Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work

A fiat 500 key fob is a convenient way to unlock the doors and start the car. There are a myriad of reasons the fob won't work. This could be due to a dead coin-battery water damage, problems with the receiver modules, and interference.

This listing is for a NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote - like the Ilco brand that must be programmed professionally by a local automotive locksmith (click here to search for a Locksmith Search). Includes lock, unlock, and trunk buttons.

Dead Coin Battery

The most common reason your 500 key fob will not work is an inactive battery. Key fobs of today have a limited range of operation and must be within only a few inches from the vehicle in order to work. If you are further away from your vehicle, and you push the keyfob button it won't respond and display the message "Key Fob Not Detected".

If this happens, simply replace the battery on your coin cell (Part number CR2032) with a new one from a reputable brand like Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. They are available at the local hardware store or on the internet.

After you've replaced the coin cell battery you can test it by standing near your Fiat 500 and pressing the buttons. The parking lights should blink and the key fob will operate the lock and unlock switches.

If your fob's key isn't working after replacing the battery, there might be water damage that prevents it from interacting with the module in your vehicle. Water damage can occur in a variety of ways, from small splashes to submerging the fob into salt water at the beach. If you suspect that your fob has been exposed to water, try putting it in a dry rice bag to pull the moisture out. If this does not work, you'll need to have your fob replaced by an auto locksmith or a dealer.

Water Damage

While the fob has some rubber seals to keep water from the chip's electronic circuit the device, submerging it into the ocean or washing it in a machine could cause water damage. Saltwater is especially dangerous to the circuit board of the fob which causes it to short out and eventually end up dying. It's not a good thing to submerge the fob in water however, don't give it up if you accidentally drop it in the water or don't take it out of your pants pocket.

First, remove the battery. Before replacing the battery clean the electronic chip using isopropyl, or a similar product. Then, test the fob to test if it works. If the key code fiat does not function, it may need to be reset. This is usually done by a professional or dealer auto locksmith.

If your key is old and is not programmed for your car it is necessary to replace it completely. A professional automotive locksmith will be able to complete this process. The locksmith will have to cut the key to match the ignition of your car. They will also need to reprogram the fob for the system of your car. This is a cheap and fast process that can be completed in the same day.

Receiver Module Issues

Your 500 key fob might be inoperable because it's out of range. The remote has a maximum range of 30 feet, so should you be too far away from your vehicle it won't respond to your commands. This can be 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 the fob won't work it could be due to an internal circuit board issue. Reprogramming the fob is usually the solution to this issue. You can find directions on how to do this for the majority of automobiles by searching YouTube or checking out the owner's manual.

It is possible to replace the clips made of metal that hold the coin batteries in place. If they loose tension they could stop the battery from being properly seated and could result in the malfunction of your remote.

In rare cases the fob may be out of connection with your vehicle as a result of hardware or software issues. This could be a huge issue, but you are able to often fix this by visiting a local dealer or auto locksmith to reprogram your fob for you. In some cases they might need to reinstall the software in your body control module as well.

Interference

Interference can also cause the key fob to be unable to receive or transmit an signal. This may happen if the keyfob is in close proximity to a radio transmitter like a cellphone or radar detector. Other reasons the key fob may not function include a poor connection to the buttons or the internal chip, or water damage.

If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or if you have tried everything at home to solve the issue (e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming it and using the spare key fob, you could have a defective receiver module on your 500. The receiver module, which is located beneath the dashboard, is able to pick up radio frequency signals from your key fob. It then converts them into electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.

There's a quick and easy way to reset the 500's internal system, including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes, removing first the negative cable, then the positive cable. Then reconnect the battery. This will remove any remaining electricity and restart the car's computers, which could help get your key fob working again. If the issue continues it is recommended that you consult an expert certified technician. They'll be able to identify the root cause of your issue.