Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A fiat 500 key fob is a convenient method to open the doors and start the car. There are a myriad of reasons why the fob may stop functioning. This could be due to a dead coin-battery water damage, problems with the receiver modules, and interference.
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Dead Coin Battery
The most common reason your 500 key fob will not work is the battery is dead. Modern key fobs operate with a limited range of operation, and should be within some feet of the vehicle in order to function. If you're far away from your vehicle and 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 coin cell battery (Part number CR2032) with a fresh one from a trusted 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're standing close to your Fiat 500. The car will blink its parking lights, and the key fob should operate the lock and unlock switches.
If the key fob won't function after replacing the battery, it could have water damage that prevents it from connecting to the receiver module in your vehicle. Water damage can happen in a number of ways, ranging from small splashes to submerging the fob into salt water at the beach. If you suspect that your fob was exposed to water, put it in a rice bag to draw out the moisture. If that doesn't work the fob might need to be reset by an experienced locksmith or dealer.
Water Damage
Damage to the water supply can occur if you immerse the fob in the ocean or wash it in a washing machine. Saltwater can be particularly harmful to the circuit board of the fob which causes it to short out and eventually die. Getting the fob wet is not an option but if you accidentally drop it into an empty cup of water, or don't remember to take it out of your pocket before you run the washer, don't give up hope.
First, remove the battery from the fob. Before replacing the battery clean the electronic chip using isopropyl or another similar product. Test the fob next to check if it's functioning. If the key doesn't work, it might need to be programmed again. This is usually handled by an auto locksmith or dealer.
If your key is old and not programmed for your vehicle it is necessary to replace it completely. A professional automotive locksmith can do this job. The locksmith will need the key cut to match the car's ignition. They will also need to reprogram the fob in the system of your car. This is a simple and inexpensive process that can be completed on the next day.
Receiver Module Issues
One of the main reasons why your 500 key fob might stop working is that it's simply out of range. The remote typically has an operating range of 30 feet or less, and if it's too far from your vehicle, it won't respond to your commands. It's easy to fix this by moving the remote closer to your vehicle until it responds.
If you've replaced the coin battery (commonly called a "button" or "watch") and the fob won't work it could be due to an internal circuit board problem. Reprogramming the fob is usually the solution to the issue. You can find instructions on how to do this for the majority of automobiles by searching YouTube or checking out the owner's manual.
It is sometimes necessary to replace the clips made of metal that hold the coin batteries in place. If they loose tension it could prevent the coin battery from sitting properly and cause your remote to malfunction.
In rare cases the fob might become desync'd with your vehicle due to software problems or hardware issues. This can cause a major issue, but you are able to often fix this by visiting a local dealer or auto locksmith to reprogram your fob for you. In some instances they may have to reinstall the program in your body control module, too.
Interference
Interference can also cause the key fob to not receive or transmit a signal. This may happen if the keyfob's location is in close proximity to a radio transmitter, like a cellphone or radar detector. Other reasons the key fob may not function include a poor connection to the buttons and internal chip, or water damage.
If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or if you've tried everything at home to resolve it (e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming it and using the spare key fob, you might have a defective receiver module on your 500. The receiver module, located under the dashboard, picks up radio frequency signals from your key fob. It then converts them into electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.
Luckily, there is an easy way to reset all of the onboard systems in your 500 and include the key fob. Disconnect the battery of 12 volts for approximately 15 minutes by removing the negative cable and then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will remove any remaining electricity and then restart the car's computers, which can help you the key fob to function again. If the problem persists, you should consult an expert certified technician. They will be able to diagnose the exact cause of your problem.