Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work

A fiat ducato replacement key (click here to visit Ani 114 for free) 500 key fob is a great way to open the doors and begin the car. There are many reasons why the fob may stop working. This could be due to a dead battery or water damage, problems with the receiver modules, and interference.

This listing is for an NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote - like the Ilco brand that needs to be professionally programmed by a local automotive locksmith (click here for Locksmith Search). Includes lock, unlock, and trunk buttons.

Dead Coin Battery

The most common reason the 500 key fob won't function is a dead battery. Modern key fobs operate with a limited operating range and should be within some feet of the vehicle in order to function. If you are far from your vehicle when 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, simply replace the battery on your coin cell (Part number CR2032) with a brand new one from a reputable brand such as Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. You can find them in the local hardware store or online.

After you've replaced the battery in the coin cell It is possible to test it by standing in front of your Fiat 500 and pressing the buttons. The car should blink 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 may be water damage that has prevented it from communicating with the module inside your vehicle. Water damage can happen in a variety of ways, ranging from small splashes to submerging your fob in salt water at the beach. If you think your fob was exposed to water, place it in a bag of rice to draw out the moisture. If this doesn't work your fob will probably need to be reprogrammed by an experienced locksmith or dealer.

Water Damage

The fob does have rubber seals that keep water from the chip's electronic circuit the device, submerging it into the ocean or washing it in a machine could cause water damage. Saltwater is particularly dangerous to the circuit board of the fob which causes it to short out and eventually die. It's not the best idea to get the fob wet, but don't give it up when you accidentally drop it in water or forget to take it out of your pocket.

First remove the battery from the fob. Clean the electronic chip using isopropyl or a similar product and then dry it completely before replacing the battery. Test the fob afterward to check if it's functioning. If the key doesn't function, it may have to be programmed again. This is usually done by an auto locksmith or dealer.

If the key is more recent and hasn't been programmed to your car It will most likely need to be replaced completely. A professional locksmith for cars can complete this simple process. The locksmith will need the key to be cut to match your vehicle's ignition. The locksmith also needs to reprogram your fob into the vehicle's system. This is a cheap and quick process that can be completed in the same day.

Receiver Module Issues

The 500 key fob you have may be inoperable because it's out of range. The remote has a maximum range of 30 feet. So should you be too far from your vehicle it will not respond to your commands. This can be fixed by moving closer to your vehicle until it begins responding.

If you've replaced your coin battery (commonly called a "button" or "watch") and the fob won't work It could be because of an internal circuit board problem. In the majority of cases, reprogramming your fob will resolve this problem. You can find the instructions for most vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's manual.

It could be necessary to replace the metal clips that hold the coin batteries in their place. If they loose tension, they could stop the coin battery from being properly seated, and this will cause your remote to malfunction.

In rare cases the fob might be out of sync with your vehicle because due to hardware or software issues. You can fix this issue by visiting your local dealer or auto-locksmith to reprogram your key fob. In some cases they might need to reinstall the program in your body control module too.

Interference

Interference can also cause the key fob to not be able to receive or transmit signals. This could occur if the keyfob's location is in close proximity to a radio transmitter like a cellphone or radar detector. The key fob could not work due to a poor connection to 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 resolve it (e.g. You may have a faulty 500 receiver module if you've tried replacing the battery, reprogramming it, or using an alternative key fob. The receiver module, located beneath the dashboard, is able to pick up radio frequency signals from your key fob. It then converts them into electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.

Fortunately, there's an easy method of resetting all of the on-board systems in your 500, including the key fob. Disconnect the 12 volt battery for approximately 15 minutes by removing the negative cable first then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will remove any remaining electricity and then restart the car's computers, which could help get your key fob working again. If the issue persists, you should consult an expert technician. They can identify the exact cause of any problems.