Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work

A fiat 500 key fob is a convenient method to unlock the doors and get started the car. There are a myriad of reasons why the fob may stop functioning. This includes a dead battery water damage, receiver modules issues, and interference.

This listing is for a NEW replacement fiat ducato replacement key Flip Key Remote that appears similar to the Ilco brand. It has to be professionally programmed (click here to find local locksmiths in the automotive industry). It comes with lock, unlock and trunk buttons.

Dead Coin Battery

A dead battery is the most frequent cause of your 500 key fob not working. Modern key fobs have a very limited operating range, and must be within just a few feet of the vehicle to operate. If you're far from your vehicle and you push the keyfob button it won't respond and display the message "key for fiat 500 Fob Not Detected".

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

You can test the battery of your coin-cell by pressing the buttons while standing near your Fiat 500. The car will blink its parking lights and the key fob should be able to operate the lock and unlock buttons.

If the fob's remote doesn't work after replacing the battery, it might have water damage that prevents it from connecting to the receiver module inside your vehicle. Water damage can occur in a variety of ways, from a light splash to submerging your fob in salt water at the beach. If you think your fob was exposed to water, you can place it in a rice bag to draw out the moisture. If this doesn't work the fob might need to be reset by an experienced auto locksmith or the dealer.

Water Damage

Water damage can happen if you submerge the fob in the ocean, or wash it in a washing machine. Saltwater is especially dangerous to the circuit board of the fob which causes it to short out and eventually end up dying. Getting the fob wet is not a good idea however, if you drop it in an empty cup of water, or fail to remove it from your pants pocket prior to running the washer, don't give up hope.

Take the battery off first. Before replacing the battery, clean the electronic chip with isopropyl or another similar product. Next check the fob to verify if it is working. If the key doesn't function, it may need to be changed. This is usually done by an auto locksmith or dealer.

If the key you have is older and has not been programmed for your car it is necessary to replace it completely. A professional automotive locksmith can do this job. The locksmith will have to cut the key to match the ignition on your vehicle. They'll also have to program the fob into the car's system. This is a cost-effective and fast process that can be completed on the same day.

Receiver Module Issues

One of the simplest reasons your 500 key fob won't be working is because it's out of range. The remote's range is of 30 feet. Therefore, should you be too far away from your vehicle it won't be able to respond to your commands. This can be fixed by moving it closer to your vehicle until it begins responding.

If your fob isn't working after replacing the coin battery, also known as a "button", "watch" or "button" it could be due to a problem with the internal circuit board. Reprogramming the fob is usually the solution to this issue. You can find the instructions on how to do this for most vehicles by searching YouTube or reading the owner's manual.

It is possible to replace the clips made of metal that hold the coin batteries in place. If they lose tension they could stop the coin battery from sitting properly and cause the remote to malfunction.

In rare cases the fob could be out of alignment with your vehicle because of hardware or software problems. You can fix this issue by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In some cases the software might require reinstallation to your body control modules.

Interference

In addition to a dead battery on a coin the key fob could not be able to transmit or receive the signal due to interference. This can occur when the keyfob's location is in close proximity to a radio transmitter, such as a cell phone or radar detector. The key fob may not work because of a problem to the buttons or water damage, or damage to the internal chips.

If the key fob has been unable to function for a while suddenly or after trying everything you can at home to solve it e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming it and using the spare key fob, you might have a damaged receiver module on your 500. The receiver module is located under the dash and picks up the radio frequency signals from the key fob. It transforms the signals into electronic commands which are then processed by the vehicle.

There is a simple way to reset the 500's in-board system, including the keyfob. Disconnect the 12 volt battery for approximately 15 minutes by disconnecting the negative cable first then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will erase any remaining electricity, and allow you to restart the computer of your car. This will help you get your key fob working again. If the issue continues you should seek out an expert technician. They can determine the root of your problems.