Citroen C3 Key Fob Troubleshooting
Citroen key fobs may cease to function due to a number of reasons. The most common reasons are worn buttons and poor contact with the battery, water damage and receiver module problems. Make sure the batteries are 12 volts.
If the key fob does not unlock your car, it could be experiencing deprogramming. This happens when certain buttons send an alert to the onboard computer asking that the key be removed from its list of keys.
Dead coin battery
If the fob that you use to open the door on your Citroen C3 is no longer working, first make sure the battery has failed. Fobs have small coins-shaped batteries that can be replaced within a few minutes. They are available at the general stores, home improvement stores, and a few auto parts stores. Make sure you purchase the right type. Fobs usually require CR2025 or CR2032, but you should look through the owner's guide to find out the specific type of battery that your car requires.
Remove the button pad, and use cotton swabs and alcohol to clean it. These will help remove corrosion and clean the contacts, which are usually gold colored. After the contacts have been cleaned and sanitized, you can then insert the new battery. Be careful not to mix the two types as they have different voltages and diameters.
Next, you will need to determine the voltage of the battery. A multimeter that is calibrated to the battery's voltage range will provide a precise reading. If the battery is at a voltage that is higher or lower than its threshold, it has to be replaced. Try starting your car with an additional key, however this might not be successful in all instances. If the issue persists, go to an CITROEN dealership with your V5 registration and personal identity documents. A CITROEN dealer can retrieve the code for your vehicle's immobiliser system, and purchase an alternative battery.
Water damage
When the key fob goes submerged, it could lose its signal to the car. It is recommended to remove it as soon as possible from the pool or puddle. Once you do, dry out the circuit board in the best way you can with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl ethanol or electronic cleaner. If the key fob does not work, it may be time to purchase another one.
Signal interference is another common reason for Citroen remote controls not working. This could happen if there is an electrical field close to the car or other transmitters operating on the same frequency. Once you leave the area of interference your key fob should start working again.
Finally, the Citroen c3 key fob can stop working due to worn buttons, signal interference, receiver module issues and a dead 12 volt battery, or an indefective electronic chip. If this happens, you'll probably need to get it changed by a certified expert. This can be accomplished by a qualified mechanic, or an Citroen dealer. If the issue is significant the vehicle will need to be it replaced. It's a relatively easy and inexpensive fix. But you have to act quickly. The longer you wait to fix the issue, the more difficult it gets. It could be dangerous for passengers and yourself when the issue is not resolved.
citroen key programming
If your key fob isn't functioning the receiver module could have developed an issue. This can be caused by a number of things like water damage. This can happen if you drop your keys, or wash them. You can try to fix the problem by taking off the chip and cleaning it with isopropyl and electronic cleaner. This will avoid the chip from becoming damaged.
You can also try to reset the receiver module by disconnecting it from the car battery, and waiting for 10 minutes. Then, reconnect the battery to the car and repeat the process. If this doesn't resolve the issue, visit a dealership to get it replaced.
Another reason your key could stop working is due to interference. It could be caused due to other transmitters using the same frequency as your key fob or even objects in your vehicle. If you're unable to fix the issue, visit a dealer to get your key fob reprogrammed.
The key fob contains a short-range radio transmitter/radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip and antenna, which sends a distinct coded signal to the receiver module in your car. If the signal doesn't match, the receiver module will not recognize the key and will display a key not detected message. This is a problem that can be frustrating especially when trying to start your car.
Dead 12 volt battery
If your key fob stops working after an upgrade to a battery the device could be damaged. This is particularly true if the key fob was dropped or stepped on. However, it can also happen after service on your car that requires the removal and reinstallation of panels. When these panels are removed, the wires are exposed. If your fob has been damaged, it may require replacement completely.
Another possibility is that the remote receives interference from other devices or places. This can cause RF signals to become weaker and block the car from being able to recognize the remote. You can reset your on-board computer if this is the situation, by disconnecting the 12-volt battery for 15 minutes. This will eliminate any remaining electricity and allow the system to restart over.
Before replacing the battery it is essential to ensure it's of the correct size and type. If the replacement battery is too small or has different voltage, it may damage the circuit board inside the key fob. You should also remove any corrosive material from the chip in the fob prior to installing a new battery. Using the right battery can help ensure that it is sealed and shielded from moisture. Once the key fob is been reinstalled, it will function normally. You can usually use the second key when your car displays a message stating "key not found." It is possible to press the button a few times before it responds.