Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work

A fiat remote key 500 key fob makes it easy to open doors and start your car. There are many reasons why the key fob might stop working. This includes a dead battery, water damage, receiver modules issues, and interference.

This listing is for an NEW replacement fiat 500 remote key replacement Flip Key Remote that appears similar to the Ilco brand. It needs to be professionally programmed (click here to search for local locksmiths in the automotive industry). 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 code fiat fobs come with a limited operating range, and should be within a few feet of the vehicle to operate. If you're not close to your vehicle and you press the key fob button, the car will not respond, and will display a "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.

If this happens, replace the coin cell battery (Part number CR2032) with a new one from a reputable brand like Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. You can typically find them at your local hardware store or on the internet.

You can test the battery on your coin-cell by pressing the buttons while you're standing close to your fiat panda key 500. The car should flash its parking lights and the key fob should operate the lock and unlock switches.

If the key fob doesn't function after replacing the battery, it might be damaged by water that blocks it from communicating with the receiver module inside your car. Water damage can occur 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 was exposed to water, you can place it in a rice bag to draw out the moisture. If that doesn't work, your fob may need to be reset by an experienced locksmith or dealer.

Water Damage

The fob does have rubber seals that keep water out of the electronic chip inside it, submerging it in the ocean or washing it in a machine could cause water damage. Saltwater is especially dangerous to the fob's circuit board and can cause it to short out and eventually end up dying. It's not good to submerge the fob in water however, don't give it up if you accidentally drop it in water, or fail to remove it from your pocket.

First, remove the battery. Before replacing the battery, clean the electronic chip with isopropyl or a similar product. Check the fob again to see if it is working. If the fob doesn't work, it may have to be reset. This is usually done by an auto locksmith or dealer.

If your key is old and is not programmed for your car then you'll need to replace it completely. This is a straightforward process which can be accomplished by a professional locksmith for automotive use. The locksmith will have to cut the key to match the ignition of your vehicle. The locksmith will also have to reprogram the fob into the car's system. This is a low-cost and quick process that could be completed within the same day.

Receiver Module Issues

The 500 key fob could not work because it's out of range. The remote typically has a range of 30 feet or less, and if it's too far from your vehicle, it won't respond to your commands. This can be fixed by moving closer to your vehicle until it begins responding.

If your fob isn't working after you replace the coin battery, also known as a "button", "watch" or "button" it may be due to a malfunction on the internal circuit board. In most cases, reprogramming the fob will fix the problem. You can find the steps for the majority of vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's guide.

It could be necessary to replace the metal clips that hold the coin batteries in place. If they lose tension, it may prevent your battery from being properly seated, causing your remote to malfunction.

In rare cases the fob can become out of connection with your vehicle as a result of software or hardware problems. This can cause a major trouble, but you could usually fix it by visiting an auto locksmith to have them reprogram your fob for you. In certain situations they may have to reinstall the software in your body control module as well.

Interference

Interference can also cause the key fob not to receive or transmit the signal. This may happen if the keyfob's location is in close proximity to a radio transmitter such as a cell phone or radar detector. Other reasons why the key fob might not function include a weak connection to the buttons, damage to the internal chip, or water damage.

If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or if you've tried everything at home to fix it (e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming it and using the spare key fob, it could have a faulty receiver module on your 500. The receiver module is located under the dash and receives the radio frequency signals from the key fob. It converts them into electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.

Fortunately, there's an easy method to reset every single system on board in your 500 device, including the key fob. Disconnect the 12 volt battery for approximately 15 minutes by disconnecting the negative cable first then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will eliminate any remaining electrical charge, and then restart the computer in your car. This will help you get your key fob working again. If the issue continues, you should seek out an expert technician. They can identify the exact cause of issues.