Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A fiat 500 key fob is a great way to open the doors and begin the car. There are a myriad of reasons why the key fob might stop working. This could be due to a dead battery, water damage, issues with the receiver module, and interference.
lost fiat 500 key is for an NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote - like the Ilco brand that needs to be professionally programmed by a local automotive locksmith (click here to search for a Locksmith Search). It comes with trunk, lock and unlock buttons.
Dead Coin Battery
The most frequent reason why your 500 key fob won't function is due to a dead battery. Modern key fobs come with a restricted operating range, and must be within some feet of the vehicle to function. If you're far away from 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, replace the battery of your coin cell (Part number CR2032) with a new one from a trusted brand like Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. You can find them at the local hardware store or on the internet.
You can test the battery in the coin-cell by pressing the buttons while standing near your Fiat 500. The parking lights should flash and the key fob will operate the lock and unlock switch.
If the key fob won't function after replacing the battery, it could have water damage that stops it from communicating with the receiver module inside your car. Water damage can occur in a variety 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 bag of rice to draw out the moisture. If this doesn't work, your fob will probably require reprogramming by a professional auto locksmith or by the dealer.
Water Damage
Water damage can occur when you submerge the fob in the ocean or wash it in a machine. Saltwater can cause the circuit board to short, and eventually die. It's not a good idea to let the fob get wet but don't give up when you accidentally drop it in water or forget to remove it from your pocket.
Take the battery off first. Before replacing the battery, clean the electronic chip with isopropyl, or a similar product. Then test the fob to verify if it is working. If the key does not function it could need to be programmed again. This is usually handled by an auto locksmith or dealer.
If your key is older and not programmed for your vehicle, you will need to replace it completely. A professional locksmith for automotive can complete this simple process. The locksmith will require the key cut to match your vehicle's ignition. The locksmith will also need to reprogram the fob into the car's system. This is a fast and affordable process that is usually completed on the same day.
Receiver Module Issues
Your 500 key fob might be inoperable because it's out of range. The remote has a maximum range of 30 feet. Therefore, in the event that you are far from your car it will not respond to your commands. You can remedy this by moving your remote closer to your car until it responds.
If you've replaced your coin battery (commonly called"button" or "button" or "watch") and the fob won't work, it could have an internal circuit board problem. Reprogramming the fob typically resolves the issue. You can find instructions on how to do this for most vehicles by searching YouTube or looking through the owner's manual.
You may need to replace the metal clips that hold the coin battery. If they loose tension, it may prevent your battery from being properly seated and cause your remote to malfunction.
In rare instances, the fob can become out of connection with your vehicle as a result of software or hardware problems. It is possible to fix this issue by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In certain instances the software might need to be reinstalled in your body control modules.
Interference
Interference can also cause the key fob to not be able to receive or transmit an signal. This could happen when the keyfob's location is in close proximity to a radio transmitter, like a cellphone or radar detector. Other reasons the key fob might not work include a weak connection to the buttons, damage to the internal chip or water damage.
If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or you've tried everything at home to resolve 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 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's a simple method to reset the 500's internal system including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery 12 volt for about 15 minutes by taking off the negative cable first then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will eliminate any remaining electric current, and also restart the computer of your car. This will help you get your key fob to work again. If the problem persists you should seek out an expert technician. They will be able diagnose the exact cause of any problems.