Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob for Fiat 500 allows you to easily open doors and start your vehicle. There are a myriad of reasons why the fob won't be functioning. This could be due to a dead coin battery, water damage, receiver module issues, and interference.
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Dead Coin Battery
A dead battery is probably the most common cause of your 500 key fob being inoperative. Modern key fobs have a very limited operating range, and should be within some feet of the vehicle in order to function. If you're not close to your vehicle when you press the key fob button the car won't be able to respond, and will display an "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.
If this happens, replace the battery of your coin cell (Part number CR2032) with a new one from a reputable brand such as Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. They are typically available in 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 should operate the lock and unlock switch.
If the key fob won't function after replacing the battery, it might have water damage that stops it from connecting to the receiver module inside your car. thekeylab can happen through a variety of methods, including simply splashing or submerging the key fob into saltwater at the beach. If you suspect that your fob has been exposed to water, you can try placing it in a dry rice bag to pull the moisture out. If this isn't working, you'll need to have your fob replaced by an auto locksmith or a dealer.
Water Damage
While the fob has some rubber seals to keep water from the electronic chip inside it, submerging it in the ocean or washing it in a machine can cause water damage. Saltwater can cause the circuit board to short and eventually die. If you get the fob wet, it's not an ideal idea, but if you drop it in an empty cup of water, or do not remember to take it out of your pocket before you run the washer Don't give up hope.
First take the battery off the fob. Clean the electronic chip with isopropyl ethanol or a similar product and dry it thoroughly before replacing the battery. Test the fob next to determine if it's working. If the fob doesn't work 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 has not been programmed for your vehicle You will need to replace it completely. A professional locksmith for cars can do this job. The locksmith will have to cut the key to match the ignition of your vehicle. They will also need to reprogram the fob for your vehicle's system. This is a cheap and quick procedure that can be completed the same day.
Receiver Module Issues
One of the main reasons why your 500 key fob may stop working is because it's out of range. The remote has a range of 30 feet, which means should you be too far from your car it won't be able to respond to your commands. This can be fixed by moving closer to your vehicle until it begins responding.
If you've replaced the coin battery (commonly called"button" or "button" or "watch") and your fob still won't work it could be due to an internal circuit board issue. Reprogramming the fob usually resolves this problem. You can find the steps for most vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's guide.
It's possible that you need to replace the metal clips that keep the coin battery in place. If they lose tension it could prevent your coin battery from being properly seated, causing your remote to malfunction.
In rare cases the fob might become desync'd with your vehicle due to software or hardware issues. This can be a major trouble, but you could often fix this by visiting a local dealer or auto locksmith to reprogram your fob. In some instances it may be necessary to reinstall the program in your body control module as well.
Interference
Interference can also cause the key fob to not receive or transmit signals. This can occur when the key fob is in close proximity to a radio transmitter, like a cellphone or radar detector. The key fob may not function due to a bad connection with the buttons, water damage or damage to the internal chips.
If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or you have tried everything at home to solve the issue (e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming it and using the spare key fob, you might have a faulty receiver module on your 500. The receiver module is located under the dash, and it picks up the radio frequency signals from the key fob. Then, it converts them into electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.
There is a straightforward method to reset the 500's internal system, including the keyfob. Disconnect the 12 volt battery for about 15 minutes, by removing the negative cable first then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will eliminate any remaining electrical charge and restart the car's computers. This can help the key fob to function again. If the issue continues you should speak with a certified technician. They can identify the root of any issues.