Citroen Berlingo Key Fob Troubleshooting
Citroen Berlingo Multispace fills a niche in the market for people carriers. Its sliding rear door makes it easy to fit into parking bays, and its robust cabin is more durable than many of the more expensive competitors.
However, if your device has been bathed in soapy or salt water, it might not work again - even after a fresh battery and updating. This is because the internal chip has been damaged due to exposure to water.
Water Damage
Shake your key fob to remove as much water as you can. Then lay it with the button facing down and let it dry for a few minutes as you wipe the inside with a cloth. This will prevent any condensation from causing damage to the electronic chip.
If the dashboard warning light that appears like a vehicle with a key symbol in it is on your Mk 2 or Mk 3 Citroen Berlingo then this could be a sign of an immobilizer malfunction. This is a security element within the vehicle to deter thieves from hotwiring it. If this is the case then you must go to an Citroen dealer or a qualified mechanic in order to resolve the issue.
A constantly flashing engine warning light may indicate that the electric power assisted steering is malfunctioning. If this is the case, then you should take the car off and check that the oil pressure is in good order and that the temperature is not too high before you start it. If the issue continues then you should visit a Citroen dealership or a certified mechanic to fix the issue.
Dead Battery
The most common reason for the key fob not functioning on your Berlingo is the battery in the coin is dead. The button cell battery inside the key is easy to replace, but you must ensure that you are using the correct voltage and size battery. A non-compliant cell could damage the circuit. A dead battery for a coin-cell could also disable anti-theft. This is a precautionary measure that stops the engine from being started without a physical key.
If the key fob is still not responding to the lock button despite replacing the battery, it could be an unreliable receiver module that isn't communicating with other modules of your vehicle. This can be diagnosed with an OBDII scan tool.
If the key fob still not responding, try reprogramming it. To do this, follow the instructions in the owner's manual. After the device has been reprogrammed, the device should be working perfectly.
Fault Diagnosis
The reliability of the Citroen Berlingo is generally highly praised by its owners. Like all vehicles, faults can occur. One of the most frequent is an inoperable key fob battery. Fortunately, how to open a citroen key fob is easy to identify and can be fixed within a matter of minutes. Other causes include a worn-out button, water damage on the electronic chip or the signal being distorted or a remote receiver module that is malfunctioning.
It is important to note that not all key fob batteries are created identical. Certain batteries are made from inferior materials and can damage your remote key fob as well as other electronics in your vehicle. Make sure to use only batteries of the same kind and voltage as the original when replacing the battery. Make sure that the new one fits correctly. When inserting the battery into the slot, make sure the positive (+) face of the battery is facing towards the upward direction.
If you notice an exclamation mark in the form of a triangle on your dashboard, it is a sign that there is an issue with your vehicle's electric power assisted driving. If this warning illuminates when driving, it is advised that you seek advice from a qualified mechanic or Citroen Berlingo (incl Multispace) dealership.
Radio Interference
Radio interference could be the reason of your key fob not working immediately. This issue can be caused by devices using the same frequency as remote controls. Certain wireless security devices, such as LED lights from the aftermarket, could interfere with RF signal. Try moving these devices into an alternative location if you've got them in your home.
Environmental factors can also interfere with the key fob in a car in addition to other devices that use the same frequency. Metal objects, for instance can affect the strength of the signal. In addition, rainy weather can make the fob's antenna be bent, resulting in an ineffective signal. In some instances, even when the fob is located close to the vehicle it may not respond to radio signals.
Examine the battery to confirm the health of your key fob. The battery is in good condition and the contacts must not be damaged by corrosion. A damaged or corroded connection is the main reason the keyfob doesn't respond to radio signals coming from a vehicle. A drained battery may cause the fob to malfunction. If the issue continues to persist after replacing the battery, the antenna might be damaged. A locksmith can look over the keyfob and fix it.