Seat Alhambra Key Problems
Seat's jumbo MPV family is among the top in its class when it comes down to resales value. And with a new model now available it's even more impressive.
There are many reasons the key fob may not work as expected, including an unresponsive coin battery, damage to the receiver module, or signal interference. This article will walk you through the steps needed to get it back in working order.
Water Damage
If your seat alhambra key fob can withstand washing cycles or a bath in the ocean or pool then it is likely to have an amazing waterproof chip but do not use it regularly because prolonged exposure to water increases the chance of the key fob getting damaged. If your key fob stops working after exposure to rain or clean tap water, you should remove the battery and clean the electronic component using a towel. Dry it completely before replacing the battery. In case of exposure to salt or soapy water it is recommended to clean the chip with isopropyl alcohol or an electronic cleaner prior to attempting to insert the battery back in.
Faulty Receiver Module
If the key fob will not lock or unlock after you have replaced the battery for the button It is possible that the receiver module is suffering from an issue. The good thing is that this is a simple and cost-effective fix. You can disconnect the battery for several minutes (first remove the negative cable, then press the horn button several times) to drain any residual electricity, and then connect it in reverse order e.g. positive cable first, then negative cable later.
ESP Warning Light - If the ESP symbol blinks, it is normal. It indicates that you are driving over terrain that has poor traction. This could be caused by snow, gravel or surface water. If the ESP warning light continues to be illuminated it indicates that there is a glitch in the system and should be diagnosed using a iCarsoft i908 Seat OBD Code Reader kit which will provide a precise fault description.
Dead Coin Battery
One of the most common reasons for the seat alhambra keys to stop functioning is a dead coin battery. The key fob is powered by a small button-cell battery. Replace it with a brand new battery that is the same size, voltage, and specifications as the original. When replacing the battery on the key fob, remove all metal clips and ensure that the contacts on the key fob are clean and free of corrosion.
If the key fob has been exposed water, such as rain or soapy water, it's recommended that you remove the battery and clean the electronic chip using alcohol or an electronic cleaner prior to putting in the new battery. The chip may be permanently damaged by moisture. If the key fob does not work after replacing the battery, it may be necessary for you to replace the key fob.
Faulty Receiver Module
If your key fob has stopped working after you replaced the battery and it didn't help, or it suddenly stopped working out of the blue, then your receiver module might have developed a fault. The receiver module is responsible to receive the radio frequency signals transmitted by the remote key fob and transform them into electrical commands that are then utilized by other modules in your car.
If the receiver module has developed a fault that prevents it from responding to any of the commands transmitted by your remote key fob. In this case you'll need to visit a dealer for reprogramming of your key fob as well as a new receiver module.
The key fob is fitted with rubber seals that stop water from entering the chip inside. If you immerse the key fob into salted or soapy water it may damage the chips. If your key fob does not work, try cleaning the chip with isopropyl or an electronic cleaner.
If the keys have been successfully paired, but your receiver module is faulty then you can restart all the electronics in the board by disconnecting the 12-volt battery for a few minutes. Then reconnect the battery in reverse order (negative cable first, then positive). This resets all the electronics onboard and will restore their functionality.
Electronic Chip Faulty
The key fob is equipped with a tiny chip that transmits the signal from the key to the receiver module every time the key is used. If the signal doesn't match the one that the car has stored the immobilizer will turn off and prevent the vehicle from starting. However, if the fob isn't working, and you can't reprogram it then it could be due to a malfunctioning chip.
The chip inside the key fob is not an irreplaceable part of the device and might have to be replaced in order to get it working again. seat key fob replacement can be accomplished by removing the key fob from its housing and using a needle or pin to connect with each metal retaining clip. If these are corroded or damaged, you'll have to replace them to allow the remote control to work. Make sure that the replacement batteries are of the same size, voltage, and specification as the original one.
The Seat Alhambra is a well-designed and popular model however, like all cars it may encounter issues with particular components or equipment. For example, some owners have experienced issues with the automatic climate control system, which may fail and become stuck in one particular setting. The infotainment system may also malfunction and cause freezes on the screens.