Seat Alhambra Key Problems
Seat's jumbo family MPV is one of the best in class when it comes to maintaining resale value. And with a new generation model now on sale it's even more impressive.
There are a variety of reasons why the key fob could not work as expected, including a dead coin battery or damage to the receiver module, or signal interference. This article will walk you through the steps to make it work again.
Water Damage
If your key fob for the seat alhambra withstands a wash cycle or a dip in an ocean or in a pool, then it has a waterproof chip. But don't do this often since prolonged exposure to water increases the risk of the key fob becoming damaged. If your key fob ceases to working after exposure to rain or clean tap water, remove the battery and wipe the electronic component using a paper towel. Let it dry completely before replacing the battery. In the event of exposure to soapy or salty water, it is recommended to wash the chip using isopropyl alcohol or a electronic cleaner prior to attempting to insert the battery back in.
replacement seat car key
If you've tried an entirely new battery for your button and the key fob still does not lock or unlock, it's likely the receiver module has been faulty. The good thing is that this is a fairly easy and inexpensive repair, you can disconnect the battery for about a couple of minutes (first remove the negative cable and press the horn button a few times) to remove any remaining electric current, then reconnect it in reverse order e.g. positive cable first then negative.
ESP Warning Light - If the ESP warning light flashes, this is normal and means that the car is travelling on terrains in which the traction between the road surface and tyres isn't ideal, like snow, gravel or lots of surface water. If the ESP warning light is continuously illuminated it indicates that there is a problem within the system. It is best to be diagnosed using a iCarsoft i908 Seat OBD Code Reader which will provide you with a specific fault description.
Dead Coin Battery
A dead battery for the coin is one of the most frequent reasons for the keys for the seat to cease to function. The key fob is powered by a small button-cell battery. It should be replaced with a brand new one with exactly the same size, voltage, and specification as the original. When replacing the battery on the key fob remove all metal clips and ensure that the contacts of the key fob are clean and free of corrosion.
If the key fob was exposed to water (such as rain or soapy tap water) it is recommended to remove and clean the chip using an electronic cleaner or isopropylethanol prior to installing a new battery. The chip is sensitive to moisture and could be permanently damaged. If the key fob still doesn't work after replacing the battery it may be necessary for you to replace the key fob.
Faulty Receiver Module
If your key fob was not working after replacing the battery but it didn't function, or stopped working in a sudden manner your receiver module might have developed a problem. The receiver module is responsible to receive the radio frequency signals transmitted by your remote key fob and changing them into electrical signals that are then acted on by other modules within the car.
If the receiver module is damaged, it will not accept any commands from your remote key fob. In this situation, you will need to go to a dealer for reprogramming your key fob and new receiver module.
The key fob has rubber seals to prevent water from getting into the chip inside. If you immerse your key fob into the ocean's salty or soapy water, the chip inside could be damaged. You can attempt to clean the chip by applying isopropyl alcohol or electronic cleaner, but in the event that your key fob isn't working after this, then you'll need to buy a new one.
If the keys are paired but the receiver module has developed a fault you can try restarting all of the electronics on board by disconnecting the battery at 12 volts for a short period of time. Connect the battery in reverse (negative cable to positive first). This will reset the onboard electronic and restore their functionality.
Faulty Electronic Chip
The key fob contains an electronic chip that transmits a message to the receiver module each time the key is used. If the signal does not match the one that the car has stored the immobilizer is disabled and stop the car from starting. If the key fob isn't working, and you cannot reprogram it this could be due to a faulty chip.
The chip inside the key fob could need to be replaced in order to get it working again. This can be done by removing the key fob from its housing and using a needle or pin to connect with each metal retaining clip. If these clips are damaged or damaged, you'll have to replace them to allow the remote control to work. 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, may have issues with certain parts or components. For example, some owners have experienced problems with the automatic climate control system, which can fail and become stuck in a particular setting. The infotainment system could also fail and freeze the screens.