Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work

A fiat 500 key fob is a convenient way to open the doors and begin the car. There are a myriad of reasons the fob could stop functioning. These include a dead battery, damaged receiver module, water damage problems, and interference.

This listing is for an NEW replacement fiat keys replacement Flip Key Remote that is similar to the Ilco brand. It must be professionally programmed (click here to search for local locksmiths in the automotive industry). This remote includes lock, unlock and trunk buttons.

Dead Coin Battery

A dead battery is probably the most common cause of your 500 key fob not working. Modern key fobs have a very limited operating range and should be within only a few feet from the vehicle to function. If you're far away from your vehicle when you press the key fob button, the car will not respond, and will display the "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.

If this happens, simply replace the battery on your coin cell (Part number CR2032) by a new one from a reputable brand like Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. They are usually available at your local hardware store, or online.

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

If the key fob doesn't function after replacing the battery, it could have water damage that stops it from communicating with the receiver module inside your car. Water damage can happen in a number of ways, ranging from small splashes to submerging the fob in salt water at the beach. If you suspect your fob was exposed to water, put it in a dry rice bag to pull the moisture out. If this fails, you'll require your fob to be reprogrammed either by an auto locksmith or dealer.

Water Damage

While the fob comes with rubber seals to keep water out of the electronic chip inside it, submerging it in the ocean or washing it in a machine can cause water damage. Saltwater is particularly dangerous to the circuit board of the fob which causes it to short out and eventually end up dying. It's not a good thing to let the fob get wet, but don't give it up in the event that you accidentally drop it in water, or fail to remove it from your pants pocket.

First take the battery off the fob. Clean the electronic chip using isopropyl alcohol or another similar product and dry it completely before replacing the battery. Check the fob again to see if it is working. If the key does not function then it might need to be programmed again. This is usually done by an auto locksmith or dealer.

If the key you have is older and not programmed for your vehicle it is necessary to replace it completely. A professional automotive locksmith will be able to complete this process. The locksmith needs to cut the key to match the ignition in your vehicle. They will also need to reprogram the fob to your car's system. It's a simple and cost-effective procedure that can usually be completed on the next day.

Receiver Module Issues

One of the simplest reasons your 500 key fob could stop working is because it's out of range. The remote usually has a range of 30 feet or less and if it's far away from your car it won't respond to your commands. You can easily solve this issue by moving the remote closer to your car until it responds.

If your fob won't work after you replace the coin battery, also called a "button", "watch" or "button" or "button", it could be a problem with the circuit board inside. Reprogramming the fob typically resolves this issue. You can find instructions on how to do this for the majority of automobiles by searching YouTube or consulting the owner's manual.

It may be necessary to replace the clips made of metal that hold the coin batteries in the correct position. If they lose tension, it could prevent the battery from sitting properly and cause your remote to malfunction.

In rare instances the fob could be desync'd with your vehicle due to software problems or hardware issues. This can cause a major issue, but you are able to usually fix it by visiting a local dealer or auto locksmith to reprogram your fob. In some instances, they may need to reinstall the software on your body control module, too.

Interference

In addition to a dead coin battery, the key fob may not be able to receive or transmit an signal due to interference. This may happen if the keyfob is located in close proximity to a radio transmitter such as a cell phone or radar detector. Other reasons why the key fob might not work may be a lack of connection to the buttons and internal chip, or water damage.

If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or you've tried everything at home to solve the issue (e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming it and using the spare key fob, you may have a malfunctioning receiver module on your 500. The receiver module is situated under the dash and picks up the radio frequency signals from the key fob. It converts the signals into electronic commands that are then read by the vehicle.

Luckily, there is an easy way to reset all of the onboard systems in your 500 and include the key fob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes, removing first the negative cable and programmers then the positive cable. Then reconnect the battery. This will clear out any remaining electricity and then restart the car's computer system, which can help the key fob to function again. If the issue persists, you should consult an expert technician. They will be able diagnose the root cause of any problems.