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 parking bays, and its durable cabin can withstand more abuse than the majority of upmarket competitors.
But if your key fob was exposed to soapy or salt water, it might not function properly again - even after a fresh battery and programming. The internal chip has been damaged from exposure to water.
Water Damage
Shake your key fob to remove as much water as you can. Then, lay it on the button side down and let it dry for a couple of minutes while you clean the inside using a towel. This will stop any condensation from damaging the electronic chip.
If the warning light on the dashboard that appears like a car and has an engraved key symbol illuminates on your Mk 2 or Mk 3 Citroen Berlingo then this could indicate an immobilizer fault. This is a security component inside the vehicle that prevents thieves from hotwiring it. If this is the situation you'll need to see an Citroen dealer or a trained mechanic to address the issue.
A constant engine warning light could indicate that the electric power assisted steering is malfunctioning. If this is the situation, then you must stop the car and ensure that the pressure in the oil is fine and the temperature is not too high before you restart it. If the problem persists and you are unable to resolve it, visit a Citroen dealership or trained mechanic to resolve the issue.
Dead Battery
The most common reason for the key fob not working on your Berlingo is a dead coin battery. The button cell battery within the key is simple to replace, however it is important to ensure that you are using the correct voltage size, type and size of battery. A non-compatible battery can damage the circuit board. A dead coin-cell can also disable the anti-theft feature. This is a security measure that stops the engine from being started without an actual key.
If the key fob still does not respond to the lock button, even after replacing the battery it could be that the receiver module is defective and isn't communicating with other modules in your vehicle. An OBDII scanner can help diagnose this issue.
If the key fob isn't responding, then you can try reprogramming the key fob. To do this, follow the steps in your owner’s manual. After it has been reprogrammed device should function as expected.
Diagnostics of a fault
Citroen Berlingo owners are generally satisfied with the reliability of the car. As with all vehicles faults can occur. One of the most common is a dead battery on the key fob. It is a simple issue to diagnose and can easily be repaired in a matter of minutes. Other issues that could arise are a worn button or a water damage to an electronic chip, signal interference or a remote keyless system receiver module that has developed an issue.
G28 is important to keep in mind that not all key fob batteries are made in the same way. Certain batteries are made of inferior materials that can damage your remote or other electronic components. When replacing the battery, only make sure you use a battery of the same voltage and type as the original. Also, ensure the new battery is inserted correctly. Check that the positive (+) side of the battery faces upwards when inserted into slot for the battery.
If you see the warning light on your dashboard that appears to be an exclamation mark on it, this signifies that the vehicle has discovered an issue with its electric power-assisted steering. If this warning light comes on while you are driving, we recommend that you seek out a qualified mechanic at the Citroen Berlingo dealership (incl Multispace).
Radio Interference
Radio interference could be the reason that your key fob isn't working suddenly. This is a problem that could be caused by devices operating on the same frequency as a remote control. For instance, certain wireless security systems and LED lights can interfere with RF signals. Try moving these devices into another area if you have them at home.
In addition to devices using the same frequency, there are environmental factors that could affect the signal of a car's key fob. For instance, metal objects can affect the signal's strength. Weather conditions can also bend the antenna of the fob, resulting in a weaker radio signal. In some instances, the key fob may not respond to the radio signals, even if it is located near the vehicle.
Examine the battery to ensure your key fob's health. It must be in good health and the contacts must be free of corrosion. A corroded connection is the primary reason a keyfob does not respond to radio signals from the vehicle. A drained battery can also cause the fob to malfunction. If you replace the battery and the problem persists, it is likely that the antenna is damaged. A professional locksmith can inspect the key fob and make necessary repairs.