Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work

A key fob with the fiat 500 number is a great way to unlock the doors and get started the car. However, there are a variety of reasons why the fob may stop functioning. This could be due to a dead coin-battery, water damage, problems with the receiver modules, and interference.

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Dead Coin Battery

The most common reason your 500 key fob will not function is due to the battery is dead. Key fobs of today have limited operating range and must be within a few inches of the vehicle to function. If you're far from your vehicle and you push the keyfob button it won't respond and display the message "Key Fob Not Detected".

If this happens then replace the battery for your coin-cell (Part Number CR2032) with a new battery of a reliable brand, like Panasonic Duracell or Energizer. They are available at the local hardware store or online.

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

If the key fob won't function after replacing the battery, it may be damaged by water that blocks it from connecting to the receiver module in your vehicle. Water damage can occur in a number of ways, ranging from small splashes to submerging the fob into 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, you will need to have your fob reprogrammed either by an auto locksmith or a dealer.

Water Damage

Water damage can occur when you immerse the fob in the ocean, or wash it in a washing machine. Saltwater poses a particular risk to the circuit board of the fob that can cause it to short out and eventually end up dying. It's not the best idea to get the fob wet but don't give up in the event that you accidentally drop it in the water or don't take it out of your pants pocket.

Take the battery off first. Clean the electronic chip using isopropyl alcohol or another similar product and then dry it completely before replacing the battery. Next test the fob to see if it works. If the fob doesn't work, it may have to be programmed again. This is usually done by an auto locksmith or dealer.

If your key is old and has not been programmed for your car, you will need to replace it completely. A professional locksmith for automotive can complete this simple process. The locksmith needs to cut the key to match the ignition on your vehicle. They will also need to reprogram the fob to your vehicle's system. This is a quick and cost-effective procedure that can be completed on the same day.

Receiver Module Issues

The 500 key fob you have may stop working because it is out of range. The remote typically has an area of 30 feet or less and if it's far away from your car it will not respond to your commands. This can easily be resolved by moving it closer to your vehicle until it begins responding.

If your fob doesn't work after replacing the battery for the coin, also known as a "button", "watch" or "button" it could be due to an issue with the circuit board inside. In the majority of cases, reprogramming your fob will solve the problem. You can find the steps for the majority of vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's guide.

You may have to replace the metal retaining clips that keep the battery of your coin in place. If they lose tension it could prevent your coin battery from being properly seated, causing your remote to malfunction.

In rare instances the fob could be disconnected from your vehicle due to software or hardware issues. You can fix this problem by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In some instances it may be necessary 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 signals. This could occur if the key fob is located near a radio transmitter (cell phones and radar detectors) or another source of electromagnetic radiation. Other reasons why the key fob might not work include a poor connection to the buttons or damage to the internal chip or water damage.

If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or you've tried everything at home to resolve it (e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming, and using the spare key fob, you might have a damaged receiver module on your 500. The receiver module, located under the dashboard, detects radio frequency signals from your key fob. It converts the signals into electronic commands, which are then read by the vehicle.

There is a simple way to reset the 500's onboard system including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes, removing first the negative cable and then the positive cable. Then reconnect the battery. This will eliminate any remaining electricity and then restart the car's computers. This could help the key for fiat 500 fob to function again. If the issue persists, you should seek the advice of an expert technician. They will be able to determine the exact cause of your problem.