Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Programming 500 Key Fob Won't Work

A key fob from Fiat 500 allows you to easily open doors and start your car. There are many reasons why the fob won't work. This includes a dead coin-battery and water damage, as well as issues with the receiver module, and interference.

This listing is for a NEW replacement fiat spare key Flip Key Remote that looks like the Ilco brand. It must be professionally programmed (click here to search for local locksmiths in the automotive industry). It comes with lock, unlock and trunk buttons.

Dead Coin Battery

A dead battery is probably the most common cause of your 500 key fob not functioning. Modern key fobs only have a limited range of operation and must be within a few inches of your vehicle in order to function. If you are not within your vehicle and you press the keyfob button it won't respond and display the message "Key Fob Not Detected".

If this occurs you need to replace the battery of your coin-cell (Part Number CR2032) by a new one of a reliable brand, like Panasonic Duracell or Energizer. They can be found in the local hardware store or on the internet.

You can test the coin-cell battery 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 be able to operate the lock and unlock switches.

If your fob's key isn't working after replacing the battery, there could be water damage that is preventing it from connecting to the module inside your vehicle. Water damage can happen in many ways, such as a simple splash or submerging the key fob saltwater at the beach. If you suspect your fob was exposed to water, try putting it in a dry rice bag to pull the moisture back out. If this doesn't work, you will need to have the fob reprogrammed either by an auto locksmith or dealer.

Water Damage

While the fob comes with rubber seals that keep water from the chip's electronic circuit, 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. It's not good to submerge the fob in water however, but don't give it up in the event that you accidentally drop it in water or forget to take it out of your pants pocket.

Remove the battery first. Before replacing the battery clean the electronic chip using isopropyl, or a similar product. Next test the fob to see if it works. If the key does not work, it might need to be changed. This is usually handled by an auto locksmith or dealer.

If your key is a bit older and is not programmed for your vehicle You will need to replace it completely. This is an easy process that can be completed by a professional automotive locksmith. The locksmith will need the key to be cut to match the car's ignition. The locksmith will also have to program your fob into the car's system. This is a quick and cost-effective procedure that can usually be completed the same day.

Receiver Module Issues

The 500 key fob could be inoperable because it's out of range. The remote has a maximum range of 30 feet. Therefore, if you are too far from your vehicle it won't be able to respond to your commands. It's easy to solve this problem by moving the remote closer to your car until it responds.

If your fob doesn't work after replacing the battery for the coin, also called a "button", "watch" or "button" It could be due to a problem with the internal circuit board. In the majority of cases, reprogramming your fob can resolve the problem. There are instructions on how to do this for the majority of vehicles by searching YouTube or reading the owner's manual.

It is possible to replace the metal clips that hold the coin batteries in their place. If they become loose, it may prevent your battery from sitting properly, causing your remote to malfunction.

In rare cases the fob could be out of alignment with your vehicle because of hardware or software issues. This can cause a major problem, but you can usually fix it by visiting a local dealer or auto locksmith to reprogram your fob. In some cases the software may need to be reinstalled in your body control modules.

Interference

Interference can also cause the key fob to not receive or transmit signals. This could occur if the keyfob is in close proximity to a radio transmitter such as a cell phone or radar detector. The key fob may not work because of a weak connection to the buttons water damage or damage to the internal chips.

If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or you've tried everything at home to solve the issue (e.g. battery replacement, reprogramming and using the spare key fob, it could have a damaged receiver module on your 500. The receiver module is situated under the dash, and it picks up the radio frequency signals from the key fob. It converts them to electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.

There's a simple method to reset the 500's in-board system including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery of 12 volts for about 15 minutes, by taking off the negative cable first then the positive cable. Then, reconnect the battery. This will remove any remaining electric current, and also restart the computer of your car. This can help you get your key fob to function again. If the issue continues, you should seek the advice of an expert technician. They'll be able identify the root cause of your problems.