Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work

A fiat 500 key fob is a handy way to unlock the doors and start the car. There are many reasons why the fob may stop working. These include a dead battery or damage to the receiver module, issues, or interference.

This listing is for a NEW replacement Fiat Flip key for fiat 500 Remote that looks like the Ilco brand. It has to be professionally programmed (click here to find local locksmiths for your vehicle). This remote includes lock, unlock and trunk buttons.

Dead Coin Battery

A dead battery is the main cause of your 500 key fob being inoperative. Key fobs of today have an operating range that is limited and must be within only a few inches from the vehicle in order to work. If you are far from your vehicle and you press the key fob button the car won't be able to respond, and will display an "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.

If this happens, replace the coin-cell battery (Part Number CR2032) by a new one of a reputable brand like Panasonic Duracell or Energizer. They are typically available in your local hardware store or on the internet.

You can test the battery in the coin-cell by pressing the buttons while you are standing close to your Fiat 500. The car will flash its parking lights and the key fob should operate the lock and unlock switches.

If the fob's remote doesn't function after replacing the battery, it might have water damage that stops it from communicating with the receiver module in your car. Water damage can happen in a number of ways, ranging from a light splash to submerging the fob in salt water at the beach. If you believe your fob was exposed to water, put it in a rice bag to draw out the moisture. If that doesn't work the fob might require reprogramming by a professional auto locksmith or by the dealer.

Water Damage

Damage to the water supply can occur if you immerse the fob in the ocean or wash it in a washer. Saltwater is particularly dangerous to the fob's circuit board and can cause it to short out and eventually die. It's not the best idea to soak the fob in water, but don't give it up even if you accidentally drop the fob in water, or fail to take it out of your pants pocket.

First, remove the battery from the fob. Clean the electronic chip with isopropyl or a similar product and dry it thoroughly before replacing the battery. Then, test the fob to test if it works. If the key doesn't function then it might need to be programmed again. This is usually handled by an auto locksmith or dealer.

If your key is old and is not programmed for your vehicle then you'll need to replace it completely. This is an easy process that can be handled by a professional locksmith for automotive use. The locksmith will need to cut the key to match the ignition of your vehicle. The locksmith will also have to program your fob into the vehicle's system. This is a cheap and quick process that can be completed within the same day.

Receiver Module Issues

The 500 key fob could not work because it's out of range. The remote's range is of 30 feet, so when you're too far away from your vehicle it won't be able to respond to your commands. You can easily solve this issue by moving the remote closer to your vehicle until it responds.

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 because of an internal circuit board issue. Reprogramming the fob is usually the solution to the issue. The instructions are available for the majority of vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's manual.

You may need to replace the metal clips that keep the coin battery. If they loose tension, it could prevent your coin battery from sitting properly, causing your remote to malfunction.

In rare cases the fob can become out of alignment with your vehicle because due to hardware or software issues. This issue can be fixed by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In some cases it may be necessary to reinstall the software in your body control module too.

Interference

Interference can also cause the key fob to not be able to receive or transmit a signal. This could happen when the keyfob is located in close proximity to a radio transmitter such as a cell phone or radar detector. Other reasons the key fob may not function may be a lack of connection to the buttons, damage to the internal chip, or water damage.

If the key fob has been unable to function for a while in the middle of the night or after trying everything you can do at home to resolve it e.g. battery replacement, reprogramming and using the spare key fob, you might have a malfunctioning receiver module on your 500. The receiver module is located under the dash, and it picks up the radio frequency signals from the key fob. It converts them to electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.

There's a simple method to reset the 500's in-board system including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery of 12 volts for about 15 minutes by removing the negative cable and then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will remove any remaining electricity and restart the car's computer system, which could allow you to the key fob to function again. If the problem persists, you should consult a certified technician. They will be able to determine the exact cause of problems.