Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob for the Fiat 500 makes it simple to open doors and start your vehicle. There are a variety of reasons why the key fob might stop working. These include a dead battery water damage, receiver module issues, and interfering.
This listing is for a NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote that is similar to the Ilco brand. It has to be professionally programmed (click here to find local locksmiths for your vehicle). 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 that isn't working. Modern key fobs come with a limited operating range and must be within some feet of the vehicle to operate. If you're far from your vehicle, and you hit the keyfob, it will not respond, and display the message "Key Fob Not Detected".
If this occurs you need to replace the battery of your coin-cell (Part Number CR2032) by a brand new one from a reputable brand like Panasonic Duracell or Energizer. You can usually find them at your local hardware store or on the internet.
You can test the battery in the coin-cell by pressing the buttons while standing near your Fiat 500. The car will flash its parking lights, and the key fob should operate the lock and unlock buttons.
If your key fob isn't working even after replacing the battery, there might be water damage that hinders it from communicating with the module in your vehicle. Water damage can happen in a variety of ways, ranging from a light splash to submerging the fob in salt water at the beach. If you suspect that your fob has been exposed to water, try placing it in a dry rice bag to draw the moisture out. If this fails, you'll require your fob to be changed by an auto locksmith or dealer.
Water Damage
The fob does have rubber seals to keep water out of the electronic chip inside, submerging it in the ocean or washing it in a machine can cause water damage. Saltwater is particularly dangerous to the fob's circuit board and can cause it to short out and eventually end up dying. It's not good to soak the fob in water but don't give up when you accidentally drop it in the water or don't take it out of your pocket.
First remove the battery from the fob. Clean the electronic chip with isopropyl ethanol or a similar product and dry it thoroughly before replacing the battery. Then try the fob and test if it works. If the fob doesn't work it could need to be changed. This is typically handled by a professional or dealer auto locksmith.
If the key is newer and has never been programmed to your vehicle It will most likely need to be replaced completely. A professional automotive locksmith will be able to complete this process. The locksmith will require the key to be cut to match your vehicle's ignition. They'll also have to reprogram the fob for the car's system. This is a cheap and quick process that could be completed in the same day.
Receiver Module Issues
One of the simplest reasons your 500 key fob could stop functioning is because it's out of range. The remote usually has an operating range of 30 feet or less, and if it's too far away from your car it won't respond to your commands. It's easy to remedy this by moving your remote closer to your vehicle until it responds.
If your fob won't work after replacing the battery for the coin, also called a "button", "watch" or "button" It may be due to a malfunction on the circuit board inside. In the majority of cases, reprogramming your fob will resolve this issue. You can find directions on how to do this for the majority of vehicles by searching YouTube or consulting the owner's manual.
It is sometimes necessary to replace the clips made of metal that hold the coin batteries in the correct position. If they become loose, it could prevent your coin battery from sitting properly and cause your remote to malfunction.
In rare instances, the fob may be out of the vehicle's sync because of hardware or software problems. You can fix this issue by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In some cases the software may require reinstallation into your body control modules.
Interference
Interference can also cause the key fob to not be able to receive or transmit an signal. This can happen when the key fob is near an electronic radio transmitter (cell phones or radar detectors) or any other source of electromagnetic radiation. fiat 500 key programming may not function may be a lack of connection to the buttons or damage to the internal chip or water damage.
If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or you have tried everything at home to resolve it (e.g. battery replacement, reprogramming and using the spare key fob, you might have a damaged receiver module on your 500. The receiver module, located beneath the dashboard, picks up radio frequency signals from your key fob. It converts the signals into electronic commands, which are then interpreted by the vehicle.
There's a quick and easy way to reset the 500's in-board system including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes by removing first the negative cable, then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will remove any remaining electrical charge and restart the car's computers, which could help the key fob to function again. If the issue continues you should seek out an expert certified technician. They will be able to determine the root of your issue.