Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob for the Fiat 500 is a handy way to unlock the doors and start the car. There are many reasons why the fob could stop working. This could be due to a dead coin battery or damaged receiver module, water damage issues, or interference.
This listing is for a NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote - like the Ilco brand that needs to be professionally programmed by a local automotive locksmith (click here to search for a Locksmith Search). It includes lock, unlock, and trunk buttons.
Dead Coin Battery
The most common reason your 500 key fob will not function is the battery is dead. Modern key fobs operate with a limited operating range and should be within only a few feet from the vehicle to function. If you're far away from your vehicle and press the key fob button, the car won't be able to respond, and will display an "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.
If this happens, replace the battery of your coin cell (Part number CR2032) with a fresh one from a reputable manufacturer like Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. You can typically find them in your local hardware store, or online.
After you've changed the battery on the coin cell It is possible to test it by standing near your Fiat 500 and pressing the buttons. The parking lights should light up and the key fob should operate the lock and unlock switches.
If your fob's key isn't working even after replacing the battery, it could be water damage that has prevented it from interacting with the module inside your vehicle. Water damage can occur in a variety of ways, from the slightest splash to submerging the fob into salt water at the beach. If you suspect that your fob has been exposed to water, put it in a dry rice bag to pull the moisture back out. If this doesn't work your fob will probably need to be reprogrammed by a professional auto locksmith or dealer.
Water Damage
While the fob has some rubber seals to keep water from the chip's electronic circuit and out of the ocean or washing it in a machine could cause water damage. Saltwater can be particularly harmful to the fob's circuit board, causing it to short out and eventually end up dying. Getting the fob wet is not a good idea but if you accidentally drop it in a cup 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.
First take the battery off the fob. Before replacing the battery clean the electronic chip with isopropyl, or a similar product. Next, test the fob to test if it works. If the fob doesn't work, it may need to be programmed again. This is usually done by a professional or dealer auto locksmith.
If your key is a bit older and is not programmed for your car then you'll need to replace it completely. This is a simple process which can be accomplished by a professional automotive locksmith. The locksmith will require the key cut to match the car's ignition. The locksmith will also need to program your fob into the vehicle's system. This is a cheap and fast process that can be completed the same day.
Receiver Module Issues
One of the most common reasons your 500 key fob may stop working is because it's out of range. The remote usually has 30 feet of range 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 car until it responds.
If your fob won't work after replacing the coin battery, also known as a "button", "watch" or "button", it could be due to an issue with the circuit board inside. Reprogramming fiat key fob replacement resolves this problem. You can find the instructions on how to do this for all vehicles by searching YouTube or looking through the owner's manual.
It is sometimes necessary to replace the clips made of metal that hold the coin batteries in place. If they loose tension, it could prevent your coin battery from being properly seated and cause your remote to malfunction.
In rare instances the fob might become disconnected from your vehicle because of software or hardware issues. This can cause a major problem, but you can usually fix it by visiting a local dealer or auto locksmith to reprogram your fob. In some instances 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 transmit or receive the signal due to interference. This could occur if the key fob is close to the radio transmitter (cell phones, radar detectors) or any other source of electromagnetic radiation. Other reasons the key fob might not work could be due to a weak connection to the buttons or the internal chip, or water damage.
If the key fob has stopped working one day in the middle of the night or even after trying every option at home to fix it e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming it and using the spare key fob, you might have a faulty 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. It converts the signals into electronic commands, which are then processed by the vehicle.
There's a simple method to reset the 500's in-board system, including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery of 12 volts for about 15 minutes by disconnecting the negative cable first then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will clear out any residual electricity and restart the car's computers. This can help get your key fob working again. If the issue persists it is recommended that you consult an experienced technician. They will be able to identify the exact cause of issues.