Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob for the Fiat 500 is a convenient method to open the doors and start the car. There are a variety of reasons why the fob may stop working. This includes a dead coin-battery, water damage, receiver modules issues, and interference.
This listing is for a NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote that is similar to the Ilco brand. It needs to be professionally programmed (click here to search for local locksmiths for automotive locksmiths). Includes lock, unlock, and trunk buttons.
Dead Coin Battery
A dead battery is probably the most common reason for your 500 key fob not working. Modern key fobs come with a restricted operating range, and should be within some feet of the vehicle in order to function. If you're not close to your vehicle and you press the key fob button, the car won't respond and will display the "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.
If this happens then replace the battery for your coin-cell (Part Number CR2032) by a new one of a trusted 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 parking lights should light up and the key fob will operate the lock and unlock switch.
If your key fob still isn't working after replacing the battery, it may be water damage that prevents it from connecting to the module in your vehicle. Water damage can happen in a variety of ways, ranging from small splashes to submerging the fob in salt water at the beach. If you suspect that your fob has been exposed to water, put it in a dry rice bag to draw the moisture back out. If that 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 that keep water out of the chip's electronic circuit 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 and can cause it to short out and eventually die. If you get the fob wet, it's not an ideal idea but if you drop it in a glass of water or fail to remove it from your pants pocket before running the washer do not give up hope.
Remove the battery first. Clean the electronic chip with isopropyl alcohol or a similar product and then dry it thoroughly before replacing the battery. Then check the fob to see if it works. If fiat 500x key fob does not function, it may have to be changed. This is typically done by a professional or dealer auto locksmith.
If the key is a newer model and was not programmed to your car It will most likely need to be replaced completely. This is an easy process which can be accomplished by a professional locksmith for automotive use. The locksmith will have to cut the key to match the ignition in your vehicle. The locksmith will also need to reprogram your fob in the car's system. This is a low-cost and quick process that can be completed on the same day.
Receiver Module Issues
The 500 key fob you have may be inoperable because it's out of range. The remote usually has an operating range of 30 feet or less, and if it's too far from your car, it will not respond to your commands. This can be easily fixed by moving it closer to your vehicle until it starts responding.
If you've replaced the battery in your coin (commonly known as a "button" or "watch") and the fob isn't working it could be due to an internal circuit board issue. Reprogramming the fob is usually the solution to this issue. There are instructions on how to do this for most automobiles by searching YouTube or checking out the owner's manual.
It is possible to replace the metal retaining clips that hold the coin battery in place. If they lose tension it could hinder the coin battery from being properly seated and result in the malfunction of your remote.
In rare cases the fob may be out of sync with your vehicle because of hardware or software problems. You can fix this problem by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In certain instances, they may need to install the software again in your body control module, too.
Interference
In addition to a dead battery on a coin The key fob may not be able to receive or transmit an signal due to interference. This could happen when the keyfob is located in close proximity to a radio transmitter, such as a cell phone or radar detector. The key fob could not work due to a bad connection to the buttons water damage or damage to the internal chips.
If the key fob has failed to work one day without notice, or after trying everything you can at home to resolve it e.g. replacing batteries, reprogramming or using the spare key fob, you could have a damaged receiver module on your 500. The receiver module, which is located under the dashboard, receives radio frequency signals from your key fob. It converts them to electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.
Luckily, there is an easy way to reset every single system on board in your 500 device, including the key fob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes by taking off first the negative cable and then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will remove any remaining electric current, and also restart the car's computer. This can help you get your key fob working again. If the problem persists it is recommended that you consult an expert technician. They can diagnose the exact cause of your issue.