Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob from Fiat 500 makes it easy to open doors and start your vehicle. There are a myriad of reasons the fob could stop working. These include a dead coin battery water damage, receiver module issues, and interfering.
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Dead Coin Battery
A dead battery is the main cause of your 500 key fob not functioning. Modern key fobs come with a restricted operating range, and must be within only a few feet from the car to operate. If you're far from your vehicle and 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 coin cell battery (Part number CR2032) with a brand new one from a trusted brand such as Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. They can be found in the local hardware store or online.
You can test the battery in the coin-cell by pressing the buttons while standing near your Fiat 500. The car should flash its parking lights, and the key fob should operate the lock and unlock switches.
If the key fob won't work after replacing the battery, it might have water damage that stops it from communicating with the receiver module in your vehicle. Water damage can occur in a variety of ways, such as simply splashing or submerging the key fob in saltwater at the beach. If you suspect your fob has been exposed to water, try placing it in a dry rice bag to draw the moisture out. If this isn't working, you'll need to have your fob reset by an auto locksmith or dealer.
Water Damage
While the fob comes with rubber seals to keep water from the chip's electronic circuit and out of the ocean or washing it in a machine can cause water damage. Saltwater can cause the circuit board to short and then cease to function. If you get the fob wet, it's not an ideal idea but if you accidentally drop it into an empty cup of water, or don't remember to remove it from your pants pocket prior to running the washer do not give up hope.
Remove the battery first. Clean read page using isopropyl alcohol or another similar product and dry it thoroughly before replacing the battery. Check the fob to check if it's functioning. If the fob doesn't work, it may have to be reset. This is typically handled by a dealer or professional auto locksmith.
If the key you have is older and has not been programmed to work with your vehicle it is necessary to replace it completely. A professional locksmith for cars will be able to complete this process. The locksmith will need to cut the key to match the ignition of your vehicle. They'll also need to program the fob into your car's system. It's a simple and cost-effective process that can usually be completed in the next day.
Receiver Module Issues
One of the most common reasons your 500 key fob may stop functioning is because it's out of range. The remote's range is of 30 feet, so 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 isn't working after you replace the battery inside the coin, which is also called a "button", "watch" or "button" it could be due to a problem with the internal circuit board. Reprogramming your fob can resolve the issue. You can find the procedure for most vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's guide.
It is possible to replace the metal clips that hold the coin batteries in their place. If they lose tension it can prevent the battery from being properly seated and could result in the malfunction of your remote.
In rare instances it is possible that the fob will become desync'd with your vehicle because of software or hardware issues. This issue can be fixed by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In certain situations they may have to reinstall the software on your body control module too.
Interference
In addition to a dead coin battery the key fob could not be receiving or transmitting a signal due to interference. This could happen when the keyfob is located in close proximity to a radio transmitter like a cellphone or radar detector. Other reasons why the key fob could not function may be a lack of connection to the buttons, damage to the internal chip, or water damage.
If the key fob stopped working one day in the middle of the night or after trying every option at home to resolve it e.g. replacing batteries, reprogramming or using the spare key fob, you may have a damaged receiver module on your 500. The receiver module is situated under the dash and is able to pick up the radio frequency signals from the key fob. Then, it converts them into electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.
Fortunately, there's an easy method of resetting all on-board systems in your 500 keys, including the key fob. Disconnect the battery 12 volt for about 15 minutes, by removing the negative cable first then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will remove any remaining electric current, and also restart the computer of your car. This can help get your key fob to function again. If the problem persists you should speak with an expert technician. They will be able to identify the exact cause of issues.