Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A Fiat 500 key fob makes it simple to open doors and start your vehicle. However, there are a variety of reasons why the fob may stop functioning. This could be due to a dead coin battery or water damage, receiver module problems, and interference.
This listing is for a NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote that is similar to the Ilco brand. It must be professionally programmed (click here to find local locksmiths in the automotive industry). It comes with lock, unlock and trunk buttons.
Dead Coin Battery
A dead battery is the main cause of your 500 key fob not functioning. Modern key fobs have a very limited range of operation, and must be within a few feet of the vehicle in order to function. If you're not close to your vehicle when you press the key fob button the car won't be able to respond, and will display a "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.
If this occurs, replace the coin-cell battery (Part Number CR2032) by a fresh one of a reliable brand, such as Panasonic Duracell or Energizer. You can usually find them in your local hardware store or on the internet.
After you've replaced the coin cell battery It is possible to test it by standing close to your Fiat 500 and pressing the buttons. The car should flash its parking lights and the key fob will operate the lock and unlock switches.
If the key fob doesn't function after replacing the battery, it may have water damage that stops it from communicating with the receiver module in your car. Water damage can occur in a variety of ways, from the slightest splash to submerging the 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 reset by a professional auto locksmith or the dealer.
Water Damage
Water damage can occur when you immerse the fob into the ocean, or wash it in a washing machine. Saltwater can be particularly harmful to the circuit board of the fob, causing it to short out and eventually die. Getting the fob wet is not an ideal idea, but if you drop it into a cup of water or do not remember to remove it from your pocket before you run the washing machine, don't give up hope.
First, remove the battery. Clean the electronic chip with isopropyl alcohol or a similar product and then dry it completely before replacing the battery. Test the fob next to determine if it's functioning. If the key does not work, it might need to be reprogrammed. This is usually done by a professional or dealer auto locksmith.
If the key is more recent and was not programmed to your car It is likely that it needs to be replaced completely. A professional locksmith in the automotive industry can do this job. The locksmith will need 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 an affordable and quick procedure that can be completed within the same day.
Receiver Module Issues
Your 500 key fob may be inoperable because it's out of range. The remote has a range of 30 feet, which means if you are too far from your vehicle it won't be able to respond to your commands. You can remedy this by moving your remote closer to your car until it responds.
If you've replaced the battery in your coin (commonly called a "button" or "watch") and the fob isn't working it could be due to an internal circuit board issue. In Read the Full Write-up , reprogramming the fob will resolve this issue. You can find the instructions for the majority of vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's guide.
It is possible to replace the metal retaining clips that keep the coin battery in place. If they lose tension they could stop the coin battery from being seated properly and could cause 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 dealer or auto-locksmith to reprogram your key fob. In certain situations it may be necessary to install the software again in your body control module, as well.
Interference
In addition to a dead coin battery the key fob could not be receiving or transmitting the signal due to interference. This can happen when the key fob is located near the radio transmitter (cell phones, radar detectors) or another source of electromagnetic radiation. Other reasons why the key fob may not function include a poor connection to the buttons, damage to the internal chip, or water damage.
If the key fob suddenly stopped working, in the middle of the night and you've tried every option at home to solve it e.g. replacing batteries, reprogramming or using the spare key fob, you might have a malfunctioning receiver module on your 500. The receiver module is situated under the dash and receives the radio frequency signals from the key fob. It converts the signals into electronic commands, which are then read by the vehicle.
Luckily, there is an easy method of resetting every single system on board in your 500 device, including the key fob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes, removing first the negative cable and then the positive cable. Then, reconnect the battery. This will remove any remaining electrical charge, and then restart the computer of your car. This will help you get your key fob to work again. If the issue continues, you should consult an expert technician. They will be able to determine the exact cause of issues.