Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob with the fiat 500 number is a great way to unlock the doors and start the car. However, there are many reasons why the fob won't be working. These include a dead coin battery, damage to the receiver module, water issues, or interference.
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Dead Coin Battery
A dead battery is the most frequent cause of your 500 key fob that isn't working. Key fobs of today have limited operating range and must be within only a few inches from the vehicle in order to function. If you are further away from your car and press the keyfob button it will not respond, and display the message "Key Fob Not Detected".
If this happens, replace the coin cell battery (Part number CR2032) with a fresh one from a reputable manufacturer such as Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. You can find them in your local hardware store, or on the internet.
After you've replaced the coin cell battery you can test it by standing close to your Fiat 500 and pressing the buttons. The parking lights should light up and the key fob should operate the lock and unlock switch.
If your key fob still doesn't work even after replacing the battery, there may be water damage which prevents it from interacting with the module in your vehicle. Water damage can occur through a variety of methods, including the simple splash or submerging the key fob into saltwater at the beach. If fiat 500 key suspect your fob has been exposed to water, try placing it in a dry rice bag to draw the moisture out. If this doesn't work, you will have to get your fob reprogrammed either by an auto locksmith or a dealer.
Water Damage
The fob does have rubber seals to keep water out of the chip's electronic circuit, submerging it in the ocean or washing it in a machine can cause water damage. Saltwater can be particularly harmful to the fob's circuit board which causes it to short out and eventually end up dying. It's not a good idea to soak the fob in water, but don't give it up if you accidentally drop it in the water or don't take it out of your pocket.
First remove the battery from the fob. Before replacing the battery, clean the electronic chip using isopropyl or similar products. Check the fob again to verify if it's working. If the fob doesn't work, it may need to be reset. This is usually handled by an auto locksmith or dealer.
If the key is newer and has not been programmed to your vehicle, it will likely need to be replaced completely. This is a simple procedure that can be carried out by a professional automotive locksmith. The locksmith will require the key to be cut to match the car's ignition. They'll also need to reprogram the fob to your vehicle's system. This is a quick and cost-effective process which can be completed on the next day.
Receiver Module Issues
One of the most common reasons your 500 key fob might stop functioning is because it's out of range. The remote usually has a range of 30 feet or less and if it's far from your vehicle, it will not respond to your commands. You can solve this problem by moving the remote closer to your car until it responds.
If your fob doesn't work after replacing the coin battery, also called a "button", "watch" or "button", it could be due to an issue with the circuit board inside. In most cases, reprogramming the fob will fix the problem. You can find the instructions for the majority of vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's manual.
It is possible to replace the metal retaining clips that hold the coin battery in place. If they lose tension they could stop the battery from sitting properly, and this will result in the malfunction of your remote.
In rare instances the fob could be desync'd with your vehicle due to software or hardware issues. This can cause a major trouble, but you could often fix this by visiting an auto locksmith to have them reprogram your fob. In certain instances the software may need to be reinstalled in your body control modules.
Interference
Interference can also cause the key fob not to receive or transmit an signal. This could happen when the key fob is in close proximity to a radio transmitter, like a cell phone or radar detector. Other reasons the key fob might not work include a poor connection to the buttons, damage to the internal chip, or water damage.
If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or you have tried everything at home to solve the issue (e.g. You could have a malfunctioning 500 receiver module in the event that you've tried replacing the battery, reprogramming, or using a spare key fob. The receiver module is situated under the dash and picks up the radio frequency signals from the key fob. It then converts them into electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.
There's a simple method to reset the 500's in-board system, including the keyfob. Disconnect the 12 volt battery for about 15 minutes by removing the negative cable and then the positive cable. Then reconnect the battery. This will erase any remaining electricity, and allow you to restart the car's computer. This will help you get your key fob to function again. If the issue persists it is recommended that you consult an expert certified technician. They will be able to determine the root of your issues.