Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work

A key fob with the fiat key fob replacement (pop over to this site) 500 number is a great way to open the doors and begin the car. There are many reasons why the key fob might stop working. This includes a dead coin-battery water damage, issues with the receiver module, and interference.

This listing is for a NEW replacement fiat panda key fob replacement Flip Key Remote - like the Ilco brand that must be programmed professionally by a local automotive locksmith (click here to search for a Locksmith Search). It comes with lock, unlock and trunk buttons.

Dead Coin Battery

A dead battery is the most common reason for your 500 key fob that isn't working. Modern key fobs offer an operating range that is limited and must be within a few inches of your vehicle in order to work. If you are far from your vehicle and you press the key fob button the car won't respond and will display a "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.

If this happens, simply replace the coin cell battery (Part number CR2032) with a brand new one from a reputable brand like Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. You can find them at your local hardware store, or online.

You can test the coin-cell battery by pressing the buttons while you're standing close to your Fiat 500. The car should flash its parking lights, and the key fob should be able to operate the lock and unlock buttons.

If the fob's remote doesn't function after replacing the battery, it might be damaged by water, which prevents it from communicating with the receiver module inside your vehicle. Water damage can happen through a variety of methods, including an easy splash or submerging the key fob into saltwater at the beach. If you suspect that your fob has been exposed to water, you can try placing it in a dry rice bag to pull the moisture out. If this doesn't work, you will require your fob to be replaced by an auto locksmith or a dealer.

Water Damage

Damage to the water supply can occur if 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 which causes it to short out and eventually die. It's not good to submerge the fob in water but don't give up if you accidentally drop it in water or forget to take it out of your pocket.

First take the battery off the fob. Clean the electronic chip using isopropyl alcohol or another similar product and dry it thoroughly before replacing the battery. Check the fob again to verify if it's working. If the key does not work, it may have to be changed. This is typically handled by a dealer or professional auto locksmith.

If the key is older and has not been programmed to your car, it will likely need to be replaced completely. A professional locksmith for cars can carry out this simple task. The locksmith will have to cut the key to match the ignition on your vehicle. The locksmith will also need to reprogram the fob into the car's system. This is a quick and cost-effective process that can be completed within the next day.

Receiver Module Issues

The 500 key fob you have may stop working because it is out of range. The remote typically has 30 feet of range or less, and if it's too far from your car, it will not respond to your commands. You can easily solve this issue by moving the remote closer to your vehicle until it responds.

If you've replaced the battery in your coin (commonly known as a "button" or "watch") and your fob doesn't function it could be due to an internal circuit board issue. Reprogramming your fob can resolve this problem. You can find directions on how to do this for most vehicles by searching YouTube or consulting the owner's manual.

It is possible to replace the metal clips that hold the coin batteries in their place. If they loose tension, they could stop the coin battery from being seated properly and could cause the remote to malfunction.

In rare cases the fob may be out of alignment with your vehicle because due to hardware or software issues. This issue can be fixed by visiting your local dealer or auto-locksmith to reprogram your key fob. In some cases it is possible that the software will require reinstallation into your body control modules.

Interference

In addition to a dead coin battery the key fob could not be able to receive or transmit a signal due to interference. This could occur if the key fob is near an electronic radio transmitter (cell phones, radar detectors) or another source of electromagnetic radiation. The key fob may not work due to a bad connection to the buttons, water damage or damage to the internal chips.

If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or you have tried everything at home to resolve it (e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming, and using the spare key fob, you might have a malfunctioning receiver module on your 500. The receiver module, located beneath the dashboard, picks up radio frequency signals from your key fob. Then, it converts them into electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.

Luckily, there is an easy method to reset all of the onboard systems in your 500 keys, including the key fob. Disconnect the 12 volt battery for approximately 15 minutes by disconnecting the negative cable first then the positive cable. Then reconnect the battery. This will get rid of any remaining electricity and then restart the car's computer system, which can help you the key fob to function again. If the issue persists you should speak with a certified technician. They will be able to determine the exact cause of any problems.