Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work

A Fiat 500 key fob allows you to easily open doors and start your vehicle. There are a variety of reasons why the fob may stop working. This could be due to a dead coin battery or damage to the receiver module, water issues, or interference.

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

Dead Coin Battery

The most frequent reason that your 500 key fob doesn't function is a dead battery. Key fobs of today have a limited range of operation and must be within only a few inches from the vehicle to function. If you are far from your vehicle, and you hit the keyfob, it will not respond, and display the message "Key Fob Not Detected".

If this occurs you need to replace the battery of your coin-cell (Part Number CR2032) with a new battery from a reputable brand such as Panasonic Duracell or Energizer. You can typically find them in your local hardware store or online.

After you've replaced the coin cell battery It is possible to test it by standing close to your fiat keys replacement 500 and pressing the buttons. The parking lights should blink and the key fob will operate the lock and unlock switch.

If your key fob still does not work after replacing the battery, there could be water damage that prevents it from interacting with the module in your vehicle. Water damage can happen in a number of ways, from the slightest splash to submerging your fob in salt water at the beach. If you suspect that your fob has been exposed to water, place it in a rice bag to draw out the moisture. If this doesn't work, your fob is likely to need to be reprogrammed by a professional auto locksmith or by the dealer.

Water Damage

Water damage can occur if you immerse the fob in the ocean or wash it in a machine. Saltwater can cause the circuit board to short and eventually fail. It's not a good thing to let the fob get wet but don't give up even if you accidentally drop the fob in water or forget to take it out of your pocket.

First, remove the battery. Clean the electronic chip with isopropyl or a similar product and dry it completely before replacing the battery. Check the fob again to see if it is working. If the key does not work, it may have to be reset. This is typically handled by a professional or dealer auto locksmith.

If your key is older and is not programmed for your car it is necessary to replace it completely. This is a simple procedure that can be handled by a professional automotive locksmith. The locksmith will require the key to be cut to match your car's ignition. They will also need to reprogram the fob for your car's system. This is a simple and affordable process that can be completed the same day.

Receiver Module Issues

One of the most common reasons why your 500 key fob may stop working is because it's out of range. The remote's range is of 30 feet. Therefore, when you're too far from your vehicle it won't respond to your commands. This can be easily fixed by moving closer to your vehicle until it starts responding.

If your fob does not work after you replace the coin battery, also called a "button", "watch" or "button" it may be due to a malfunction on the circuit board inside. Reprogramming your fob can resolve this issue. You can find the steps for most vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's manual.

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

In rare instances, the fob might be out of alignment with your vehicle because of hardware or software problems. You can fix this issue by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In certain instances they may have to reinstall the program in your body control module, too.

Interference

In addition to a dead battery on a coin, the key fob may not be able to transmit or receive an signal due to interference. This could occur if the key fob is near an electronic radio transmitter (cell phones and radar detectors) or any other source of electromagnetic radiation. The key fob could not function because of a weak connection with the buttons, water damage or damage to the internal chips.

If the key fob suddenly stopped working, out of the blue or even after trying every option at home to solve it e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming it and using the spare key fob, you may have a faulty receiver module on your 500. The receiver module, which is located under the dashboard, is able to pick up radio frequency signals from your key fob. It converts them into electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.

There is a simple way to reset the 500's on-board system including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes, removing first the negative cable and then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will remove any remaining electricity, and allow you to restart the computer in your car. This can help you get your key fob to function again. If the issue persists, you should consult an expert technician. They will be able diagnose the exact cause of any issues.