Citroen Berlingo Key Fob Troubleshooting
Citroen Berlingo Multispace fills a niche in the market for people carriers. Its sliding doors at the rear allow it to be squeezed into parking bays, and its durable cabin is more bashing-proof than the majority of upmarket competitors.
If your key fob was submerged in saltwater or soapy water, it may not work in the future, even after replacing the battery and the reprogramming. This is because the internal chip has been damaged by exposure to water.
Water Damage
After getting your key fob back from the puddle, pool or washing machine it was swimming in, get rid of as much water as you can by shaking it. Lay it flat with the button side down and allow it to drain for a short time while you wipe the inside down using a towel. This will stop any condensation from damaging the electronic chip.
If your Mk 2 Citroen Berlingo or Mk 3 Citroen Berlingo dashboard warning light, which looks like the symbol of a car key, is lit, it could be indicating a fault with the immobilizer. This is a security feature in the vehicle to prevent thieves from using hotwires. If this is the situation you'll have to visit an Citroen dealer or a certified mechanic to fix the issue.
A constant warning light could indicate that the steering system with electric power is not working properly. If this is the case, then you must stop the car and check whether the pressure of the oil is ok and that the temperature isn't overly high prior to resuming it. If the issue persists then you should visit a Citroen dealer or a certified mechanic to fix the problem.
The Keylab is the most frequent reason for your key fob not to function in your Berlingo. The button cell battery in the key is very easy to replace, however you must ensure that you are using the correct voltage size and type of battery. A battery that is not compatible can cause damage to the circuit board. A dead coin-cell can also disable the anti-theft feature. This is a precautionary measure which prevents the engine from being started without an actual key.
If the key fob is still not responding to the lock button despite replacing the battery, it could be an issue with the receiver module, which isn't communicating with other modules on your vehicle. A scanner for OBDII can detect this problem.
If the key fob isn't responding, then you could try reprogramming it. Follow the directions in your owner's manual to do this. Once the device has been reprogrammed device should work perfectly.
Diagnosis of a Fault
Citroen Berlingo owners are generally happy with the reliability of the vehicle. As with all vehicles there are a few issues that can arise. One of the most frequent is the battery for the key fob that is dead. This is an easy issue to identify and can be repaired within a matter minutes. Other causes include a worn-out button, water damage to the electronic chip or the signal being distorted or a remote system receiver module that is malfunctioning.
It is important to know that not all keyfob batteries are the same. Certain batteries are made of inferior materials, which can cause damage to your remote or other electronics. Make sure you only use batteries of the same type and voltage as the original when replacing the battery. Also, make sure that the new battery is fitted correctly. Ensure the positive (+) side of the battery faces upwards when inserted into the battery slot.
If you notice the warning light on your car's dashboard that looks like an exclamation mark, it indicates that your vehicle has identified an issue with its electric power-assisted steering. If the warning light is illuminated while driving, it's advised to seek help from a trained mechanic or Citroen Berlingo (incl Multispace) dealership.
Radio Interference
If your key fob has stopped working at all it could be a result of radio interference. This issue can be caused by devices that operate on the same frequency as remote controls. For instance, certain wireless security systems as well as aftermarket LED lights can interfere with radio frequency signals. If you have any of these at home, consider moving them to a different room to see if they help.
In addition to devices using the same frequency, there are also environmental factors that could interfere with the car's key fob. Metal objects, for instance can impede the strength of the signal. Rainy weather may also bend the antenna of the fob, resulting in a weaker radio signal. In certain situations the key fob might not be able to respond to radio signals, even if it is close to the vehicle.
Examine the battery to confirm your key fob's health. The battery should be in good shape and the contacts must not be corroded. Contacts that are damaged by corrosion are the primary reason for a key fob not responding to the radio signals. A drained battery can cause the fob to malfunction. If the issue continues to persist after replacing the battery, the antenna may be faulty. A professional locksmith can examine the key fob and make any necessary repairs.