Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob for Fiat 500 makes it easy to open doors and start your vehicle. However, there are many reasons the fob could stop working. This could be due to a dead coin-battery, water damage, receiver modules issues, and interference.
This listing is for a NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote that looks like the Ilco brand. It must be professionally programmed (click here to find local locksmiths for your vehicle). It comes with lock, unlock and trunk buttons.
Dead Coin Battery
The most frequent reason that your 500 key fob will not function is due to an inactive battery. Modern key fobs have a limited range of operation and must be within a few inches of your vehicle to work. If you are far from your vehicle and you press the key fob button, the car won't be able to respond, and will display the "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.
If copy happens, replace the battery of your coin cell (Part number CR2032) with a new one from a trusted brand like Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. They are available at your local hardware store, or online.
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 switches.
If your key fob doesn't work even after replacing the battery, it may be water damage that hinders it from connecting to the module inside your vehicle. Water damage can occur in a variety of ways, ranging from the slightest splash to submerging your fob in salt water at the beach. If you think your fob was exposed to water, put 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 the dealer.
Water Damage
The fob does have rubber seals that keep water from the chip's electronic circuit and out of the ocean or washing it in a machine could cause water damage. Saltwater is especially dangerous to the circuit board of the fob, causing it to short out and eventually end up dying. It's not a good idea to submerge the fob in water, but don't give it up in the event that you accidentally drop it in the water or don't remove it from your pants pocket.
Take the battery off first. Before replacing the battery, clean the electronic chip with isopropyl or similar products. Next test the fob to test if it works. If the key doesn't function, it may need to be reset. This is usually done by an auto locksmith or dealer.
If the key is older and hasn't been programmed to your vehicle It will most likely need to be replaced completely. A professional automotive locksmith can carry out this simple task. The locksmith needs to cut the key to match the ignition in your vehicle. The locksmith will also need to reprogram your fob into the car's system. This is a simple and cost-effective process that is usually completed the same day.
Receiver Module Issues
One of the simplest reasons your 500 key fob could stop working is that it's simply out of range. The remote has a maximum range of 30 feet. So should you be too far away from your vehicle, it won't respond to your commands. This can be fixed by moving closer to your vehicle until it begins responding.
If you've replaced the battery on your coin (commonly known as"button" or "button" or "watch") and your fob still won't work it could be due to an internal circuit board issue. In the majority of cases, reprogramming your fob will resolve this issue. The instructions are available for most vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's guide.
It is sometimes necessary to replace the metal clips that hold the coin batteries in place. If they lose tension it can prevent the battery from being properly seated, and this will cause the remote to malfunction.
In rare cases it is possible that the fob will become disconnected from your vehicle because of software or hardware issues. You can fix this issue by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In some cases, the software may also need to be reinstalled in your body control modules.
Interference
In addition to a dead battery on a coin the key fob could not be able to receive or transmit a signal due to interference. This could happen when the keyfob is located in close proximity to a radio transmitter, such as a cell phone or radar detector. Other reasons the key fob could not function include a weak connection to the buttons, damage to the internal chip or water damage.
If the key fob failed to work one day in the middle of the night or even after trying every option at home to solve it e.g. It could be a defective 500 receiver module if you've tried replacing the battery, reprogramming, or using a spare key fob. The receiver module, which is located under the dashboard, receives radio frequency signals from your key fob. It converts them into electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.
There's a quick and easy way to reset the 500's onboard system including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery of 12 volts for approximately 15 minutes by removing the negative cable first then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will eliminate any residual electricity and restart the car's computers. This can help you get your key fob working again. If the issue continues you should seek out a certified technician. They'll be able determine the root of your problem.