Citroen Berlingo Key Fob Troubleshooting
Citroen Berlingo Multispace fills a niche in the market for people carriers. Its sliding rear doors allow it to be squeezed into parking bays, and its robust cabin is more resistant to crashing than most upmarket rival offerings.
If your key fob was submerged in saltwater or soapy liquid the device may not function in the future, even after replacing the battery and changing the program. This is because the internal chip has been damaged by exposure to water.
Water Damage
After you have rescued your key fob from whatever puddle, pool or washing machine it's been swimming in, clean it of the most water you can by shaking it. Then, place it with the button side down and allow it to drain for a short time while you wipe the inside down with a clean cloth. This will prevent any condensation from causing damage to the electronic chip.
If the warning light on your dashboard that looks like a vehicle with the key symbol is on your Mk 2 or Mk 3 Citroen Berlingo then it could be an indication of an immobilizer issue. This is a security feature in the vehicle that prevents thieves from wiring hotspots. If this is the case then you need to go to a Citroen dealership or a certified mechanic to address the problem.
An unending engine warning light could mean that the electric power-assisted steering has a fault. If this is the case, then you should stop the car and ensure that the oil pressure is in good order and that the temperature isn't overly high prior to resuming it. If the issue persists, you'll need to visit an expert Citroen technician or mechanic to fix the issue.
Dead Battery
The most frequent cause of the key fob that isn't working inside your Berlingo is an inactive coin battery. The button cell battery that is in the key is easy to replace, but you should ensure that you choose the right voltage and size battery. An uncompatible battery could damage the circuit board. A dead coin battery could also disable the anti-theft system. This is a precautionary measure that prevents the engine being started without a physical key.
If the key fob still isn't responding to the lock button even after replacing the battery, it could be that the receiver module is defective and not communicating with other modules in your vehicle. This can be diagnosed with an OBDII scan tool.
If the key fob still isn't working, you can try reprogramming it. To do this, follow the guidelines in your owner’s manual. Once it has been reprogrammed, your device should function perfectly.
Diagnosis of a Fault
Citroen Berlingo owners are generally happy with the reliability of the vehicle. However, as with any vehicle there are some issues that do occur. One of the most common is the battery for the key fob that is dead. Fortunately, G28 is simple to diagnose and can be repaired within a few minutes. Other problems that can arise are a worn button or a water damage to the electronic chip, signal interference or a remote keyless system receiver module that has developed a fault.
It is important to remember that not all key fob batteries are equal. Some batteries are made of inferior materials and can damage your remote key fob or other electronic components in your vehicle. When replacing the battery, only make sure that the battery is of the same voltage and type as the original. Also, make sure the new battery is fitted correctly. When inserting the battery into the slot, make sure the positive (+) face of the battery is facing upwards.
If you see a warning light on the dashboard of your car that appears to be a triangle with an exclamation mark, this indicates that the vehicle has discovered an issue with its electric power-assisted steering. If the warning light illuminates when driving, it is advised that you seek advice from a certified mechanic or Citroen Berlingo (incl Multispace) dealership.
Radio Interference
Radio interference could be the cause that your key fob isn't working at all times. This is a problem that could be caused by devices operating on the same frequency as a remote control. For example, some wireless security systems and aftermarket LED lights can interfere with radio signals. If you own one of these gadgets at home, consider moving them to a different room to see if it helps.
In addition to devices using the same frequency, there are environmental factors that could interfere with a car's key fob. Metal objects, for instance could interfere with the strength of the signal. The weather's rain can also cause the antenna of the key fob to be bent, resulting in weaker signals. In some cases even if the fob is near to the vehicle it may not be able to respond to radio signals.
Examine the battery to confirm the health of your key fob. It must be in good health and the contacts should be free of corrosion. A corroded or damaged connection is the main reason a keyfob does not respond to radio signals coming from vehicles. A drained battery can also cause the fob to malfunction. If you replace the battery, but the issue persists, it's possible that the antenna is faulty. A professional locksmith will inspect the key fob and make any necessary repairs.