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Citroen Berlingo Key Fob Troubleshooting
Citroen Berlingo Multispace fills a niche in the market for people carriers. Its sliding rear door allows it to be easily inserted into bay parking spaces and its tough cabin can withstand more abuse than many upmarket rivals.
However, if your device was bathed in soapy salt water, it may not be working again, even after a new battery and reprogramming. This is because the internal chip has been damaged by exposure to water.
Water Damage
After you have rescued your key fob from the puddle, pool or washing machine it's been swimming in, clean it of the most water you can by shaking it. Lay it on its back with the button in the downward position, and let it drain for a couple of minutes while you clean the inside using a soft cloth. 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 car key symbol lights up, it could be a fault with the immobilizer. This is a security feature in the vehicle to prevent thieves from stealing it. If this is the case then you need to go to an Citroen dealer or a qualified mechanic to resolve the issue.
A constantly flashing engine warning light could indicate that the electric power assisted steering is malfunctioning. If see this page is the situation, then you need to stop the car and make sure that the pressure in the oil is ok and that the temperature is not too high before you restart it. If the problem continues to persist then you must visit a Citroen dealership or a trained mechanic to fix the issue.
Dead Battery
The most common reason for the key fob being inoperative inside your Berlingo is a dead coin battery. The button cell in the key can be replaced however it is essential to select the correct size, voltage, and type of battery. A non-compatible cell can damage the circuit. A dead battery for a coin can also disable the anti-theft system. This is a security measure which prevents the engine from being started without the physical key.
If the key fob doesn't respond to the lock button, even after replacing the battery, it could be because the receiver module is damaged and not communicating with other modules in your vehicle. This can be diagnosed with an OBDII scan tool.
If the key fob isn't responding, you can try reprogramming it. Follow the directions in your owner's manual for this procedure. It should be working fine after it has been reset to its original program.
Diagnostics 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 common is the battery for the key fob that is dead. This is a simple problem to diagnose and can easily be repaired within a matter of minutes. Other problems include a worn-out button, water damage to the electronic chip or signal, interference or a remote system receiver module with a fault.
It is important to keep in mind that not all key fob batteries are identical. Some batteries are constructed from inferior materials, which can cause damage to your remote, or other electronics. Make sure you use batteries of the same type 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 upwards.
If you see an exclamation point in the shape of an equilateral triangle on your dashboard, it indicates that there is an issue with the vehicle's electric power-assisted driver. If this warning light appears while driving, it is recommended that you seek assistance from a trained mechanic or Citroen Berlingo (incl Multispace) dealership.
Radio Interference
Radio interference could be a cause your key fob's not working immediately. This is a frequent issue caused by devices that operate on the same frequency as your remote control. For example, some wireless security systems and LED lights can interfere with radio frequency signals. Try moving these devices into another location if you have them in your home.
Environmental influences can also disrupt the key fob on a car in addition to other devices with the same frequency. For instance, metal objects can interfere with the signal's strength. Rainy weather can also cause the antenna of the key fob to bend, leading to an weakened signal. In some cases, the key fob may not respond to the radio signals even if it is close to the vehicle.
Check the battery to ensure the health of your key fob. It should be in good condition and the contacts should be free of corrosion. A corroded connection is the main reason why a keyfob does not respond to radio signals coming from a vehicle. A depleted or damaged battery can cause a fob to malfunction. If you replace the battery and the problem persists, it's possible that the antenna is not functioning properly. A professional locksmith can inspect the key fob and make necessary repairs.