Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work

A key fob for the Fiat 500 is a handy way to open the doors and start the car. There are many reasons why the fob may stop working. This includes a dead battery water damage, issues with the receiver module, and interference.

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Dead Coin Battery

A dead battery is the most frequent reason for your 500 key fob that isn't working. Modern key fobs have a very limited operating range and should be within a few feet of the car to operate. If you are further away from your vehicle, and you push the keyfob button it will not respond and display the message "Key Fob Not Detected".

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

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

If the fob's key doesn't function after replacing the battery, it might be damaged by water that blocks it from communicating with the receiver module inside your car. Water damage can happen in many ways, including an easy splash or submerging the key fob into saltwater at the beach. If you believe your fob was exposed to water, place 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 the dealer.

Water Damage

Water damage can occur if you immerse the fob into the ocean or wash it in a machine. Saltwater can cause the circuit board to short and eventually die. It's not a good idea to get the fob wet however, don't give it up even if you accidentally drop the fob in water or fail to remove it from your pants pocket.

Take the battery off first. Before replacing the battery, clean the electronic chip using isopropyl, or a similar product. Check the fob again to see if it is functioning. If the fob doesn't function, it may need to be changed. This is usually handled by a dealer or professional auto locksmith.

If your key is older and is not programmed to work with your vehicle then you'll need to replace it completely. This is a straightforward process which can be accomplished by a professional locksmith for automotive use. The locksmith will need the key cut to match the car's ignition. They'll also have to reprogram the fob for the car's system. This is a quick and affordable process that is usually completed within the next day.

Receiver Module Issues

One of the main reasons why your 500 key fob may stop functioning is that it's out of range. The remote usually has an area of 30 feet or less and if it's far from your car, it won't respond to your commands. You can easily fix this by moving the remote closer to your car until it responds.

If you've replaced your coin battery (commonly known as a "button" or "watch") and the fob isn't working It could be because of an internal circuit board problem. In the majority of cases, reprogramming your fob can resolve the problem. There are instructions on how to do this for the majority of automobiles by searching YouTube or looking through the owner's manual.

It may be necessary to replace the clips made of metal that hold the coin batteries in place. If they lose tension, it may prevent your battery from being properly seated, causing your remote to malfunction.

In rare instances, the fob could be out of the vehicle's sync because of hardware or software issues. This issue can be fixed by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In some instances it may be necessary to install the software again in your body control module, too.

Interference

Interference can also cause the key fob to not receive or transmit the signal. This could occur if the key fob is in close proximity to a radio transmitter like a cell phone or radar detector. The key fob might not function because of a weak connection with the buttons or water damage, or damage to the internal chips.

If the key fob has stopped working one day suddenly or even after trying everything you can at home to fix it e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming, and using the spare key fob, it could have a malfunctioning 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 translated by the vehicle.

There's a quick and easy way to reset the 500's onboard system, including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes by removing first the negative cable and then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will eliminate any remaining electric current, and also restart the car's computer. This can help you get your key fob to work again. If the issue persists, you should consult an expert technician. They will be able to determine the exact cause of issues.