Seat Alhambra Key Problems
Seat's jumbo family MPV is among the best in its class in terms of maintaining resale value. With a new generation model now on sale it's even better.
There are many reasons the key fob could not work as expected, including a dead coin battery or water damage to the receiver module, or signal interference. This article will guide you through the steps to fix it.
Water Damage
If your key fob for the seat alhambra withstands washing cycles or a dip in the ocean or a pool then it's got a waterproof chip. But be careful not to do this often since prolonged exposure to water increases chances of the key fob being damaged. If your key fob ceases to working after exposure to rain or clean tap water, remove the battery and wipe the electronic component with a towel. Let it dry completely before replacing the battery. If you are exposed to soapy or salty water it is recommended to clean the chip with isopropyl alcohol or electronic cleaner before attempting to put the battery back in.
Faulty Receiver Module
If you've tried a new button cell battery and the key fob still cannot be locked or unlocked, it's likely that the receiver module has been faulty. The good news is that it is a relatively simple and affordable fix, you can simply remove the battery 12 volts for several minutes (first take off the negative cable and press the horn button several times) to drain any residual electricity and then reconnect it in reverse order e.g. The KeyLab , then negative.
ESP Warning Light – If the ESP symbol blinks, it is normal. It is a sign that you are driving on terrain with poor traction. This could be due to snow, gravel or surface water. If the ESP light is always on, it means that there is a fault in the system. This can be diagnosed with a iCarsoft i908 seat OBD code reader kit. It will provide an in-depth description of the fault.
Dead Coin Battery
One of the most common reasons for the seat alhambra key not functioning is a dead coin battery. The key fob is powered by a tiny button-cell battery. It should be replaced with a replacement 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 of the key fob are in good condition and free of corrosion.
If the key fob has been exposed to water, like soapy or rain, it's recommended that you take the battery off and clean the electronic chip with isopropyl alcohol or a electronic cleaner before putting in the new battery. The chip could be permanently damaged by moisture. If the key fob does not work after replacing the battery it could be necessary to replace the key fob.
Faulty Receiver Module
If your key fob stopped working after you replaced the battery and it didn't help, or if it suddenly stopped working in a sudden manner the receiver module may have developed a fault. The receiver module receives the radio frequency signals from your key fob's remote and transforms them into electrical signals which are then used by other modules in the car.
If the receiver module has suffered a malfunction that prevents it from responding to any of the commands sent by your remote key fob. In this scenario you will require a dealer to reprogramme the key fob, and also install a new receiver.
The key fob is encased with rubber to prevent water from getting inside the electronic chip. If you immerse the key fob in salty or soapy water it could damage the chip. You can try to clean the chip by rub it with isopropyl alcohol or electronic cleaner, however should your key fob isn't working after this, then you'll need to purchase a replacement.
If the keys are successfully paired, but your receiver module is not working, you can try to restart all the electronics that are on board by disconnecting the battery with 12 volts for a couple of minutes. Then, reconnect the battery in reverse order (negative cable first, then positive). This will reset all on-board electronics and should restore their functionality.
Electronic Chip Faulty
The key fob contains tiny electronic chips that sends a signal to the receiver module each time the key is used. If this signal does not coincide with the one stored by the car the immobilizer is able to shut off the engine and stop the vehicle from starting. If, however, the key fob isn't functioning and you can't reprogram it this could be due to a faulty chip.
The chip in the key fob is not an irreplaceable part of the device and might have to be replaced in order to get it to work again. The most effective method for doing this is to remove the key from its housing and using a pin needle to make contact with each of the metal retaining clips. If they are corroded or damaged, you'll need to replace them to allow the remote control to function. Make sure that any replacement batteries are of the same voltage, size and specifications as the original.
The Seat Alhambra is an attractive and well-designed model but, as with any car it may encounter issues with certain components or equipment. Some owners have reported issues with the auto climate control system. It can malfunction and be stuck in a specific setting. The infotainment system may also fail and freeze the screens.