Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work

A fiat 500 key fob is a convenient method to unlock the doors and start the car. However, there are numerous reasons the fob could stop working. This could be due to a dead coin-battery or water damage, problems with the receiver modules, and interference.

This listing is for a NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote that is similar to the Ilco brand. It needs to be professionally programmed (click here to search for local locksmiths for automotive locksmiths). It includes trunk, lock and unlock buttons.

Dead Coin Battery

The most frequent reason that the 500 key fob won't function is the battery is dead. Modern key fobs have a limited operating range and must be within some feet of the vehicle to operate. If you are not within your vehicle and you press the keyfob button it will not respond, and display the message "Key Fob Not Detected".

If this happens, replace the coin cell battery (Part number CR2032) with a new one from a reliable brand like Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. You can typically find them 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 keys 500. The car should blink its parking lights, and the key fob should be able to operate the lock and unlock switches.

If your key fob still doesn't work even after replacing the battery, there could be water damage that hinders it from interacting with the module in your vehicle. Water damage can happen in a number of ways, ranging from a light splash to submerging the fob 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 your fob may need to be reset by a professional auto locksmith or the dealer.

Water Damage

The fob does have rubber seals that keep water from the chip's electronic circuit, submerging it in the ocean or washing it in a machine could cause water damage. Saltwater poses a particular risk to the circuit board of the fob that can cause it to short out and eventually die. In the event that you let your fob get wet, it's not an ideal idea however, if you drop it into an empty cup of water, or forget to take it out of your pants pocket before running the washing machine, don't give up hope.

First, remove the battery from the fob. Clean the electronic chip using isopropyl or a similar product and dry it thoroughly before replacing the battery. Check the fob to check if it's functioning. If the fob doesn't work, it might need to be reprogrammed. This is usually done by an auto locksmith or dealer.

If the key is more recent and has never been programmed to your car, it will likely need to be replaced completely. A professional locksmith in the automotive industry will be able to complete this process. The locksmith will require the key to be cut to match your vehicle's ignition. The locksmith also needs to reprogram your fob in the vehicle's system. This is a simple and cost-effective procedure that is usually completed the same day.

Receiver Module Issues

Your 500 key fob might not function because it's out of range. The remote typically has an operating range of 30 feet or less and if it's far away 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"button" or "button" or "watch") and your fob still won't work, it could have an internal circuit board problem. Reprogramming the fob usually resolves this issue. There are instructions on how to do this on the majority of vehicles by searching YouTube or consulting the owner's manual.

It is possible to replace the clips made of metal that hold the coin batteries in their place. If they loose tension it can prevent the coin battery from being properly seated and could cause the remote to malfunction.

In rare instances, the fob could be out of sync with your vehicle because of hardware or software issues. You can fix this problem by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In certain instances, the software may also require reinstallation in your body control modules.

Interference

Interference can also cause the key fob to not be able to receive or transmit signals. This could occur if the key fob is close to an electronic radio transmitter (cell phones, radar detectors) or any other source of electromagnetic radiation. Other reasons why the key fob might not function include a weak connection to the buttons or the internal chip, or water damage.

If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or if 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 faulty receiver module on your 500. The receiver module is situated under the dash and picks up the radio frequency signals from the key fob. It converts the signals into electronic commands, which are then processed by the vehicle.

There is a straightforward method to reset the 500's onboard system, including the keyfob. Disconnect the 12 volt battery for about 15 minutes by disconnecting the negative cable first then the positive cable. Then reconnect the battery. This will erase any remaining electric current, and also restart the computer of your car. This can help you get your key fob to function again. If the problem persists you should speak with an expert certified technician. They can identify the root cause of any issues.