Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob from Fiat 500 makes it easy to open doors and start your vehicle. There are a myriad of reasons the key fob might stop working. These include a dead battery water damage, receiver module issues, and interfering.
This listing is for a NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote - an exact replica of the Ilco brand that needs to be professionally programmed by a local locksmith (click here for Locksmith Search). It comes with lock, unlock and trunk buttons.
Dead Coin Battery
The most common reason your 500 key fob doesn't function is the battery is dead. Modern key fobs operate with a limited operating range and should be within just a few feet of the car to operate. If you are far 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, simply replace the battery of your coin cell (Part number CR2032) with a fresh one from a reliable brand like Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. They are usually available at your local hardware store or online.
You can test the battery on your coin-cell by pressing the buttons while you are standing close to your Fiat 500. The parking lights should flash and the key fob should operate the lock and unlock switch.
If the fob's remote doesn't function after replacing the battery, it may be damaged by water, which prevents it from connecting to the receiver module inside your vehicle. Water damage can happen in a variety of ways, such as the simple splash or submerging the key fob into saltwater at the beach. If you suspect that your fob was exposed to water, try placing it in a dry rice bag to pull the moisture out. If this doesn't work, you will need to have your fob replaced by an auto locksmith or a dealer.
Water Damage
Water damage can occur when you immerse the fob in the ocean or wash it in a washer. Saltwater can be particularly harmful to the circuit board of the fob, causing it to short out and eventually die. If you get the fob wet, it's not an ideal choice, but if you drop it in an empty cup of water, or do not remember to remove it from your pocket before you run the washer Don't give up hope.
First take the battery off the fob. Before replacing the battery, clean the electronic chip with isopropyl or a similar product. Check the fob to check if it's working. If the key does not function it could need to be changed. This is usually handled by an auto locksmith or dealer.
If your key is a bit older and is not programmed for your car You will need to replace it completely. A professional locksmith for cars can do this job. The locksmith will have to cut the key to match the ignition of your vehicle. They will also need to program the fob into your vehicle's system. This is a simple and cost-effective procedure that is usually completed in the next day.
Receiver Module Issues
One of the simplest reasons your 500 key fob won't be working is that it's simply out of range. The remote usually has an operating range of 30 feet or less, and if it's too far from your vehicle, it won't respond to your commands. It is possible to remedy this by moving your remote closer to your vehicle until it responds.
If your fob isn't working after replacing the battery for the coin, also called a "button", "watch" or "button", it could be a problem with the internal circuit board. In the majority of cases, reprogramming your fob can resolve the problem. You can find the instructions for the majority of vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's manual.
You may need to replace the metal clips that hold the coin battery in place. If they loose tension, it could hinder the battery from sitting properly and can result in the malfunction of your remote.
In rare instances, the fob might be out of the vehicle's sync because of hardware or software issues. It is possible to fix this issue by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In some instances it is possible that the software will need to be reinstalled in your body control modules.
Interference
In addition to a dead coin battery the key fob could not be able to transmit or receive signals due to interference. This can happen when the key fob is close to the radio transmitter (cell phones or radar detectors) or any other source of electromagnetic radiation. The key fob might not work due to a poor connection to the buttons or water damage, or damage to the internal chips.
If the key fob suddenly stopped working, suddenly, or after trying every option at home to fix it e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming, and using the spare key fob, it could have a damaged receiver module on your 500. The receiver module is located under the dash, and it picks up the radio frequency signals from the key fob. Then, fiat punto car key converts them into electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.
There is a simple way to reset the 500's in-board system including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes by taking off first the negative cable, then the positive cable. Then reconnect the battery. This will erase any remaining electrical charge, and then restart the computer in your car. This can help get your key fob to work again. If the issue continues, you should seek out an expert technician. They'll be able to diagnose the exact cause of your problems.
