Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A Fiat 500 key fob makes it easy to open doors and start your car. There are a myriad of reasons why the key fob might stop working. This could be due to a dead coin battery damage to the receiver module, issues, and interference.
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Dead Coin Battery
The most frequent reason why the 500 key fob won't function is an inactive battery. Modern key fobs have a very limited operating range and must be within a few feet of the car to operate. If you're far from your vehicle and you press the key fob button the car won't be able to respond, and will display a "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.
If this happens, simply replace the battery of your coin cell (Part number CR2032) with a new one from a reputable manufacturer like Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. You can find them at your local hardware store or online.
You can test the battery in the coin-cell by pressing the buttons while standing close to your Fiat 500. The car will flash its parking lights, and the key fob should operate the lock and unlock switches.
If your fob's key isn't working after replacing the battery, there may be water damage which is preventing it from communicating with the module in your vehicle. Water damage can occur through a variety of methods, including an easy splash or submerging your key fob in saltwater at the beach. If you believe your fob was exposed to water, put it in a rice bag to draw out the moisture. If this isn't working, you'll require your fob to be changed by an auto locksmith or dealer.
Water Damage
While the fob comes with 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 can be particularly harmful to the circuit board of the fob and can cause it to short out and eventually die. It's not good to let the fob get wet, but don't give it up if you accidentally drop it in water or fail to take it out of your pants pocket.
Take the battery off first. Clean the electronic chip using isopropyl alcohol or a similar product and dry it thoroughly before replacing the battery. Next try the fob and test if it works. If the key doesn't work, it may need to be changed. This is usually handled by an auto locksmith or dealer.
If the key is more recent and has not been programmed to your vehicle It is likely that it needs to be replaced completely. This is an easy process that can be handled by a professional locksmith for automotive use. The locksmith will need to cut the key to match the ignition on your vehicle. The locksmith will also have to reprogram the fob into the car's system. This is a cost-effective and quick process that could be completed the same day.
Receiver Module Issues
Your 500 key fob might not work because it's out of range. The remote has a maximum range of 30 feet. So in the event that you are far from your car, it won't respond to your commands. This can easily be resolved by moving it closer to your vehicle until it begins responding.
If your fob won't work after you replace the battery in the coin, also known as a "button", "watch" or "button" It may be due to a malfunction on the internal circuit board. Reprogramming the fob usually resolves the issue. There are instructions on how to do this for most automobiles by searching YouTube or looking through the owner's manual.
You may have to replace the metal retaining clips that hold the coin battery. If they lose tension it can prevent the battery from being properly seated and can cause your remote to malfunction.
In rare cases the fob could be out of sync with your vehicle because of software or hardware problems. It is possible to fix this issue by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In certain instances, they may need to reinstall the program in your body control module as well.
Interference
Interference can also cause the key fob to be unable to receive or transmit a signal. This can happen when the key fob is located near radio transmitters (cell phones or radar detectors) or another source of electromagnetic radiation. Other reasons why the key fob might not work may be a lack of connection to the buttons or the internal chip or water damage.
If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or you've tried everything at home to resolve it (e.g. You might have a damaged 500 receiver module in the event that you've tried replacing the battery, reprogramming or using an alternative key fob. The receiver module, located under 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.
There is G28 Car Keys to reset the 500's in-board system including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes by taking off first the negative cable and then the positive cable. Then, reconnect the battery. This will get rid of any remaining electricity and then restart the car's computers. This could allow you to get your key fob working again. If the issue persists, you should speak with an expert technician. They'll be able to determine the root of your issue.