Seat Alhambra Key Problems
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There are The Keylab of reasons why the key fob won't work properly, including an unresponsive coin battery, water damage to the receiver module or signal interference. This article will walk you through the steps needed to make it work again.
Water Damage
If your seat alhambra keyfob is able to survive washing cycles or a bath in the ocean or pool then it's probably equipped with an incredible waterproof chip, but don't make this a habit as exposure to excessive water increases the risk of the key fob getting damaged. If your key fob stops working after exposure to rain or clean tap water, unplug the battery and clean the electronic component with a paper towel. Dry it completely before replacing the battery. If you are exposed to soapy water or salt, it is recommended that you clean the chip with isopropyl alcohol or an electronic cleaner prior to attempting to put the battery back in.
Faulty Receiver Module
If the key fob will not lock or unlock after you have replaced the battery in the button cell it could be that the receiver module is suffering from a fault. It's a relatively simple and cost-effective fix. You can remove the battery that is 12 volts for a few minutes (first remove the negative cable and then press the horn numerous times) to eliminate any remaining electricity. Then, reconnect it in reverse. Positive cable first followed by negative.
ESP Warning Light - If the ESP warning light flashes, this is normal and means that the vehicle is driving over terrain where the traction of the road surface and tyres is not ideal such as gravel, snow or lots of surface water. If the ESP warning light remains flashing, it means there is a fault within the system and should be identified using an iCarsoft i908 Seat OBD Code Reader which will provide you with a specific fault description.
Dead Coin Battery
One of the most frequent reasons for the seat alhambra key to stop functioning is a dead coin battery. The key fob comes with a small button cell battery which keeps it powered. It should be replaced with a brand new one that is the same size, voltage and specifications as the original. When replacing the battery on the key fob, remove the metal clips and make sure that the contacts on the key fob are clean and free of corrosion.
If the key fob has been exposed water, like soapy or rain it is recommended to remove the battery and clean the electronic chip with isopropyl alcohol or an electronic cleaner before putting in the new battery. The chip could be permanently damaged by water. If the key fob doesn't work after replacing the battery it could be necessary to replace the key fob.
Faulty Receiver Module
If your key fob stopped working after replacing the battery but it didn't help, or it stopped working completely suddenly it is possible that your receiver module could have developed an issue. The receiver module is responsible to receive the radio frequency signals that are sent by your remote key fob and convert them into electrical signals which are then processed by other modules in the car.
If the receiver module is faulty and is not able to take any commands from your remote key fob. In this instance, a dealer will need to reprogramme the key fob and install the new receiver.
The key fob features rubber seals that block water from entering the electronic chip inside. If you dip the key fob into salted or soapy water it could damage the chip. If your key fob doesn't work, you can try cleaning the chip using isopropyl or an electronic cleaner.
If the keys are paired but the receiver module has developed a fault, you may try to restart all of the onboard electronics by disconnecting the battery at 12 volts for a few minutes. Connect the battery in reverse (negative cable to positive first). This will reset all the electronic components on board and bring them back into operation.
A malfunctioning electronic chip
The key fob comes with a small chip that transmits a signal from the key to the receiver module each time the key is used. If the signal does not match the one the car has stored, the immobilizer will disable and stop the car from starting. However, if the key fob isn't working, and you are not able to reprogram it the issue could be due a damaged chip.
The chip inside the key fob could need to be replaced to make it work again. The best way to do this is by removing the key from its housing and using a pin or needle to make contact with each of the retaining clips made of steel. If these clips are damaged or broken, you will have to replace them to allow the remote control to function. Make sure any replacement batteries are of the same size, voltage and specifications as the original.
Seat Alhambra is a popular and well-designed model, could have problems with certain parts or components. For instance there are owners who have had issues with the automatic climate control system, which can malfunction and cause problems in a particular setting. The infotainment system has also been recognized to malfunction and even freeze screens.