Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob from Fiat 500 is a convenient way to open the doors and start the car. There are a variety of reasons why the fob may stop working. This could be due to a dead coin battery or damage to the receiver module, water problems, and interference.
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Dead Coin Battery
The most common reason your 500 key fob doesn't function is a dead battery. Modern key fobs have a very limited operating range, and must be within a few feet of the vehicle in order to function. If you're far from your vehicle and you press the key fob button, the car won't respond, and will display an "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.
If this occurs If this happens, replace the battery in the coin-cell (Part Number CR2032) with a new battery from a reputable brand such as Panasonic Duracell or Energizer. They are typically available in your local hardware store or on the internet.
You can test the battery of your coin-cell by pressing the buttons while standing close to your Fiat 500. The car will blink its parking lights and the key fob will operate the lock and unlock switches.
If your key fob doesn't work even after replacing the battery, it may be water damage that has prevented it from interacting with the module inside your vehicle. Water damage can happen in a number of ways, from the slightest splash to submerging the fob salt water 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 isn't working, you'll need to have the fob changed by an auto locksmith or a dealer.
Water Damage
While the fob has some rubber seals that keep water from the electronic chip inside the device, submerging it into the ocean or washing it in a machine can cause water damage. Saltwater can cause the circuit board to become shorted and eventually die. The fob getting wet is not an ideal idea but if you drop it into a cup of water or forget to take it out of your pants pocket before running the washer Don't give up hope.
Take the battery off first. Clean the electronic chip with isopropyl alcohol or a similar product and then dry it completely before replacing the battery. Next try the fob and check if it functions. If the fob doesn't work then it might need to be changed. This is usually handled by an auto locksmith or dealer.
If your key is old and not programmed for your car You will need to replace it completely. This is a straightforward process that can be completed by a professional automotive locksmith. The locksmith must cut the key to match the ignition on your vehicle. The locksmith also needs to reprogram your fob in the car's system. It's a simple and cost-effective procedure that can usually be completed within the next day.
Receiver Module Issues
One of the most common reasons why your 500 key fob won't be working is because it's out of range. The remote has a range of 30 feet. So if you are too far away from your vehicle it won't be able to respond to your commands. It's easy to remedy this by moving your remote closer to your vehicle until it responds.
If your fob doesn't work after replacing the coin battery, also known as a "button", "watch" or "button" it may be due to a malfunction on the internal circuit board. Reprogramming the fob is usually the solution to the issue. There are instructions on how to do this for most vehicles by searching YouTube or consulting the owner's manual.
It's possible that you need to replace the metal clips that hold the coin battery. If they loose tension, it could prevent your coin battery from sitting properly and cause your remote to malfunction.
In rare instances the fob might become desync'd with your vehicle due to software issues or hardware issues. This can cause a major headache, but you can usually fix it by visiting an auto locksmith to reprogram your fob. In certain situations they may have to reinstall the program in your body control module as well.
Interference
Interference can also cause the key fob to not be able to receive or transmit signals. fiat key fob replacement could happen if the key fob is close to a radio transmitter (cell phones and radar detectors) or another source of electromagnetic radiation. The key fob could not function because of a weak connection with the buttons water damage or damage to the internal chips.
If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or if you have tried everything at home to fix it (e.g. battery replacement, reprogramming and using the spare key fob, you may have a malfunctioning receiver module on your 500. The receiver module, located beneath the dashboard, receives radio frequency signals from your key fob. It converts them into electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.
Fortunately, there's an easy way to reset every single system on board in your 500 and include the key fob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes by removing first the negative cable and then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will clear any residual electricity, and allow you to restart the car's computer. This can help get your key fob to function again. If the issue continues, you should consult an expert technician. They will be able diagnose the root cause of any issues.