Reasons Your fiat 500 key fob - see post, Won't Work

A key fob with the fiat 500 number is a convenient method to open the doors and begin the car. There are a myriad of reasons why the fob may stop working. This could be due to a dead coin-battery or water damage, receiver modules issues, and interference.

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

Dead Coin Battery

The most common reason your 500 key fob won't function is a dead battery. Modern key fobs have a limited range of operation and must be within just a few inches of the vehicle in order to work. If you're far away from your vehicle and you press the key fob button the car won't respond and will display a "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.

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

You can test the battery on your coin-cell by pressing the buttons while standing near your fiat ducato replacement key 500. The parking lights should flash and the key fob will operate the lock and unlock switch.

If your key fob does not work after replacing the battery, it may be water damage which has prevented it from communicating with the module in your vehicle. Water damage can happen in many ways, such as an easy splash or submerging your key fob in saltwater at the beach. If you suspect that your fob has been exposed to water, you can place it in a bag of rice to draw out the moisture. If this doesn't work, you will require your fob to be replaced by an auto locksmith or a dealer.

Water Damage

While the fob comes with rubber seals to keep water from the electronic chip inside, submerging it in the ocean or washing it in a machine can cause water damage. Saltwater can cause the circuit board to short and eventually end up dying. The fob getting wet is not a good idea, but if you drop it into the water in a cup or don't remember to remove it from your pocket before you run the washer, don't give up hope.

First remove the battery from the fob. Clean the electronic chip using isopropyl alcohol or a similar product and then dry it completely before replacing the battery. Next try the fob and check if it functions. If the key doesn't work, it may have to be programmed again. This is usually handled by an auto locksmith or dealer.

If the key is newer and was not programmed to your car, it will likely need to be replaced completely. A professional locksmith for automotive can do this job. The locksmith needs to cut the key to match the ignition in your vehicle. The locksmith will also need to reprogram the fob into the vehicle's system. This is a quick and inexpensive process that can usually be completed on the next day.

Receiver Module Issues

The 500 key fob you have may be inoperable because it's out of range. The remote typically has an operating range of 30 feet or less, and if it's too far from your vehicle, it will not respond to your commands. It can be solved by moving closer to your vehicle until it begins responding.

If your fob doesn't work after you replace the battery inside the coin, which is also called a "button", "watch" or "button" it could be a problem with the circuit board inside. Reprogramming the fob is usually the solution to this issue. You can find the steps for most vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's manual.

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

In rare instances, the fob may become disconnected from your vehicle because of software or hardware issues. This can be a major issue, but you are able to often fix this by visiting a local dealer or auto locksmith to reprogram your fob. In some cases it is possible that the software will require reinstallation into your body control modules.

Interference

Interference can also cause the key fob to not receive or transmit the signal. This can occur when the keyfob is in close proximity to a radio transmitter such as a cell phone or radar detector. The key fob could not function because of a problem with the buttons water damage or damage to the internal chips.

If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or if you've tried everything at home to solve the issue (e.g. battery replacement, 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 it picks up the radio frequency signals from the key fob. It transforms the signals into electronic commands, which are then processed by the vehicle.

Fortunately, there's an easy method of resetting all of the on-board systems in your 500 device, including the key fob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes by removing first the negative cable and then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will clear out any residual electricity and restart the car's computers, which could allow you to the key fob to function again. If the issue persists, you should speak with an expert technician. They'll be able diagnose the exact cause of your issues.