Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob from Fiat 500 is a great way to open the doors and start the car. However, there are numerous reasons the fob could stop working. These include a dead battery damaged receiver module, water damage issues, or interference.
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Dead Coin Battery
A dead battery is the most frequent cause of your 500 key fob not working. Modern key fobs have limited operating range and must be within only a few inches from the vehicle to work. If you are far from your vehicle and hit the keyfob, it will not respond and display the message "Key Fob Not Detected".
If this happens, replace the battery of your coin cell (Part number CR2032) with a brand new one from a reputable manufacturer such as Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. They are available at the local hardware store or online.
You can test the battery in the 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 work the lock and unlock switches.
If the fob's remote doesn't function 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 a variety of ways, such as an easy splash or submerging the key fob into saltwater at the beach. If you suspect that your fob has been exposed to water, you can place it in a bag of rice to draw out the moisture. If this doesn't work your fob may need to be reset by an experienced locksmith or dealer.
Water Damage
While the fob comes with rubber seals that keep water from the electronic chip inside it, submerging it in the ocean or washing it in a machine can cause water damage. Saltwater can cause the circuit board to short and then fail. Getting the fob wet is not an option, but if you drop it in a cup of water or fail to remove it from your pants pocket before running the washer Don't give up hope.
First take the battery off the fob. Clean the electronic chip with isopropyl alcohol or a similar product and then dry it completely before replacing the battery. Then, test the fob to see if it works. If the key does not work, it might need to be changed. This is typically handled by a dealer or professional auto locksmith.
If the key is newer and has never been programmed to your car, it will likely need to be replaced completely. This is a simple procedure which can be accomplished by a professional locksmith for automotive use. The locksmith will require the key cut to match your vehicle's ignition. They'll also need to program the fob into your vehicle's system. This is a quick and cost-effective procedure that can be completed within the same day.
Receiver Module Issues
Your 500 key fob may be inoperable because it's out of range. The remote typically has an operating range of 30 feet or less, and if it's too far from your car, it will not respond to your commands. It is possible to remedy this by moving your remote closer to your car until it responds.
If you've replaced the battery on your coin (commonly called a "button" or "watch") and the fob won't work it could be due to an internal circuit board issue. Reprogramming the fob usually resolves the issue. You can find directions on how to do this for most automobiles by searching YouTube or reading the owner's manual.
It is possible to replace the metal retaining clips that hold the battery of your coin in place. If they lose tension, it could prevent your coin battery from being properly seated, causing your remote to malfunction.
In rare instances, the fob could be out of alignment with your vehicle because of hardware or software issues. This issue can be fixed by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In some cases it is possible that the software will require reinstallation into your body control modules.
Interference
Interference can also cause the key fob to not receive or transmit an signal. This is possible when the key fob is near radio transmitters (cell phones and radar detectors) or any other source of electromagnetic radiation. Other reasons why the key fob might not work include a weak connection to the buttons, damage to the internal chip or water damage.
If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or if you have tried everything at home to solve the issue (e.g. G28 Car Keys may have a faulty 500 receiver module in the event that you've tried replacing the battery, reprogramming or using an alternative key fob. The receiver module, located beneath the dashboard, is able to pick up radio frequency signals from your key fob. It converts the signals into electronic commands which are then read by the vehicle.
There is a simple way to reset the 500's on-board system including the keyfob. Disconnect the 12 volt battery for approximately 15 minutes by taking off the negative cable first then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will get rid of any remaining electricity and then restart the car's computers, which could help get your key fob working again. If the issue persists you should seek out an expert technician. They will be able to determine the exact cause of issues.