Seat Alhambra Key Problems
Seat's jumbo family MPV is among the top in the class in terms of maintaining resale value. With a new model currently on sale, the family MPV jumbo is more impressive.
There are many reasons the key fob won't work as expected, including an inoperative coin battery water damage to the receiver module or signal interference. This article will walk you through the steps needed to get it back to working.
Water Damage
If your seat alhambra key fob survives a wash cycle or a bath in the ocean or pool then it probably has an amazing waterproof chip but do not use it regularly because exposure to water in excess increases the risk of the key fob becoming damaged. If the key fob stops functioning after exposure to clean tap water or rain, just take out the battery, wipe the electronic component with a towel and allow it to dry completely before putting the battery back into. If the key fob has been exposed to salty or soapy water and salty water, it is recommended you clean the chip with isopropyl or electronic cleaner.
Faulty Receiver Module
If you have tried the battery of a button cell and the key fob isn't locked or unlocking, it's likely that the receiver module has been faulty. The good news is that it is an easy and affordable fix, you can disconnect the battery for about a couple of minutes (first take off the negative cable then press the horn button several times) to eliminate any remaining electricity, and then connect it in reverse order e.g. positive cable first and then negative cable later.
ESP Warning Light - If the ESP symbol is illuminated, this is normal. It means that you are driving on terrain that has poor traction. This could be caused by snow, gravel or surface water. If the ESP light is constantly flashing, it is a sign there is a fault in the system. It can be detected by using an iCarsoft i908 seat OBD code reader kit. It will provide you with a an in-depth description of the fault.
Dead Coin Battery
A dead battery for the coin is among the most common causes for the seat alhambra keys to cease to function. The key fob is powered by a small button-cell battery. Replace it with a new battery with 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 free of corrosion and clean.
If the key fob was exposed to water (such as rain or soapy tap water) it is recommended to remove and clean the chip with an electronic cleaner or isopropyl ethanol prior to installing a new battery. The chip is sensitive to moisture and could be permanently damaged. If the key fob still not working after replacing the battery, it could be necessary to replace the entire key fob.
Faulty Receiver Module
If your key fob stopped functioning after replacing the battery, but it didn't work, or if it stopped working suddenly the receiver module may be experiencing a problem. The receiver module takes the radio frequency signals from your remote keyfob and converts them into electrical commands that are then followed by other modules in the car.
If the receiver module has a problem and is not able to take any commands from your remote key fob. In this instance it is necessary for a dealer to reprogramme the key fob as well as install an entirely new receiver.
The key fob is sealed with rubber to prevent water from getting into the electronic chip. If you immerse the key fob into salty or soapy water it could cause damage to the chip. If your key fob isn't able to work, you could try cleaning the chip using isopropyl or electronic cleaner.
If the keys are in a pair but the receiver module has developed a fault, you can try to reboot all the on-board electronics by disconnecting the 12 volt battery for a short period of time. Then reconnect the battery in reverse order (negative cable first, then positive). This will reset the onboard electronic and restore their functionality.
Faulty electronic chip
The key fob is fitted with a chip that transmits an indication from the key to the receiver module every time the key is used. If The KeyLab received does not match the one recorded by the car the immobilizer will stop the engine and stop the vehicle from starting. If the key fob isn't functioning and you cannot reprogram it this could be due to a defective chip.
The chip inside the key fob could need to be altered in order to make it function properly. This can be done by removing the key fob from its housing, and using pins or needles to contact each metal retaining clip. If these are corroded or broken, you will have to replace them to allow the remote control to function. Make sure the replacement batteries have the same size, voltage and specifications as the original.
Seat Alhambra is a popular and well-designed model, may be a bit troublesome with specific parts or equipment. For instance some owners have encountered issues with the auto climate control system, which could be faulty and get stuck in one specific setting. The infotainment system can also malfunction and freeze the screens.