Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob for the Fiat 500 is a great way to unlock the doors and start the car. There are a myriad of reasons why the key fob might stop working. This includes a dead battery water damage, problems with the receiver modules, and interference.
This listing is for an NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote that is similar to the Ilco brand. It has to be professionally programmed (click here to search for local locksmiths for your vehicle). It includes lock, unlock, and trunk buttons.
Dead Coin Battery
A dead battery is the most frequent cause of your 500 key fob being inoperative. Modern key fobs have a very limited operating range, and must be within just a few feet of the car to operate. If you are further away from your car and hit the keyfob, it won't respond and display the message "Key Fob Not Detected".
If this happens you need to replace the battery of your coin-cell (Part Number CR2032) by a fresh one of a reliable brand, like Panasonic Duracell or Energizer. You can find them in the local hardware store or online.
You can test the battery on your coin-cell by pressing the buttons while you're standing close to your Fiat 500. The car will flash its parking lights and the key fob will operate the lock and unlock switches.
If the key fob won't function after replacing the battery, it might be damaged by water that blocks it from connecting to the receiver module in your vehicle. Water damage can occur in many ways, including an easy splash or submerging the key fob in saltwater at the beach. If you suspect that your fob has been exposed to water, you can place it in a rice bag to draw out the moisture. If that doesn't work your fob may require reprogramming by a professional auto locksmith or by the dealer.
Water Damage
The fob does have rubber seals to keep water from the chip's electronic circuit, submerging it in the ocean or washing it in a machine could cause water damage. Saltwater poses a particular risk to the fob's circuit board, causing it to short out and eventually end up dying. It's not good to soak the fob in water but don't give up if you accidentally drop it in water or forget to remove it from your pants pocket.
First take the battery off the fob. Before replacing the battery, clean the electronic chip with isopropyl, or a similar product. Test the fob afterward to determine if it's functioning. If the key doesn't work, it might need to be changed. This is usually handled by a professional or dealer auto locksmith.
If your key is old and not programmed for your car, you will need to replace it completely. A professional locksmith for cars can carry out this simple task. fiat car keys will require the key to be cut to match your vehicle's ignition. The locksmith also needs to reprogram your fob in the vehicle's system. This is a fast and inexpensive process that can usually be completed on the next day.
Receiver Module Issues
One of the main reasons why your 500 key fob might stop working is because it's out of range. The remote has a range of 30 feet, so when you're too far away from your vehicle it won't respond to your commands. This can easily be resolved by moving closer to your vehicle until it begins responding.
If your fob isn't working after replacing the battery in the coin, also known as a "button", "watch" or "button" It could be due to a problem with the circuit board inside. Reprogramming your fob can resolve this issue. You can find the instructions on how to do this for all vehicles by searching YouTube or reading the owner's manual.
It's possible that you need to replace the metal clips that keep the battery of your coin in place. If they lose tension it can prevent your coin battery from being properly seated and cause your remote to malfunction.
In rare instances, the fob may be out of the vehicle's sync because of hardware or software issues. You can fix this issue by visiting your local dealer or auto-locksmith to reprogram your key fob. In certain instances the software might require reinstallation in your body control modules.
Interference
Interference can also cause the key fob not to receive or transmit signals. This could happen if the key fob is in proximity to the radio transmitter (cell phones, radar detectors) or any other source of electromagnetic radiation. The key fob might not work due to a poor connection with the buttons or water damage, or damage to the internal chips.
If the key fob has suddenly stopped working, without notice or even after trying everything you can at home to fix it e.g. replacing batteries, reprogramming or using the spare key fob, you may have a damaged receiver module on your 500. The receiver module, located under the dashboard, detects radio frequency signals from your key fob. It converts them to electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.
Fortunately, there's an easy method to reset all of the on-board systems in your 500, including the key fob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes by removing first the negative cable, then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will eliminate any remaining electricity, and restart the car's computer. This can help you get your key fob to work again. If the problem persists, you should consult an expert technician. They can identify the root of any problems.