Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work

A fiat 500 key fob is a great way to open the doors and begin the car. However, there are many reasons why the fob may stop working. This could be due to a dead coin-battery, water damage, issues with the receiver module, and interference.

This listing is for an NEW replacement fiat 500 key fob Fiat Flip Key Remote - similar to the Ilco brand that needs to be programmed professionally by a local automotive locksmith (click here to search for a Locksmith Search). It includes trunk, lock and unlock buttons.

Dead Coin Battery

The most frequent reason why your 500 key fob doesn't work is an inactive battery. Modern key fobs come with a limited range of operation, and should be within just a few feet of the vehicle to operate. If you're far away from your vehicle and you press the key fob button, the car won't respond and will display the "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.

If this occurs then replace the battery for your coin-cell (Part Number CR2032) by a fresh one from a reputable brand such as Panasonic Duracell or Energizer. They are available at your local hardware store or on the internet.

After you've changed the battery on the coin cell you can test it by standing in front of your fiat replacement key 500 and pressing the buttons. The car will flash its parking lights and the key fob should work the lock and unlock switches.

If your key fob still doesn't work even after replacing the battery, there may be water damage that is preventing it from communicating with the module inside your vehicle. Water damage can happen in a number of ways, from small splashes to submerging your fob in salt water at the beach. If you suspect that your fob has been exposed to water, you can try placing it in a dry rice bag to pull the moisture out. If this doesn't work, you will require your fob to be changed by an auto locksmith or dealer.

Water Damage

Water damage can happen if you immerse the fob in the ocean, or wash it in a washer. Saltwater can cause the circuit board to short, and eventually fail. Getting the fob wet is not an ideal idea, but if you drop it in the water in a cup or forget to remove it from your pants pocket prior to running the washer do not give up hope.

Take the battery off first. Before replacing the battery, clean the electronic chip with isopropyl or similar products. Test the fob afterward to verify if it's working. If the key isn't working it could need to be reset. This is usually handled by an auto locksmith or dealer.

If the key is a newer model and hasn't been programmed to your car It will most likely need to be replaced completely. This is a straightforward process which can be accomplished by a professional automotive locksmith. The locksmith must cut the key to match the ignition of your car. They'll also have to reprogram the fob for the system of your car. This is a simple and cost-effective process which can be completed within the same day.

Receiver Module Issues

One of the simplest reasons your 500 key fob might stop functioning is because it's out of range. The remote has a range of 30 feet, so when you're too far away from your vehicle it won't be able to respond to your commands. This can be easily fixed by moving closer to your vehicle until it begins responding.

If your fob isn't working after replacing the battery inside the coin, which is also known as a "button", "watch" or "button" It could be due to a problem with the internal circuit board. Reprogramming your fob can resolve the issue. You can find the instructions for the majority of vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's guide.

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

In rare cases the fob could be desync'd with your vehicle due to software or hardware issues. This can be a major trouble, but you could often fix this by visiting a local dealer or auto locksmith to have them reprogram your fob for you. In some cases, the software may also require reinstallation in your body control modules.

Interference

Interference can also cause the key fob to be unable to receive or transmit the signal. This could happen when the key fob is in close proximity to a radio transmitter, such as a cell phone 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 the key fob been unable to function for a while without notice or after trying everything you can at home to solve it e.g. replacing batteries, reprogramming or using the spare key fob, you could have a damaged receiver module on your 500. The receiver module, which is located under the dashboard, picks up radio frequency signals from your key fob. It then converts them into electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.

Luckily, there is an easy method to reset all of the on-board systems in your 500 keys, including the key fob. Disconnect the battery of 12 volts for approximately 15 minutes by disconnecting the negative cable first then the positive cable. Then, reconnect the battery. This will eliminate any remaining electrical charge, and then restart the computer of your car. This can help get your key fob to function again. If the issue continues you should speak with an expert certified technician. They can identify the exact cause of issues.