Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob for the Fiat 500 allows you to easily open doors and start your car. There are a myriad of reasons the fob could stop functioning. This includes a dead coin-battery and water damage, as well as issues with the receiver module, and interference.
This listing is for a NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote that looks like the Ilco brand. It needs to be professionally programmed (click here to search for local locksmiths for your vehicle). It includes lock, unlock, and trunk buttons.
Dead Coin Battery
The most frequent reason that the 500 key fob won't function is due to an inactive battery. Modern key fobs have a very restricted operating range, and should be within some feet of the vehicle to operate. If you're far away from your vehicle and press the key fob button the car will not 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 new one from a trusted brand like Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. You can find them in the local hardware store or on the internet.
After you've replaced the battery of your coin cell You can test it by standing in front of your Fiat 500 and pressing the buttons. The car will flash its parking lights and the key fob should work the lock and unlock switches.
If the key fob doesn't function after replacing the battery, it might have water damage that stops it from communicating with the receiver module inside your vehicle. Water damage can happen in many ways, such as the simple splash or submerging the key fob in saltwater at the beach. If you suspect that your fob was exposed to water, try putting it in a dry rice bag to draw the moisture out. If this doesn't work your fob may require reprogramming by an experienced auto locksmith or by the dealer.
Water Damage
While the fob has some rubber seals to keep water out of the electronic chip inside and out of the ocean or washing it in a machine could cause water damage. Saltwater is especially dangerous to the fob's circuit board which causes it to short out and eventually die. If you get the fob wet, it's not a good idea, but if you drop it in a glass of water or don't remember to take it out of your pants pocket prior to running the washing machine do not give up hope.
Take the battery off first. Clean the electronic chip using isopropyl alcohol or a similar product and then dry it thoroughly before replacing the battery. Test the fob afterward to check if it's working. If the key does not function, it may need to be reprogrammed. This is usually handled by an auto locksmith or dealer.
If the key is newer and hasn't been programmed to your vehicle It is likely that it needs to be replaced completely. This is a simple procedure that can be handled by a professional automotive locksmith. The locksmith will need the key cut to match your car's ignition. They'll also have to program the fob into your vehicle's system. This is a fast and affordable process that is usually completed the same day.
Receiver Module Issues
Your 500 key fob may stop working because it is out of range. The remote typically has 30 feet of range or less and if it's far from your vehicle, it won't respond to your commands. This can be fixed by moving closer to your vehicle until it starts responding.
If your fob won't work after replacing the battery inside the coin, which is also known as a "button", "watch" or "button" or "button", it may be due to a malfunction on the internal circuit board. Reprogramming your fob can resolve this problem. You can find the procedure for most vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's manual.
It is sometimes necessary to replace the metal clips that hold the coin batteries in the correct position. If they lose tension, it may prevent your battery from sitting properly, causing your remote to malfunction.
In rare instances the fob could be desync'd with your vehicle due to software or hardware issues. G28 can cause a major problem, but you can frequently fix this issue by visiting a local dealer or auto locksmith to have them reprogram your fob for you. In some cases the software might require reinstallation in your body control modules.
Interference
Interference can also cause the key fob not to receive or transmit a signal. This could occur if the key fob is close to a radio transmitter (cell phones and radar detectors) or another source of electromagnetic radiation. Other reasons the key fob may not function include a poor connection to the buttons or the internal chip or water damage.
If the key fob stopped working one day in the middle of the night or even after trying everything you can do at home to resolve it e.g. You might have a damaged 500 receiver module If you've tried replacing it with a battery, reprogramming, or using a spare key fob. The receiver module is located under the dash and picks up the radio frequency signals from the key fob. It transforms the signals into electronic commands which are then read by the vehicle.
Fortunately, there's an easy method of resetting every single system on board 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. Reconnect the battery. This will eliminate any remaining electricity and restart the car's computer system, which can help get your key fob working again. If the issue continues you should seek out an expert technician. They'll be able to determine the root of your issues.