
The most common reason for keys that do not work is a dead battery in the coin-cell. This must be investigated first. If the battery for the key fob was replaced recently, but it has not been able to reach its maximum range, this is another indicator that the battery is wearing out.
It is recommended to only use new batteries to replace and to ensure correct size and voltage. It is also recommended to ensure that the polarity of the battery is in the same direction when it is inserted. This will protect the chip in the key fob. If the battery has been damaged by water, the chip might need to be cleaned using isopropyl or electronic cleaner.