Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob from Fiat 500 makes it easy to open doors and start your car. However, there are many reasons why the key fob might stop functioning. These include a dead coin battery or damage to the receiver module, water issues, and interfering.
This listing is for a NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote that appears similar to the Ilco brand. It needs to be professionally programmed (click here to find local locksmiths in the automotive industry). It comes with lock, unlock and trunk buttons.
Dead Coin Battery
The most frequent reason that your 500 key fob doesn't function is due to an inactive battery. Modern key fobs come with a limited range of operation, and must be within only a few feet from the car to operate. If you are not within your car and push the keyfob button it will not respond, and display the message "Key Fob Not Detected".
If this happens then replace the battery for your coin-cell (Part Number CR2032) with a new battery of a reliable brand, like Panasonic Duracell or Energizer. You can typically 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 parking lights should light up and the key fob should operate the lock and unlock switch.
If your key fob still isn't working after replacing the battery, there could be water damage that prevents it from communicating with the module inside your vehicle. Water damage can occur in a number of ways, ranging from the slightest splash to submerging the fob 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 fails, you'll have to get your fob changed by an auto locksmith or a dealer.
Water Damage
Although the fob is equipped with rubber seals to keep water out of 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 die. It's not good to let the fob get wet, but don't give it up even if you accidentally drop the fob in water or fail to take it out of your pants pocket.
First remove the battery from the fob. Clean the electronic chip using isopropyl ethanol or a similar product and dry it thoroughly before replacing the battery. Test the fob afterward to verify if it's working. If the key doesn't function, it may have to be reprogrammed. This is typically handled by a professional or dealer auto locksmith.
If the key is newer and has not been programmed to your vehicle It is likely that it needs to be replaced completely. A professional locksmith in the automotive industry can carry out this simple task. The locksmith will have to cut the key to match the ignition in your vehicle. The locksmith will also have to reprogram your fob in the car's system. It's a simple and inexpensive process that can be completed within the same day.
Receiver Module Issues
One of the simplest reasons why your 500 key fob won't be working is that it's simply out of range. The remote's range is of 30 feet. So should you be too far away from your vehicle it won't be able to respond to your commands. It can be solved by moving closer to your vehicle until it starts responding.
If you've replaced the battery in your coin (commonly called a "button" or "watch") and your fob doesn't function It could be because of an internal circuit board issue. Reprogramming the fob typically resolves this problem. The instructions are available for most vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's manual.
new key for fiat 500 is possible to replace the metal retaining clips that hold the coin battery. If they lose tension, it can stop your coin battery from being properly seated and cause your remote to malfunction.
In rare instances, the fob can become out of the vehicle's sync because of software or hardware problems. This issue can be fixed by visiting your local dealer or auto-locksmith to reprogram your key fob. In some cases they may have to reinstall the program in your body control module as well.
Interference
In addition to a dead coin battery The key fob might not be able to transmit or receive an signal due to interference. This could happen when the keyfob's location is in close proximity to a radio transmitter, such as a cell phone or radar detector. Other reasons the key fob might not work could be due to a weak connection to the buttons or damage to the internal chip or water damage.
If the key fob stopped working one day in the middle of the night or after trying everything you can do at home to resolve it e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming it and using the spare key fob, you may have a damaged receiver module on your 500. The receiver module is situated under the dash and is able to pick up the radio frequency signals from the key fob. It converts them into electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.
Luckily, there is an easy method of resetting all of the onboard systems in your 500, including the key fob. Disconnect the battery of 12 volts for approximately 15 minutes by taking off the negative cable first then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will eliminate any remaining electricity, and allow you to restart the computer of your car. This will help you get your key fob to work again. If the issue continues you should seek out an expert technician. They can identify the exact cause of any issues.