Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work

A Fiat 500 key fob makes it easy to open doors and start your car. However, there are numerous reasons why the fob may stop functioning. These include a dead coin battery water damage, receiver module issues, or interference.

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Dead Coin Battery

The most common reason your 500 key fob will not function is a dead battery. Modern key fobs come with a limited operating range and must be within only a few feet from the vehicle to operate. If you're far from your vehicle when you press the key fob button the car won't be able to respond, and will display the "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.

If this happens, replace the battery in the coin cell (Part number CR2032) with a new one from a reputable manufacturer such as Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. They are usually available at your local hardware store or online.

After you've replaced the battery in the coin cell you can test it by standing in front of your Fiat 500 and pressing the buttons. The car will flash its parking lights, and the key fob should operate the lock and unlock switches.

If the key fob doesn't work after replacing the battery, it might be damaged by water, which prevents it from connecting to the receiver module in your car. Water damage can occur through a variety of methods, including simply splashing or submerging the key fob in saltwater at the beach. If you suspect that your fob was exposed to water, try putting it in a dry rice bag to draw the moisture back out. If this fails, you'll have to get your fob replaced by an auto locksmith or dealer.

Water Damage

Damage to the water supply can occur if you submerge the fob in the ocean, or wash it in a washer. Saltwater can cause the circuit board to become shorted and eventually cease to function. In the event that you let your fob get wet, it's not an ideal choice, but if you drop it in the water in a cup or do not remember to take it out of your pocket before you run the washer, don't give up hope.

Remove the battery first. Before replacing the battery, clean the electronic chip with isopropyl, or a similar product. Check the fob again to check if it's functioning. If the fob doesn't function, it may need to be changed. This is usually done by an auto locksmith or dealer.

If the key is newer and hasn't been programmed to your vehicle it is likely to need to be replaced completely. A professional automotive locksmith can carry out this simple task. The locksmith will need the key cut to match the car's ignition. They will also need to reprogram the fob in the car's system. This is a simple and affordable process that is usually completed on the next day.

Receiver Module Issues

One of the most common reasons why your 500 key fob could stop working is that it's simply out of range. The remote typically has a range of 30 feet or less and if it's far away from your car it will not respond to your commands. This can be easily fixed by moving it closer to your vehicle until it starts responding.

If you've replaced the battery on your coin (commonly known as a "button" or "watch") and your fob still won't work it could be due to an internal circuit board problem. In most cases, reprogramming the fob will solve the issue. You can find the procedure for the majority of vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's guide.

You may have to replace the metal clips that keep the battery of your coin in place. If they loose tension, it may prevent your battery from sitting properly and cause your remote to malfunction.

In rare cases the fob might become desync'd with your vehicle because of software or hardware issues. This could cause a significant issue, but you are able to frequently fix this issue by visiting a local dealer or How Much Is A New Fiat 500 Key auto locksmith to reprogram your fob. In certain situations, they may need to install the software again in your body control module, as well.

Interference

In addition to a dead coin battery the key fob could not be able to receive or transmit the signal due to interference. This can occur when the keyfob is located in close proximity to a radio transmitter like a cell phone or radar detector. Other reasons the key fob may not function could be due to a weak connection to the buttons, damage to the internal chip or water damage.

If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or you have tried everything at home to solve the issue (e.g. You might have a damaged 500 receiver module in the event that you've tried replacing the battery, reprogramming, or using a spare fiat 500 key key fob. The receiver module, located under the dashboard, receives radio frequency signals from your key fob. It converts the signals into electronic commands which are then translated by the vehicle.

There's a quick and easy way to reset the 500's internal system including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery of 12 volts for about 15 minutes, by taking off the negative cable first then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will remove any remaining electrical charge, and then restart the computer in your car. This could help you get your key fob to work again. If the issue persists, you should consult an expert technician. They can identify the exact cause of problems.