Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob from Fiat 500 is a convenient method to open the doors and start the car. There are many reasons the fob could stop working. This includes a dead coin-battery, water damage, problems with receiver modules, as well as interference.
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Dead Coin Battery
The most common reason the 500 key fob won't work is an inactive battery. Modern key fobs have a limited operating range, and should be within only a few feet from the vehicle to function. If you're not close to your vehicle and 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, simply replace the battery on your coin cell (Part number CR2032) by a new one from a reputable brand such as Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. They are usually 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 doesn't work after replacing the battery, it may have water damage that stops it from connecting to the receiver module in your car. Water damage can occur in many ways, such as the simple splash or submerging the key fob in saltwater at the beach. If you suspect that your fob was exposed to water, you can try placing it in a dry rice bag to draw the moisture back out. If fiat 500 key fob doesn't work the fob might need to be reset by a professional auto locksmith or by the dealer.
Water Damage
The fob does have rubber seals that keep water from the electronic chip inside, submerging it in the ocean or washing it in a machine can cause water damage. Saltwater can cause the circuit board to become shorted and eventually cease to function. Getting the fob wet is not an option but if you drop it in the water in a cup or don't remember to remove it from your pants pocket prior to running the washing machine do not give up hope.
First, remove the battery. Before replacing the battery clean the electronic chip using isopropyl or a similar product. Check the fob to determine if it's functioning. If the key does not work, it may need to be changed. This is usually handled by an auto locksmith or dealer.
If your key is older and has not been programmed for your vehicle, you will need to replace it completely. A professional locksmith for automotive can carry out this simple task. The locksmith will require the key cut to match your car's ignition. The locksmith also needs to reprogram your fob in the vehicle's system. This is a quick and inexpensive process that is usually completed in the same day.
Receiver Module Issues
One of the main reasons why your 500 key fob could stop working is because it's out of range. The remote has a maximum range of 30 feet, which means if you are too far away from your vehicle it won't be able to respond to your commands. It is possible to solve this issue by moving the remote closer to your car until it responds.
If your fob doesn't work after replacing the battery inside the coin, which is also known as a "button", "watch" or "button" or "button", it could be due to an issue with the circuit board inside. In most cases, reprogramming the fob will fix the problem. The instructions are available for most vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's manual.
It is sometimes necessary to replace the clips made of metal that hold the coin batteries in the correct position. If they loose tension it could hinder the battery from sitting properly, and this will result in the malfunction of your remote.
In rare cases the fob could be disconnected from your vehicle because of software or hardware issues. This could cause a significant trouble, but you could often fix this by visiting a local dealer or auto locksmith to have them reprogram your fob. In certain instances it may be necessary to install the software again in your body control module too.
Interference
Interference can also cause the key fob to be unable to receive or transmit signals. This could occur if the keyfob's location is in close proximity to a radio transmitter, like a cell phone or radar detector. The key fob might not work due to a bad connection with the buttons water damage or damage to the internal chips.
If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or if you've tried everything at home to resolve it (e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming, and using the spare key fob, you could have a defective receiver module on your 500. The receiver module is located under the dash and is able to pick up the radio frequency signals from the key fob. It transforms the signals into electronic commands which are then processed by the vehicle.
There is a straightforward method to reset the 500's internal system including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes by removing first the negative cable and then the positive cable. Then, reconnect the battery. This will remove any remaining electric current, and also restart the computer of your car. This could help you get your key fob to function again. If the problem persists you should speak with an expert certified technician. They will be able to determine the exact cause of any issues.