Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work

A fiat 500 key fob is a convenient way to open the doors and start the car. There are a variety of reasons why the fob won't work. This could be due to a dead battery or water damage, receiver modules issues, and interference.

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Dead Coin Battery

The most frequent reason why your 500 key fob will not function is an inactive battery. Modern key fobs operate with a limited operating range, and must be within some feet of the vehicle to function. If you're not close to your vehicle and you press the key fob button the car won't respond, and will display the "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.

If this happens, simply replace the coin cell battery (Part number CR2032) with a new one from a reputable manufacturer like Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. They are usually available in your local hardware store or online.

You can test the battery on your coin-cell by pressing the buttons while standing near your fiat key replacement 500. The car will flash its parking lights, and the key fob should work the lock and unlock switches.

If the key fob won't function after replacing the battery, it could be damaged by water that blocks it from connecting to the receiver module inside your car. Water damage can occur in a variety of ways, from the slightest splash to submerging the fob into salt water at the beach. If you suspect that your fob was exposed to water, put it in a rice bag to draw out the moisture. If this doesn't work, your fob may need to be reprogrammed by a professional auto locksmith or dealer.

Water Damage

Water damage can happen if you immerse the fob in the ocean, or wash it in a washing machine. Saltwater is particularly dangerous to the circuit board of the fob and can cause it to short out and eventually die. The fob getting wet is not an option, but if you drop it into the water in a cup or do not remember to take it out of your pocket before you run the washing machine Don't give up hope.

First, remove the battery. Clean the electronic chip with isopropyl ethanol or a similar product and dry it thoroughly before replacing the battery. Then try the fob and see if it works. If the fob doesn't function, it may need to be reset. This is usually done by a professional or dealer auto locksmith.

If the key is a newer model and was not programmed to your vehicle It is likely that it needs to be replaced completely. A professional locksmith for automotive can carry out this simple task. The locksmith will need to cut the key to match the ignition on your vehicle. The locksmith will also need to reprogram the fob into the vehicle's system. This is a cost-effective and quick process that could be completed the same day.

Receiver Module Issues

Your 500 key fob may not function because it's out of range. The remote usually has a range of 30 feet or less, and if it's too far away from your car it won't respond to your commands. This can be fixed by moving it closer to your vehicle until it begins responding.

If you've replaced the battery on your coin (commonly called a "button" or "watch") and your fob still won't work, it could have an internal circuit board problem. Reprogramming your fob can resolve the issue. The instructions are available for most vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's guide.

You may have to replace the metal clips that keep the battery of your coin in place. If they loose tension, it can prevent the battery from sitting properly and cause your remote to malfunction.

In rare instances, the fob might be out of connection with your vehicle as a result of software or hardware problems. This can cause a major problem, but you can usually resolve this issue by visiting an auto locksmith to have them reprogram your fob for you. In some cases it is possible that the software will require reinstallation into your body control modules.

Interference

In addition to a dead battery on a coin, the key fob may not be receiving or transmitting a signal due to interference. This could occur if the keyfob is in close proximity to a radio transmitter, such as a cell phone or radar detector. Other reasons why the key fob may not function may be a lack of connection to the buttons or the internal chip or water damage.

If the key fob has failed to work one day out of the blue or even after trying everything you can do at home to resolve it e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming, and using the spare key fob, you could have a damaged receiver module on your 500. The receiver module, located under the dashboard, receives radio frequency signals from your key fob. It transforms the signals into electronic commands which are then interpreted by the vehicle.

There is a straightforward method to reset the 500's onboard system, including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes by taking off first the negative cable and then the positive cable. Then, reconnect the battery. This will remove any remaining electricity and then restart the car's computers. This can help the key fob to function again. If the issue continues, you should consult an expert certified technician. They'll be able to diagnose the exact cause of your problems.